After years of anticipation, Nintendo and Retro Studios have finally lifted the curtain: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be released worldwide on December 4th . This long-awaited addition to the iconic sci-fi series is coming to both Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 , and brings back Samus Aran in her most ambitious adventure yet.
The standard edition of the Switch will cost $59.99 , while the Switch 2 version will cost $69.99 . Nintendo is also offering an upgrade option – players who buy the Switch edition can switch to the Switch 2 version for $9.99 , so no one is left out when upgrading their hardware.
A new world awaits: Planet Viuros
The story of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond begins with Samus Aran crash-landing on Viuros , a mysterious planet filled with secrets, hostile creatures, and ancient ruins. The planet is unlike anything fans have seen in previous Metroid games: dense jungles teeming with alien wildlife, colossal statues from long-lost civilizations, and labyrinthine ruins hiding powerful upgrades.
Players will once again rely on Samus’ signature skills: scanning the environment for clues, analyzing alien technology, and unlocking new suit abilities to delve deeper into the Viuros.
But Samus won’t face this dangerous planet alone. For the first time in the series, she’ll be aided by her high-tech motorcycle, the Vi-O-La . More than just a vehicle, the Vi-O-La can help navigate dangerous landscapes, jump over chasms, and even engage in combat scenarios, adding a new dynamic to her exploration.
Allies, enemies and new powers
As Samus explores Viuros, she encounters the enigmatic Lamorn race , who ask for her help against a growing threat. Their mysterious request lays the foundation for a new layer of narrative intrigue.
Of course, no Metroid game is complete without formidable enemies. Along with hostile aliens, players will once again face Sylux , a rival bounty hunter with a personal vendetta against Samus and the Galactic Federation. Long a part of the series’ lore, Sylux finally steps into the spotlight as one of Samus’ deadliest adversaries.
Samus’ arsenal is more powerful than ever, including not only her traditional beam weapons, missiles, and morphball abilities, but also new psychic powers unique to Viuros. These abilities allow her to manipulate objects, unlock hidden pathways, and combat enemies in ways that force players to think creatively about combat and puzzle solving.
Next-gen improvements on Nintendo Switch 2
While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will look great and run great on the Nintendo Switch, the Switch 2 version offers significant upgrades:
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Graphics modes
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Quality mode: 4K resolution, 60 fps and HDR when docked. Handheld camera runs at 1080p/60 fps.
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Performance mode: Up to 120 fps at 1080p in docked mode and 720p/120 fps in handheld mode, all with HDR enabled.
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Control improvements
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The Joy-Con 2 offers an optional “mouse mode” aiming system , giving players precision aiming similar to PC shooters.
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Traditional button controls are retained for those who prefer the classic Metroid experience.
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Together, these improvements make the Switch 2 version the definitive way to experience Samus’ latest mission, with both visual rendition and ultra-smooth gameplay.
A long-awaited return
It’s been over a decade since the last entry in the Metroid Prime series, and fans have been eagerly awaiting a continuation of Samus’ story. Retro Studios has promised that Beyond is not just a sequel, but a bold new chapter designed to push the boundaries of first-person exploration and storytelling in the series.
The countdown begins
With its December release, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond ends the year as one of Nintendo’s biggest releases in recent memory. With the captivating new environment of Viuros, the return of favorite rival Sylux, the introduction of psychic powers, and groundbreaking improvements to the Switch 2, the game looks set to be a must-play for both seasoned fans and newcomers.
Get ready to don the legendary Power Suit once again – Samus Aran’s journey continues on December 4th, exclusively on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 .
