Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Box Art Draws Mixed Reactions Following Nintendo Direct Reveal

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, one of Nintendo's most anticipated upcoming titles, made a stunning gameplay debut during last week's Nintendo Direct, exciting fans and reigniting interest in the storied Metroid franchise.

Developed by Retro Studios exclusively for Nintendo's hardware, the game continues the legacy first established on the Nintendo GameCube and Wii, promising an ambitious new chapter for Samus Aran on the Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Notably, alongside the gameplay trailer, Nintendo also showcased the official box art for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

While the initial Switch version impressed with its bold, minimalist cover design featuring the iconic game logo, the recently revealed Nintendo Switch 2 box art has generated debate among the community. Unlike its predecessor, the Switch 2 edition includes several conspicuous design features.

The most noticeable change is a prominent red bar at the top edge of the packaging, a new branding strategy meant to clearly differentiate Switch 2 games from original Switch releases.

While this bar delivers functional clarity on shelves, it significantly reduces visible space for the game’s artwork—cutting off an estimated sixth of the front cover. The Nintendo Switch 2 box art further includes a substantial information block at the bottom.

This section explains that the package contains both the original Nintendo Switch version and a Switch 2 upgrade pack, with the details also presented in Spanish.

Additionally, a QR code has been added for convenience, yet it contributes to the overall crowded appearance.

Collectively, these additions push the main logo higher on the cover, obscuring key portions of the striking original artwork both at the top and bottom. In a press statement, Nintendo clarified their intent to make cross-generation compatibility as transparent as possible to consumers, thus justifying the extra on-box information.

While the visual compromises have drawn criticism, Nintendo emphasized their goal of ensuring every customer understands what is included with each purchase. Despite the divided response over packaging aesthetics, enthusiasm for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s gameplay remains high.

Nintendo has confirmed that, when docked on Switch 2, the game will feature a Quality Mode offering 4K resolution at 60 frames per second.

For those prioritizing framerates, an alternative mode will deliver gameplay at 1080p and 120FPS, underscoring a technical leap for the series. As Nintendo continues its dual-support strategy for both Switch and Switch 2, physical and digital buyers alike will have clear options.

Previous trends—such as lower digital prices for titles like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza—suggest that many consumers may opt for eShop downloads if cost or packaging is a concern, though the technical enhancements of the Switch 2 still offer compelling reasons to upgrade. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond does not yet have an official release date, but industry analysts widely expect a 2025 launch.

As anticipation builds, players can look forward to an experience that pushes the limits of Nintendo hardware, regardless of the box it arrives in.

Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch Metroid Metroid Prime Nintendo Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch 2 Metroid Prime 4 Switch Nintendo Direct