What is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is the latest entry in the long-running first-person action-adventure series Metroid — developed by Retro Studios (with support from several other studios) and published by Nintendo. It released on December 4, 2025 for both the original Nintendo Switch and the new-generation Nintendo Switch 2.
Players control the iconic bounty-hunter Samus Aran, transported to a mysterious alien planet called Viewros, where she must explore, fight enemies, unravel ancient secrets and confront rival forces. The game retains classic Metroid Prime gameplay — exploration, scanning, puzzle-solving, and combat — but adds new mechanics: psychic powers for Samus, a hub-world traversal aided by a motorcycle (named “Vi-O-La”), and upgraded visuals/performance — especially on Switch 2.
What’s Fresh & Exciting in Beyond
New Powers & Tools
- Psychic Abilities: Samus gains psychic powers, letting her manipulate beams, interact with environment/traps, and solve certain puzzles in unique ways. This brings a new layer to exploration and combat, offering more versatility than previous titles.
- Vi-O-La Motorcycle & Hub-World Traversal: Rather than rigidly corridor-based levels, Beyond includes a hub world — which Samus can traverse using the Vi-O-La bike. This adds a sense of scale and freedom to exploration, changing how movement and navigation feel compared to older Metroid Prime games.
Visuals & Performance (Especially on Switch 2)
For those playing on Switch 2, Beyond delivers enhanced visuals and options: higher resolution, stable framerate, and smoother performance — making the alien environments, detailed textures, and atmospheric effects more vivid and immersive.
A Long-Awaited Return
After an 18-year gap since the previous mainline entry (Metroid Prime 3), this release carries substantial fan anticipation. The long wait, multiple development restarts, and rumors only add to the excitement — making Beyond’s release momentous for longtime fans and newcomers.
Exploration, Atmosphere & Nostalgia
Many early critics and players praise Beyond for delivering the trademark Sci-Fi atmosphere, exploration-driven pacing, environmental storytelling, and classic feel.
What Beyond Means for Players & the Series’ Future
- A bridge between classic and modern: Beyond attempts to balance legacy (exploration, feel, mechanics) with modern design (open-world ambition, expanded traversal). For new players, it’s an accessible entry; for veterans, a nostalgic yet updated experience.
- Potential new baseline for Metroid games: The inclusion of psychic powers and hub-world traversal could influence future titles. If players and critics respond well, this might reshape how Metroid games will be structured going forward.
- A test case for balancing scope and atmosphere: Success or criticism of Beyond will likely inform how developers handle big open-ended design while preserving the tight tone and environmental tension Metroid is known for.
Is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Worth Your Time?
If you enjoy sci-fi exploration, atmospheric worlds, Metroid-style puzzle + combat balance, and are curious what the series looks like after nearly two decades — yes, Beyond is worth it. Its new mechanics and improved visuals (on Switch 2) make for a compelling experience.
However, if you prefer tightly curated level design, minimal hand-holding, and the solitary mood of old-school Metroid, be ready for a more modern, sometimes more guided ride.
In short: Beyond is not perfect — but it’s a bold, often rewarding evolution of the Metroid Prime legacy.
