An unusual "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" advert appeared across the London Underground, stating that the highly anticipated title is "out now." The catch? The game isn't actually out—at least not according to Nintendo's own official online store, where no release date has been listed.
The deceptive billboard, positioned near Oxford Circus, went instantly viral once commuters took snaps and uploaded them on Reddit. Several users confirmed its authenticity, and a tide of confusion and speculation erupted on social media platforms.
Is This Advertising Blunder or a Dirty Trick?
On closer examination, eagle-eyed enthusiasts spotted a curious detail: the "now" in the "out now" slogan has a distinctly different background than the "out." This small but significant inconsistency has caused many to think that a removable sticker, perhaps featuring "2025" or "coming soon," was accidentally omitted or removed prematurely.
Reddit commenters didn't waste any time dissecting the poster. Here's what some Reddit users said.
"Likely intended to blanket it with 'coming soon,' which would be overlayed later with an actual date."
"Studios used to send stickers to blanket old dates on posters—used to do it all the time in theaters."
It's a theory that's picking up steam, particularly in light of the absence of an official release date. The poster might simply have been put up too early or handled poorly upon rollout, resulting in what now seems like a big gaffe from Nintendo or its marketing collaborators.
Metroid Prime 4 Release Window
Apart from the billboard faux pas, "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" remains officially unreleased, according to Daily Star UK. That said, fans estimate a 2024 release is probable based on Nintendo's typical release schedule. One Redditor proposed an imaginary schedule for the remainder of the year:
- "Donkey Kong" – July
- "Pokémon"– October
- "Metroid Prime 4"– Potentially August or November
- "Hyrule Warriors," "DragXDrive," and "Kirby Air Riders" – To take up loose calendar spots
Considering Nintendo's track record of putting out one big title per month, Metroid might arrive in late summer or autumn. But without confirmation, it's all just in our heads at the moment.
Billboard Slip-Up Highlights a Bigger Marketing Challenge
In a big game launch like "Metroid Prime 4," what is needed is simplicity, especially with years of hype from fans. If this was a premature release or typo, it dangers obscuring the frenzy surrounding the game.
The "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" ad could be a teaser or simply just a poster to hype up the fandom. We might need to wait until August to see what the ad wants to imply.
Originally published on Player One
