Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the long-awaited newest chapter in Nintendo's genre-defining sci-fi adventure series, has finally landed on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Developed by Retro Studios, this entry marks the franchise’s first new mainline release since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption debuted in 2007.
Building on decades of atmospheric exploration and tense combat, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers a next-generation experience that both honors and reinvents the series’ best elements. Since its debut in February 2024’s Nintendo Direct, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a flagship release for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Early sales figures reflect its status as one of the console’s most anticipated titles, quickly climbing the charts on the Nintendo eShop and drawing critical acclaim for its technical innovations.
As with prior entries, Retro Studios anchors its design in the series’ iconic isolation and sense of discovery — whether weaving through narrow corridors as a Morph Ball or investigating the hidden lore of alien worlds via the game’s exhaustive scanning system. Set in the distant Desolan System, players once again step into the power suit of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran.
She answers a distress call from the Galactic Federation's base on planet Tanamaar, soon facing off against the enigmatic Sylux and his Space Pirate army.
A fierce battle culminates in Samus being transported to the mysterious planet Viewros, where she awakens in Chrono Tower, armed with new Psychic abilities unveiled by a powerful Psychic Crystal.
Through the guidance of prophetic Lamorn records, Samus is tasked with gathering keys to activate a Master Teleporter — an epic quest that blends classic Metroidvania exploration with new narrative twists. Retro Studios’ achievement shines at every turn.
The game’s first-person adventure format is as compelling as ever, combining tight Arm Cannon gunplay with the intellectual thrill of uncovering Viewros’ secrets.
The Logbook system encourages meticulous exploration, while elaborate boss battles test both skill and strategy — maintaining the series’ tradition of challenging but fair design.
The developer’s attention to detail extends to a beautifully realized art direction, from the ethereal marble of Chrono Tower to lush environments like Fury Green and the dramatic, lava-filled Flare Pool.
Viewros is more than a backdrop; it’s a living world that makes each moment of discovery truly rewarding. On the technical side, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond utilizes Switch 2 hardware to its fullest.
Players can select from graphics modes that target up to 60 FPS in native 4K or 120 FPS at 1080p in TV mode, and similar options apply in handheld mode.
Diverse control schemes, from Dual Stick Fusion to Joy-Con 2’s innovative inputs and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, give players flexibility and comfort. Innovative gameplay additions, like Samus’ new suite of Psychic powers — including the adaptable Psychic Beam and telekinetic tools such as the Psychic Glove and Lasso — add fresh puzzle-solving opportunities and combat strategies.
These abilities draw clear inspiration from genre contemporaries while feeling wholly at home in the Metroid universe.
Enemy design is equally imaginative, ranging from the deceptive Glottagropper to the imposing Bristlewort, ensuring each encounter feels unique and challenging. Still, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not without flaws.
While early objectives imply player freedom, progression remains largely linear, sometimes leading to moments of frustration for those expecting open-ended gameplay.
Frequent backtracking, particularly to key locations such as MacKenzie’s Base Camp, can interrupt the sense of momentum.
Additionally, the inclusion of more prominent Galactic Federation characters introduces new narrative elements but doesn’t always mesh with the series’ traditionally solitary atmosphere. That said, completionists will appreciate the wealth of secrets and collectibles — with scan logs and power-ups prolonging the adventure well past an average playthrough time of over 13 hours.
The climactic finale and challenging hard mode provide ample incentive for return visits.
In a statement echoing the experience of many players, Retro Studios observed that the team aimed to “honor the legacy of Metroid, while introducing new gameplay systems worthy of Nintendo’s next generation.” In summary, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch 2 masterfully advances the series’ legacy.
Through technical innovation, fresh mechanics, and retro-inspired exploration, Retro Studios delivers one of the strongest entries yet — a must-play for both ardent fans and newcomers alike.
Despite minor frustrations, it’s a triumphant return for Samus Aran and a showcase for Nintendo's new hardware.
Developed by Retro Studios, this entry marks the franchise’s first new mainline release since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption debuted in 2007.
Building on decades of atmospheric exploration and tense combat, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers a next-generation experience that both honors and reinvents the series’ best elements. Since its debut in February 2024’s Nintendo Direct, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been a flagship release for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Early sales figures reflect its status as one of the console’s most anticipated titles, quickly climbing the charts on the Nintendo eShop and drawing critical acclaim for its technical innovations.
As with prior entries, Retro Studios anchors its design in the series’ iconic isolation and sense of discovery — whether weaving through narrow corridors as a Morph Ball or investigating the hidden lore of alien worlds via the game’s exhaustive scanning system. Set in the distant Desolan System, players once again step into the power suit of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran.
She answers a distress call from the Galactic Federation's base on planet Tanamaar, soon facing off against the enigmatic Sylux and his Space Pirate army.
A fierce battle culminates in Samus being transported to the mysterious planet Viewros, where she awakens in Chrono Tower, armed with new Psychic abilities unveiled by a powerful Psychic Crystal.
Through the guidance of prophetic Lamorn records, Samus is tasked with gathering keys to activate a Master Teleporter — an epic quest that blends classic Metroidvania exploration with new narrative twists. Retro Studios’ achievement shines at every turn.
The game’s first-person adventure format is as compelling as ever, combining tight Arm Cannon gunplay with the intellectual thrill of uncovering Viewros’ secrets.
The Logbook system encourages meticulous exploration, while elaborate boss battles test both skill and strategy — maintaining the series’ tradition of challenging but fair design.
The developer’s attention to detail extends to a beautifully realized art direction, from the ethereal marble of Chrono Tower to lush environments like Fury Green and the dramatic, lava-filled Flare Pool.
Viewros is more than a backdrop; it’s a living world that makes each moment of discovery truly rewarding. On the technical side, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond utilizes Switch 2 hardware to its fullest.
Players can select from graphics modes that target up to 60 FPS in native 4K or 120 FPS at 1080p in TV mode, and similar options apply in handheld mode.
Diverse control schemes, from Dual Stick Fusion to Joy-Con 2’s innovative inputs and the Switch 2 Pro Controller, give players flexibility and comfort. Innovative gameplay additions, like Samus’ new suite of Psychic powers — including the adaptable Psychic Beam and telekinetic tools such as the Psychic Glove and Lasso — add fresh puzzle-solving opportunities and combat strategies.
These abilities draw clear inspiration from genre contemporaries while feeling wholly at home in the Metroid universe.
Enemy design is equally imaginative, ranging from the deceptive Glottagropper to the imposing Bristlewort, ensuring each encounter feels unique and challenging. Still, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not without flaws.
While early objectives imply player freedom, progression remains largely linear, sometimes leading to moments of frustration for those expecting open-ended gameplay.
Frequent backtracking, particularly to key locations such as MacKenzie’s Base Camp, can interrupt the sense of momentum.
Additionally, the inclusion of more prominent Galactic Federation characters introduces new narrative elements but doesn’t always mesh with the series’ traditionally solitary atmosphere. That said, completionists will appreciate the wealth of secrets and collectibles — with scan logs and power-ups prolonging the adventure well past an average playthrough time of over 13 hours.
The climactic finale and challenging hard mode provide ample incentive for return visits.
In a statement echoing the experience of many players, Retro Studios observed that the team aimed to “honor the legacy of Metroid, while introducing new gameplay systems worthy of Nintendo’s next generation.” In summary, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch 2 masterfully advances the series’ legacy.
Through technical innovation, fresh mechanics, and retro-inspired exploration, Retro Studios delivers one of the strongest entries yet — a must-play for both ardent fans and newcomers alike.
Despite minor frustrations, it’s a triumphant return for Samus Aran and a showcase for Nintendo's new hardware.
