Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Comparison — How Nintendo Switch 2 Elevates Samus’s Latest Adventure

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Set to Launch—A Closer Look at Graphics and Performance on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 As anticipation reaches a fever pitch, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Nintendo’s flagship release of the year, is poised to Morph Ball roll onto the gaming scene.

The long-awaited title sees intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran return for a new chapter on both Nintendo Switch and the recently released Nintendo Switch 2.

With the latter hardware still fresh and the holiday season approaching, many fans are weighing which console is best for experiencing the newest adventure in this celebrated action-adventure franchise. To help players make an informed decision, a thorough comparison video produced by respected content creator Mr.

Alex Olney has shed light on the technical differences between the two versions.

The footage reveals both consoles running Metroid Prime 4: Beyond side by side, providing a comprehensive visual analysis of environments, character models, and overall performance. According to the comparison, the original Nintendo Switch delivers a solid experience, rendering the game at a consistent 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes.

Players can expect fluid controls and smooth gameplay, living up to the high standards set by Nintendo and Retro Studios.

In professional reviews, the Switch 1 version has been lauded for maintaining stable performance, with commentary stating: "It plays very well at a very solid 60fps in both docked and handheld.” However, the Nintendo Switch 2’s upgraded hardware brings a distinct visual advantage to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

The comparison showcases the game's breathtaking art direction at a crisp 4K resolution (or a comparable internal figure), highlighting a level of graphical detail unmatched by the original Switch.

Side-by-side scenes reveal enhanced effects, sharper textures, and a greater depth to each environment, making the increased fidelity immediately apparent for those playing on the new console. While both platforms deliver a robust and engaging experience, the Switch 2’s capability to natively run the game at higher resolutions allows the visual design of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to truly shine.

This is likely a deliberate choice on the part of Nintendo and Retro Studios, whose attention to detail has made Metroid a standard-bearer for the genre.

As noted in critical feedback, the jump to 4K resolution on the newer hardware "is surprising in how much the art direction seems to have been built with this in mind.” Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches tomorrow on both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, available via retail and the Nintendo eShop.

The dual-platform release underscores Nintendo’s commitment to supporting both existing and next-generation players, ensuring Samus’s latest journey is accessible to fans regardless of their current hardware.

As excitement continues to build, this comprehensive comparison helps gamers decide where to embark on Samus Aran’s newest adventure.