Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — New Abilities and Gameplay Revealed in Surprise Nintendo Direct

In a move that surprised the gaming community, Nintendo delivered a fresh Nintendo Direct presentation just a week before the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 showcase.

The Direct, announced with little warning, was brimming with big news for fans of the current Nintendo Switch.

Among the highlights was the renewed spotlight on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the long-awaited next mainline entry in the iconic Metroid Prime series. Originally announced in 2017 and handed to acclaimed developer Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has maintained a shroud of secrecy throughout its lengthy development.

The latest Nintendo Direct finally offered a substantial update, featuring extended gameplay footage and key reveals about new gameplay mechanics. The trailer begins with striking visuals of Planet Viewros, the atmospheric setting for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

Core elements from previous entries, such as the scanning visor, environmental puzzles, and first-person combat, make a triumphant return.

Building on this foundation, Retro Studios introduced a major new feature: Samus’s psychic abilities.

As revealed in the footage, these powers enable Samus to interact with mechanisms, open locked doors, solve intricate puzzles, and even guide energy beams throughout her environment.

This evolution in gameplay promises increased depth and variety in exploration, combat, and puzzle-solving — a hallmark for the franchise. A spokesperson from Nintendo summarized the new direction by stating that these abilities represent "an exciting new chapter in the Metroid universe, expanding both the gameplay possibilities and Samus’s character." The integration of psychic mechanics is expected to offer players innovative ways to navigate and uncover secrets across Planet Viewros. While the showcase answered many questions, one notable detail remained unchanged: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is still slated for a 2025 release on the Nintendo Switch.

No specific launch date was provided, echoing the timeline that was first shared in last year's presentation. Before the trailer ended, Nintendo treated viewers to a glimpse of Samus’s latest suit design — a bold combination of crimson and silver, with striking purple accents, signaling a fresh visual motif for the adventure.

This new armor not only teases added gameplay mechanics but also reinforces the central themes hinted at in the trailer. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be available exclusively via retail and the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch, adding to the platform’s already robust library.

As fans await further updates, this latest Direct has successfully rekindled excitement for one of the platform’s most anticipated titles.

Stay tuned to official Nintendo channels for more news as the release window draws closer.

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