Nintendo has released an earnings document for investors that teases an upcoming slate of video games, including possible release dates. While not explicitly stated in the document, it does seem to suggest that one of the Nintendo Switch's biggest exclusive games, Metroid Prime 4, could still be years away from launch.

The document lists Metroid Prime 4 (which is apparently a temporary title) as having a vague release date of TBA. Some may take this as meaning that Metroid Prime 4 could very well launch in 2018, but other games in the document coming in 2018 are dated as "2018 or later," including the Pokemon RPG for the Switch. If Nintendo believed Metroid Prime 4 releases in 2018, it stands to reason that it would be dated similarly instead of its release date being labeled TBA.

If Metroid Prime 4 launches in 2019 or later, it wouldn't come as a surprise. After all, the game's announcement at E3 2017 consisted of nothing more than a logo reveal and a confirmation that the game is in development for the Nintendo Switch, with absolutely no gameplay details to be found. While we can't say for certain, it seems as though Metroid Prime 4 is in the earliest stages of development, so fans shouldn't expect to see anything substantial from it any time soon.

It's hard to say when Nintendo will show fans more of Metroid Prime 4, especially since so little is known about the game at this time. In fact, all that has been shared about the game so far is that it exists and isn't being developed by Retro Studios. It's possible Nintendo will divulge more details on it by the end of the year through one of its Nintendo Direct presentations, but a more likely scenario is that the Big N will pull the curtain back on the game at some point next year.

Metroid Prime 4 is a big enough title that it could even headline Nintendo's E3 2018 presentation. Of course, it's possible that Metroid Prime 4 is so early in development that even seeing it at E3 2018 would be a longshot, so fans shouldn't hold their breath.

Until Nintendo itself is ready to reveal more on Metroid Prime 4, all fans can do is speculate about what the game will entail. In the meantime, the upcoming Metroid: Samus Returns for the 3DS will have to tide fans over while they wait for more information on Samus's next home console adventure.

Metroid Prime 4 is in development for the Nintendo Switch.

Source: Nintendo