The highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally arrived for both the Nintendo Switch and upcoming Switch 2 hardware, marking a major milestone for fans of the legendary Metroid franchise and developer Retro Studios.
After a protracted development process, which included delays and even a full restart in 2019, the return of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran in her next 3D adventure is now a reality, solidifying Nintendo’s commitment to quality and long-term franchise support. Launched this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond represents the first new mainline entry in the Metroid Prime series since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption debuted in 2007 on the Wii.
Spanning over 17 years, fans have eagerly awaited Samus’s next mission following her battles across the galaxy.
The development baton was officially handed back to Retro Studios—original creators of the Prime trilogy—after initial work reportedly did not meet Nintendo’s quality standards.
This reset was publicly confirmed in an official Nintendo Direct presentation in January 2019, signaling both transparency and dedication to the fan base. With launch day finally here, review embargoes lifted and industry critics have rendered their early verdicts on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
According to aggregated review data, the game currently holds a score of 81 out of 100, based on feedback from 74 recognized critics.
Notably, OpenCritic, a well-respected aggregator, matches this score as its current “Top Critic” consensus rating.
This positions the title as a strong, if not universally acclaimed, successor to its renowned predecessors, with the review conversation focusing on both the game’s polished gameplay mechanics and fresh narrative direction. One industry analyst observed that, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond successfully bridges the classic Prime atmospheric exploration with innovative new systems optimized for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 hardware.” Various reviews note Samus Aran’s refined controls and updated visuals as standout features, highlighting the seamless transition between the two platforms. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is available now via physical retail and the Nintendo eShop for Switch and Switch 2.
With the initial wave of positive critical reception and its significant place in Nintendo’s release calendar, the game is well-positioned to bolster the legacy of one of the most beloved action-adventure franchises in gaming history.
The journey of development and revival overseen by Retro Studios stands as a testament to Nintendo’s unwavering investment in quality and innovative gameplay experiences. For longtime fans and new players alike, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond offers an enticing invitation to once again don the Power Suit and join Samus Aran on her latest galactic expedition—a milestone moment for Nintendo Switch and the future of the Metroid series.
After a protracted development process, which included delays and even a full restart in 2019, the return of intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran in her next 3D adventure is now a reality, solidifying Nintendo’s commitment to quality and long-term franchise support. Launched this week, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond represents the first new mainline entry in the Metroid Prime series since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption debuted in 2007 on the Wii.
Spanning over 17 years, fans have eagerly awaited Samus’s next mission following her battles across the galaxy.
The development baton was officially handed back to Retro Studios—original creators of the Prime trilogy—after initial work reportedly did not meet Nintendo’s quality standards.
This reset was publicly confirmed in an official Nintendo Direct presentation in January 2019, signaling both transparency and dedication to the fan base. With launch day finally here, review embargoes lifted and industry critics have rendered their early verdicts on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
According to aggregated review data, the game currently holds a score of 81 out of 100, based on feedback from 74 recognized critics.
Notably, OpenCritic, a well-respected aggregator, matches this score as its current “Top Critic” consensus rating.
This positions the title as a strong, if not universally acclaimed, successor to its renowned predecessors, with the review conversation focusing on both the game’s polished gameplay mechanics and fresh narrative direction. One industry analyst observed that, “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond successfully bridges the classic Prime atmospheric exploration with innovative new systems optimized for both Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 hardware.” Various reviews note Samus Aran’s refined controls and updated visuals as standout features, highlighting the seamless transition between the two platforms. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is available now via physical retail and the Nintendo eShop for Switch and Switch 2.
With the initial wave of positive critical reception and its significant place in Nintendo’s release calendar, the game is well-positioned to bolster the legacy of one of the most beloved action-adventure franchises in gaming history.
The journey of development and revival overseen by Retro Studios stands as a testament to Nintendo’s unwavering investment in quality and innovative gameplay experiences. For longtime fans and new players alike, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond offers an enticing invitation to once again don the Power Suit and join Samus Aran on her latest galactic expedition—a milestone moment for Nintendo Switch and the future of the Metroid series.
