Metroid Prime 4 was originally announced during Nintendo's E3 2017 press conference, revealed with a simple logo and virtually no other details. Fans have been waiting years to get a better look at Metroid Prime 4, though it seems that they may have an especially long wait ahead of them. In fact, Metroid Prime 4 fans may have to wait another two years or more to play the highly-anticipated Switch exclusive.
Some Amazon customers who pre-ordered Metroid Prime 4 have gotten messages saying that the game's new estimated delivery date is Monday, January 2, 2023. Video games almost never release on Mondays, so this is almost certainly a placeholder date. However, it could be a strong indication that the Metroid Prime 4 release date isn't expected until late 2022 or even some point in 2023.
2023 is a long time from now, but Nintendo does still plan on supporting the Switch then, so it's not totally outlandish if that is indeed Metroid Prime 4's release date. Nintendo recently confirmed that the Switch is halfway through its lifecycle, meaning the company will still be releasing major new games for the console through at least 2023. And considering how much of a success the Nintendo Switch has been, who's to say that support won't continue beyond that point as well.
In any case, many fans may not be surprised that Metroid Prime 4 seemingly has years before it will be finished. The game was originally being developed as a collaboration with Bandai Namco Entertainment, but that version of Metroid Prime 4 was scrapped. Metroid Prime 4 development restarted with Retro Studios, the company responsible for the original Metroid Prime trilogy, who has made a number of big hires to help keep the game on track.
While Nintendo Switch fans may be waiting a long time to play Metroid Prime 4, they may have a Metroid Prime Trilogy port to keep them occupied in the meantime. Rumors have persisted for years that a Metroid Prime Trilogy port is in the works for the Switch, though no official announcement has come from Nintendo. If Metroid Prime 4's release date is truly still a couple of years away, then it would make a lot of sense for Nintendo to tide fans over with Metroid Prime Trilogy.
Alternatively, Nintendo may keep fans busy with the rumored 2D Metroid game, if it truly exists. Whatever the case may be, hopefully Nintendo gives Metroid fans an update on Metroid Prime 4's development progress so at least some of the speculation can be put to rest.
Metroid Prime 4 is in development for the Nintendo Switch.