Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Revealed at Nintendo Direct – Core Features, Visuals, and Returning Abilities Detailed

After more than seven years since its original announcement, Nintendo has finally lifted the curtain on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond during the latest Nintendo Direct.

Developed by Retro Studios and set to launch exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, the long-anticipated sequel marks the triumphant return of Samus Aran in a first-person adventure that pays homage to the legacy of the Metroid Prime series.

The reveal has ignited excitement among longtime fans, eager for new details on gameplay, story direction, and the evolution of the franchise on modern hardware.

In the debut trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Nintendo confirmed that a suite of classic abilities from the original Metroid Prime trilogy remain integral to the experience.

Fans can expect the return of the Morph Ball, missiles, charge beam, scanning visor, and the series’ signature lock-on and strafe combat mechanics.

These abilities have been carefully redesigned to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s hardware, promising both nostalgia and innovation.

The interface for the scanning mechanic, for example, has been visually enhanced, offering a crisp, user-friendly upgrade over previous iterations. The trailer also spotlighted Sylux, the enigmatic antagonist glimpsed in Metroid Prime: Federation Force, alongside familiar adversaries like the Space Pirates and Metroids themselves.

Sylux’s presence signals a new narrative threat, hinting at expanded lore and higher stakes for Samus Aran.

The inclusion of classic enemies suggests a strong connection to the series’ roots, yet Retro Studios’ approach appears to offer fresh visual design and enemy behaviors tailored for the current generation. Returning fans will note the brief but notable reappearance of Samus’ Gunship from Metroid Prime 3: Corruption.

While subtly redesigned with a darker color palette and refined details, its overall silhouette remains true to its iconic form.

Samus herself is shown donning the Varia Suit—implying she retains key abilities at the onset, although further gameplay details remain under wraps for now. Combat sequences showcased during the Nintendo Direct indicate that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond keeps its intuitive first-person gunplay, with the Switch’s d-pad mapped for equipment selection.

While only missiles were highlighted in the reveal, series veterans can expect additional upgrades yet to be showcased in future updates. Exploration also remains a cornerstone.

The upgraded scanning mechanic allows Samus to analyze her environment, cataloguing flora, fauna, and enemy weaknesses.

The UI enhancements in the scan visor were clean and appealing, indicating a continued push toward accessibility and immersion for newcomers and series veterans alike.

The Morph Ball ability is back as well, setting the stage for intricate level design and hidden secrets, familiar to fans of the earlier games. Visually, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers highly detailed environments, with the trailer teasing lush alien landscapes reminiscent of the acclaimed Tallon Overworld.

Nintendo’s use of vibrant lighting effects and grandiose setpieces, such as a towering tree evocative of modern action RPGs, underscores the developer's ambition to push the Switch’s capabilities. Finally, the official game logo was unveiled—sporting a distinctive purple color scheme that, while mysterious, marks a bold new chapter for the franchise.

As fans savor the first look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, anticipation mounts for upcoming reveals and, eventually, the launch on the Nintendo Switch.

After years of anticipation, it’s clear that Retro Studios and Nintendo are committed to delivering a worthy successor that will satisfy both the series’ veterans and newcomers alike.

Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Nintendo Direct Metroid Prime 4 Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch Nintendo Switch