Nintendo Direct June 2024 Recap: Metroid Prime 4 Resurfaces, New Zelda Title Announced

Nintendo surprised fans during its June 2024 Nintendo Direct with a showcase packed with long-awaited reveals, fresh titles, and release dates that promise to keep Switch players busy through the holidays and beyond. Leading the charge was the shocking reemergence of *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond*, which has been silent since its initial announcement in 2017. The game got a new trailer, an official subtitle, and a 2025 release window.

Retro Studios finally gave fans a glimpse of what they’ve been working on, and *Metroid Prime 4: Beyond* looks to take the classic first-person adventure format to new heights. The teaser showed off upgraded visuals, new alien biomes, and what appears to be a new galactic faction challenging Samus Aran. While we didn’t get a firm release date, the trailer ended with a tantalizing “2025,” reigniting hope among the Metroid faithful.

Possibly just as jaw-dropping was the announcement of a brand-new entry in *The Legend of Zelda* universe. Titled *The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of the Depths*, the new game does *not* feature Link as the main protagonist. Instead, players will control Princess Zelda herself in a single-player action-adventure set in the aftermath of *Tears of the Kingdom*. With a beautifully painted art direction reminiscent of Studio Ghibli, *Echoes of the Depths* is scheduled for a March 2025 release.

Other highlights from the Direct include *Super Mario Party: Galaxy Bash*, bringing new cosmic-themed boards and online co-op modes this holiday season; a port of *Xenoblade Chronicles X* finally coming to Switch; and first footage from the upcoming *Donkey Kong Country Returns 2*, which sees the return of King K. Rool.

With Microsoft and Sony already making headlines earlier this month, Nintendo’s Direct was a show-stopping reminder that the Switch — and Nintendo’s first-party magic — isn’t slowing down anytime soon. Between *Metroid Prime 4’s* long-awaited revival and a bold new direction for *Zelda*, 2025 may just shape up to be the Switch’s most exciting year yet.