Metroid Prime 4 Impressions: Hands-On Demo Showcases Switch 2 Power Ahead of December Release

Metroid Prime 4 Impressions: Hands-On Demo Showcases Switch 2 Power Ahead of December Release After years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4 is finally nearing its long-awaited launch on both Nintendo Switch and the newly revealed Nintendo Switch 2.

First announced at E3 2017, this latest installment in Nintendo’s iconic action-adventure series has been in development under Retro Studios, and fans are counting down to the official release date: December 4, 2025.

Nintendo has also confirmed a suite of new amiibo tied to the launch, adding to the series’ collectability and in-game functionality. People attending PAX Aus 2025 this past weekend were among the first in the world to experience Metroid Prime 4 firsthand.

The excitement on the show floor was undeniable—queues for the demo reached up to two hours as attendees eagerly awaited their chance to play.

Early attendee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the enduring popularity of the Metroid Prime series and the anticipation for Samus Aran’s next journey. The playable demo clocked in at 15 minutes, featuring what appears to be an early segment of the game.

Players found themselves in the role of Samus Aran tackling a mission on an alien planet.

The demo highlighted classic Metroid gameplay staples: platforming, morph-ball navigation, intense combat against hostile aliens, and unlocking new areas within a mysterious base.

The experience culminated in a cinematic boss battle against Aberax—a formidable enemy with robust defenses and challenging attack patterns.

Environmental details and combat clarity not only showcased Retro Studios’ design skill but also provided a first glimpse at the graphical upgrades made possible by the Switch 2 hardware. Notably, the Metroid Prime 4 demo’s setup was distinct from other Nintendo titles featured at PAX.

Unlike Kirby Air Riders or Pokémon Legends Z-A, which were played in a standing configuration with the Switch 2 Pro Controller, Metroid Prime 4 was played at seated kiosks equipped with Joy-Cons and mouse-like controls integrated into the setup.

This arrangement allowed only four playable stations, contributing to extended wait times but also giving players a comfortable and immersive experience.

Attendees reported that the Joy-Con’s pointer functionality allowed for precise aiming in first-person combat, further enhanced by the Switch 2’s advanced hardware capabilities.

Anyone familiar with the franchise will appreciate the smooth controls, improved responsiveness, and the seamless transition between exploration and action—the hallmarks of the Metroid Prime experience. Visually, the demo impressed with crisp environments and a futuristic facility full of signature series details: metallic corridors, sliding doors, and expansive hangar spaces.

The action ran smoothly and highlighted just a sample of the rich environments promised for the full game, as glimpsed in previously released Nintendo Direct trailers.

Retro Studios’ craftsmanship is evident, suggesting that longtime fans and newcomers alike have much to look forward to. Industry followers will recall the journey that Metroid Prime 4 has taken since its announcement, including a high-profile development reboot as Retro Studios took the helm.

The series has a rich legacy, with prior entries acclaimed for their pioneering design and atmospheric storytelling on platforms including the Nintendo GameCube and Wii.

With this new chapter approaching, both versions—on Switch and Switch 2—are poised to become flagship titles for Nintendo’s platforms. Metroid Prime 4 is scheduled for release on December 4, 2025, with simultaneous support for current Switch owners and those upgrading to Switch 2.

The addition of amiibo and dual-platform optimization underscores Nintendo’s commitment to making this entry the most accessible and technically advanced Prime title yet.

For those who experienced the game at PAX Aus 2025, excitement is at an all-time high.

For everyone else, the wait is almost over—Samus Aran’s next adventure begins this December.

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