Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Hands-On Preview — Retro's Return Delivers a Stunning Evolution
After years of anticipation, Nintendo fans can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. With its release confirmed for 2025, the game is set to make its debut on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newly unveiled Nintendo Switch 2. At an event in NYC, I had a chance to play a 20-minute segment from the beginning of the game.
The next-generation release brings cutting-edge enhancements for the new console, such as performance mode running at 120 FPS at 1080p and a 4K mode, and reignited my excitement for what could be one of the most ambitious entries in the Metroid Prime series. If the early segment is anything to go by, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be a must-own title for the Nintendo Switch 2's launch library.
For anyone following the journey up to this point, the development of the game has been a bit rocky, to say the least. Nintendo originally handed development to Bandai Namco, but concerns over quality led to a complete restart in 2019 under Retro Studios, the team responsible for the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy. This decision was met with relief from fans, many of whom regard Retro as the true keepers of Samus Aran's intergalactic legacy. If my time with the game is anything to go by, that trust was justified.
If you watched the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, the latest trailer provided a tantalizing glimpse into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and with Nintendo proudly demoing the game during the Nintendo Switch preview event, I can say I am impressed. Samus Aran returns with her iconic Power Suit and arsenal, including staples like the Morph Ball, Missile Launcher, and Scan Visor, and I can safely say the Metroid series has never looked better.
The 1080p 120 FPS performance mode version of the game was at the event, running on the Nintendo Switch 2, and the world of the game came to life. Every enemy, explosion, and character you run into feels more defined and realized than ever before. Retro Studios has taken what the Nintendo Switch 2 offers and pushed the series as far as it could go. It is amazing to see all aspects we know from past installments and even from the 2D-style adventures, realized in stunning 3D, with all the particle effects, detail, and refinement this new system allows.
While I only got to test out the first segment of the game and did not get to explore many of the new locations promised in the trailer, what I did see was a good showcase of what the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond allows. As I mentioned above, players can now choose between two graphical modes: Quality Mode delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) with HDR support when docked, while Performance Mode prioritizes fluidity with 120 fps at 1080p resolution.
Even handheld play benefits from improved visuals and HDR support, ensuring that the visuals and intricate architecture look stunning across all formats and playstyles. I sadly did not get the chance to see handheld mode being played during the event, with all my experience being done in docked mode. But judging by how well the screen on the Nintendo Switch 2 looks, both modes will provide a full experience of what the game can be and showcase the visuals, flair, and style put into the title.
What is perhaps the biggest change for the series—and something I, as a PC shooter lover, was excited to test out—is the new alternative control scheme utilizing Joy-Con mouse capabilities, which introduces a fresh way to interact with Samus' environment. This feature could redefine how players navigate puzzles and aim their weapons, offering greater precision and immersion.
Honestly, it does feel very similar to what you could find with a PC shooter. I will say it took me quite a bit of time to adapt to how it works, with the mouse mode feeling very odd at first, but once it clicked, it proved to be a new way to play that I quickly fell in love with. For those sticking with their original Switch consoles, Nintendo has confirmed that an upgrade pack will enable access to these new features on Switch 2 without compromising compatibility.
If I had any major gripe to say about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, it would be how much of a Halo vibe the new installment gave off. The early mission I played has you working alongside Galactic Federation soldiers as they fend off an attack from space pirates — as seems to be the way in the Metroid series. The models struck me with how much they resembled the soldiers you would see around a Halo mission. Thankfully, from what I was told by the person guiding me through the segment of the game, this is not indicative of the final game, and you will be thrust into a more isolated situation as you progress through the rest of the game.
That brings me to my next issue: the sense of solitude the series is known for. It was not present at any point during the demo. It was amazing to hear that the rest of the game would feel much more isolated in comparison to the early section. While it looked stunning, with plenty of aspects that showcased Samus Aran's arsenal, including the Morph Ball and weapons, it never evoked the sense of being alone and working through puzzles and areas by yourself. That being said, as an early showcase for the game, it worked well and gave a glimpse of what the game could be.
The final boss fight of the demo, in particular, provided that sense of challenge, puzzle-solving, and dread I loved seeing in past Metroid Prime games. It is always a good feeling to overcome obstacles larger than Samus, and the way this game made it feel overwhelming works with the right level of body horror and Metroid-forced evolution that I hoped to see from the series. Was it challenging? Not especially, but it worked as a first big obstacle to set the tone and overall sense of what Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was going to be like.
Retro Studios has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate while respecting Metroid's core identity. The original Metroid Prime trilogy transitioned the series into first-person gameplay without losing its focus on exploration and atmosphere — a gamble that paid off handsomely both critically and commercially. The studio's commitment to quality shines through in every detail, from intricate environmental storytelling via Scan Visor logs to immersive soundscapes that heighten tension and wonder.
If the gameplay section I played is any indication, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is ready to push boundaries once again. New abilities, modern graphics, and new optional refined controls promise a fresh experience while staying true to what makes Metroid special: its ability to immerse players in alien worlds full of mystery and challenge, all while keeping true to the roots people have loved up to this point—something not many studios can straddle well. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks set to deliver an unforgettable journey through uncharted territory.
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