(Credit: Will Greenwald)
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was first announced in 2017 as a game for the Nintendo Switch, and the alien-blasting first-person shooter is still headed to that platform. However, Nintendo recently revealed that an enhanced version, with improved graphics and mouse controls, will also hit the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025. After playing Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at Nintendo's big Switch 2 reveal event, I can't wait to step back into Samus Aran's shiny space boots for more thrilling sci-fi action.
Exciting Metroid Gameplay
The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond demo was brief, dropping me in what I suspect was the tutorial area before Samus, as usual, loses her powers. I assume the rest of the game will feature the series' renowned, interconnected Metroidvania-level design, but that's hard to convey in a 15-minute gameplay session. Still, if you enjoyed previous entries in this series, including the phenomenal Metroid Prime Remastered, the action quickly returns to you. It did for me, and it was great.
(Credit: Nintendo/PCMag)Samus' primary weapon is her arm cannon, capable of shooting energy blasts and a limited missile supply. You lock onto enemies and scan objects to learn about the game lore or discover hints for solving puzzles. As in previous Metroid games, Samus can curl into her Morph Ball form to sneak through tight corridors.
All these mechanics were on display during my demo session, leading up to a massive, Metroid-infested boss fight where I dodged massive energy waves while targeting the monster's tiny weak points. The familiar combat reminded me of boss battles in earlier titles, so much so that it feels like Metroid Prime Remastered was a warm-up for this thrill-packed, next-gen project.
Metroid Prime games don't always focus on action. However, they deliver tight, intuitive controls when it comes time to fight. That's the case in Beyond.
Stunning Graphics, Meticulous Controls
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is visually stunning. Whether you play in the smooth 4K60fps or 1080p120fps modes, this is one of the most beautiful games Nintendo has ever made. The Metroid Prime series thrives on its immersive and eerie sci-fi atmosphere, and the vastly increased fidelity is a game-changer. I played in the 1080p120 performance mode during the demo and couldn't switch to the 4K option. Still, the game had a superb presentation, far beyond the original Switch's capabilities. I could practically feel the rain on Samus' armor.
(Credit: Will Greenwald)The series has used a variety of control schemes over the years, from lock-on targeting to Wii remote pointer aiming. But on the Switch 2, it let me use the Joy-Con 2 as a mouse for PC-like precision. Honestly, the Joy-Con isn’t the greatest mouse in the world—I lifted it from the table more often than expected to readjust the controls and found the face button placement a bit awkward. However, the mouse controls still top a sluggish analog stick. I bet the mouse controls will pair nicely with Samus' new psychic powers that let you guide objects or curve shots with your mind.
Release Date
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches later this year for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. You can bet that I'll be playing it, so check back when it comes out for a full review.