pick 4 games drop December 4 2025 and gamers are losing their minds over what just happened

Two massive games drop today on December 4, 2025, bringing different flavors to gaming. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond finally arrives after an 18-year wait, while Octopath Traveler 0 prepares to devour 120+ hours of your time. Here’s what you need to know about this gaming double-header.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Finally Arrives on Nintendo Systems

After an extraordinarily long wait since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption released in 2007, Nintendo’s bounty hunter Samus Aran returns today in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The game launches on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2, with enhanced graphics and performance on the latter system.

The title retains the franchise’s classic first-person exploration gameplay that made the series legendary. Players explore non-linear environments, battle enemies, find upgrades, and scan surroundings for crucial information. Nintendo has confirmed that Samus features improved controls with swift forward and backward dodges along with enhanced maneuverability throughout combat sequences.

The Switch 2 version specifically runs at a silky-smooth 60 frames per second, with an optional 120fps mode at lower resolution. The original Switch version delivers traditional performance while maintaining the atmospheric first-person adventure experience that fans have craved for decades.

Octopath Traveler 0 Unleashes 120 Hours of JRPG Excellence

Square Enix has delivered an ambitious prequel today with Octopath Traveler 0, which clocks in at over 100 hours for the main story alone. The game serves as a console adaptation of the mobile title Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, featuring 30-40% new content compared to its mobile predecessor.

The JRPG focuses on three story arcs dubbed “Masters Of,” exploring themes of power, wealth, and fame. The narrative begins with a devastating single act before expanding far beyond its initial scope. Combat uses strategic turn-based mechanics alongside enhanced gameplay systems that distinguish it from its predecessors, with a stronger focus on storytelling than previous entries.

Town building mechanics play a key role in progression, while the game features 16 playable characters across interconnected stories. Reviews praise the dense, rewarding gameplay despite noting that the expanded cast creates some narrative bloat.

Platform Comparison: Which Version Should You Choose?

Game Title	Available Systems	Price
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond	Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2	$59.99 / $69.99
Octopath Traveler 0	PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch 2, Switch, Steam	$49.99 USD

Metroid Prime 4 is exclusive to Nintendo platforms, making it a must-have title for Switch owners. PC players and console enthusiasts should note that Octopath Traveler 0 offers significantly broader platform support, including PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam access alongside Nintendo Switch versions.

Critical Reception and What Reviewers Are Saying

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has received mixed reviews since early access. IGN gave it an 8/10, praising the exploration and atmosphere while noting that action-heavy moments occasionally overshadow the thoughtful puzzle-solving. Games Radar scored it 3.5/10, criticizing pacing issues. NPR highlighted beautiful art direction and graphics but questioned the game’s focus on action over traditional exploration.

“It’s not just a straight retread though; Samus feels amazing to control, with a swift forward and backward dodge, improved maneuverability when aiming, and an overall sense of precision.”

— Logan Plant, IGN

Octopath Traveler 0 has earned widespread praise from JRPG critics. Noisy Pixel awarded it a perfect 10/10, calling it “a Sublime Masterpiece.” ReviewGamer and other outlets highlight the dark storytelling and strategic depth. Multiple reviewers confirmed spending over 120 hours in the game without exhausting content.

What Gamers Should Prioritize: Exploration vs. Story?

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond appeals to players seeking atmospheric first-person exploration mixed with puzzle-solving and combat. The 18-year gap means Nintendo had time to perfect controls and level design. Switch 2 owners especially should experience the enhanced 60fps visuals alongside the traditional Switch experience.

Octopath Traveler 0 targets JRPG enthusiasts craving massive story campaigns, strategic turn-based battles, and character-driven narratives. With 120+ hours of gameplay, the game rewards dedicated players with multiple storylines, town-building progression, and diverse character interactions. PC and console gamers benefit from wider platform availability.

Your choice depends on your gaming preferences. Want to explore a mysterious alien planet through atmospheric first-person adventure? Metroid Prime 4 is your answer. Prefer diving into an epic 120-hour JRPG journey with interconnected character stories? Octopath Traveler 0 should dominate your December.

Sources

• Nintendo Official – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond system requirements and pricing
• Square Enix – Octopath Traveler 0 release information and platform details
• IGN – Critical reviews and gameplay analysis for both titles