Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Presentation

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond continues Samus Aran's first-person adventures by sending her to Viewros, an unknown planet marked by the remains of an ancient civilization known as the Lamorn. Exploration, environmental observation and the gradual acquisition of new abilities remain at the heart of the experience.

As in previous Prime entries, Samus uses her Scan Visor to analyze creatures, mechanisms, statues and ruins. The information gathered helps uncover the history of Viewros, identify important elements and determine how to progress through areas that are initially inaccessible.

Her arsenal retains several iconic tools from the series, including the Power Beam, Charge Beam, missiles and Morph Ball. These abilities serve both combat and exploration and are gradually complemented by new upgrades.

The main new feature comes from the psychic powers granted to Samus on Viewros. They notably allow her to manipulate certain mechanisms from a distance or control the trajectory of charged shots. These abilities are integrated into puzzles and open new paths as Samus learns to master them.

The world structure combines more traditional exploration areas with Sol Valley, a large open expanse connecting several regions. To cross it, Samus gains access to the Vai-O-La, a technological motorcycle capable of moving quickly through open spaces and taking part directly in combat.

The vehicle does not replace exploration on foot, however. Environments still contain narrow passages, mechanisms, secrets and areas that require specific abilities, preserving the series' traditional progression. Advancement therefore continues to revolve around gaining new tools and learning where and how to use them.

Combat remains built around first-person shooting, observing enemy behavior and using Samus's arsenal appropriately. The new psychic abilities expand this foundation without replacing the traditional systems of Metroid Prime.

Samus also encounters several Galactic Federation soldiers transported to Viewros during the same incident. Certain sequences allow her to fight alongside them temporarily, introducing an allied presence that is unusual for a series often defined by isolation.

Among her enemies is Sylux, a bounty hunter previously seen in the series and driven by a deep hostility toward both the Galactic Federation and Samus. His return forms one of the main narrative threads of the mission.

Key points

• A new first-person adventure starring Samus Aran.
• Exploration centered on the mysterious planet Viewros.
• The return of the Scan Visor and observation-based exploration.
• Power Beam, missiles and Morph Ball remain central to Samus's arsenal.
• New psychic abilities allow interaction with the environment.
• Certain shots can be mentally redirected after being fired.
• Sol Valley connects several major regions of the planet.
• The Vai-O-La allows faster travel across open areas.
• Galactic Federation soldiers occasionally fight alongside Samus.
• Sylux returns as a major antagonist.
• Progression built around new abilities, puzzles and access to previously unreachable areas.

Conclusion

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond preserves the foundations of the series: exploring an unknown environment, analyzing its remains and gradually using new abilities to access places that were previously out of reach.

Psychic powers provide the main evolution of this formula, both in combat and puzzle solving. The Vai-O-La also expands the scale of certain journeys without replacing the more traditional labyrinthine environments.

Viewros therefore gives Retro Studios a way to renew Metroid Prime exploration while preserving Samus's identity, her arsenal and the methodical progression that defines the series.

Good to know

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo.

The game was released on December 4, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.

Nintendo Switch 2 features an enhanced edition of the same game. Owners of the Nintendo Switch version can also purchase an upgrade pack.

The Nintendo Switch 2 Edition notably adds improved loading times, HDR support and the ability to use a Joy-Con 2 as a mouse for aiming.

Two graphics modes are available on Nintendo Switch 2. In TV mode, Quality Mode can reach 4K at 60 frames per second, while Performance Mode prioritizes up to 120 frames per second at 1080p on a compatible display.

The game is a single-player experience.

It marks Retro Studios' return as the lead developer of a new Metroid Prime entry after its work on previous titles in the series.

This entry focuses on the main campaign and core systems of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, with Nintendo Switch 2-specific technical improvements presented separately.