Metroid Prime 4 Beyond: Nintendo Switch vs. Switch 2 Graphics Comparison Highlights Next-Gen Enhancements

Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, developed by Retro Studios, is one of the most anticipated entries in the acclaimed Metroid Prime series.

During the latest Nintendo Direct, the company revealed new trailer footage for the game, showcasing its visuals on both the current Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2.

This reveal has given fans a unique opportunity to compare graphical fidelity across both platforms, spotlighting the technical leap enabled by new hardware. The graphics comparison, created using official trailer footage, clearly demonstrates the advancements that the Nintendo Switch 2 brings to Metroid Prime 4 Beyond.

On Nintendo Switch 2, the game displays a sharper, more polished image, with notably enhanced clarity and environmental details.

Textures, especially those observed on surfaces and backgrounds, exhibit a greater level of detail and definition on the newer console.

In contrast, the Nintendo Switch version appears slightly more subdued, with less pronounced textures when viewed up close. Nintendo’s push toward higher graphical standards is evident in these comparisons.

While the core artistic direction and design remain consistent between platforms, the Switch 2’s improved hardware capabilities enable more sophisticated lighting, higher-resolution assets, and richer environmental effects.

This evolution is particularly noticeable when examining complex in-game environments, where the subtle differences in texture detail underscore the technical progress made since the original Switch’s debut in 2017. In an official statement, a Nintendo spokesperson highlighted the company’s commitment to delivering the best possible experience for players, regardless of platform.

They emphasized that Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is "crafted to showcase the strengths of both Nintendo Switch and the next-generation Nintendo Switch 2 hardware, ensuring a high-quality adventure for longtime fans and newcomers alike." Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is set to continue the legacy of innovation established by Retro Studios and Nintendo within the Metroid Prime series.

The graphical improvements seen in the Switch 2 trailer underscore Nintendo’s ambition to utilize new technology for richer, more immersive gaming experiences.

As the release of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond approaches, this graphics comparison offers an early look at what players can expect from both hardware iterations. Fans eager to experience Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will be able to play it on both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with each version tailored to leverage the capabilities of its respective platform.

Stay tuned to official Nintendo channels and the eShop for further details and updates on the game’s release schedule.