The long wait for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date may lead to cancelled Switch pre-orders

Eight years after its reveal, the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release date is set for December 4th. Unfortunately, some buyers who pre-ordered the Switch game may not have a copy secured after all. Wario64 on social media reports that Best Buy is asking gamers to place a new order or risk potential cancellation.

The phone calls target members of the defunct Best Buy Gamers Club Unlocked (GCU) program. Disbanded in 2018, buyers enjoyed perks like 20% off when reserving games. Many Nintendo fans enrolled, resulting in a tempting Metroid Prime 4 pre-order price. However, seven years later, the retailer is now unable to ship the game.

The problem for the store seems to be the age of the purchases. When announced at the E3 2017 Nintendo Direct, the Switch game was known as simply Metroid Prime 4. Since then, the studio in charge changed from Bandai Namco to Retro Studios, which developed other entries in the series. A Switch 2 release also surfaced with advantages like mouse control and enhanced visuals.

Patient Metroid Prime 4 fans are being rewarded

With Best Buy’s system unable to process the orders, buyers are being asked to re-enter shipping and payment information. The good news is that any discount should carry over. On the downside, the savings don’t apply to the Switch 2 version. Additionally, other buyers confirm receiving a gift card as compensation for any inconvenience.

Metroid Prime 4 pre-orders have suffered cancellations before these recent difficulties. In January 2025, Amazon also disappointed customers and didn’t offer an option to re-order. Still, just weeks before its release date, anyone Best Buy fails to reach may be in for an unhappy surprise.

For some gamers, these problems are more reason to avoid pre-orders without knowing a ship date. Given the glacial development time of other games, including the delayed GTA 6, retailers may also rethink their plans.