After nearly two decades since the last mainline Metroid Prime, Retro Studios’ Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally entered the spotlight with glowing final previews. Set to launch December 4, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, this installment promises a mix of classic gameplay elements fans love alongside exciting new features.
Classic Gameplay Meets New Psychic Powers
Players will find many familiar tools such as the Morph Ball, Missile Launcher, and Scan Visor retained, ensuring that long-time fans feel right at home. But the game spices things up with Samus gaining new psychic abilities. These include controlling the direction of a psychic beam in slow motion—a mechanic used to solve puzzles and defeat enemies—and manipulating objects from a distance, both adding depth to combat and exploration.
The enemies are varied and creative, requiring players to combine new powers with traditional weapons. One highlighted boss fight involves a giant plant creature with multiple attack points, challenging players to break shields and time attacks precisely.
A Vivid and Immersive Alien World
The game world, called Viewros, features lush forests, arid deserts, and alien technology left behind by an ancient species called the Lamorn. The atmospheric sound design and a haunting electronic soundtrack immerse players deeply into the sci-fi setting. Early impressions praise the game’s world-building and visual fidelity, especially on the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware which offers higher resolution and smoother frame rates.
Samus is accompanied by a mechanic character, MacKenzie, who provides hints and technical support but has drawn some mixed reactions due to frequent dialogue and an awkward escort mission segment. This marks a tonal shift for the series, which has traditionally relied on minimal voice acting and heavy atmosphere.
Performance and Next-Gen Features
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond offers two primary graphical modes on the Nintendo Switch 2: Quality Mode with 4K resolution and 60fps, and Performance Mode with 1080p resolution running at up to 120fps. Load times are fast, and the addition of mouse control support enhances aiming precision, a new feature that reviewers found especially refreshing.
Final Thoughts from the Preview
While the game impresses with its strong combat mechanics and atmospheric design, some remain cautious about narrative elements like the prominent new character MacKenzie, which some find detracts from the traditional Metroid mood. Nonetheless, the evolution of the gameplay and the refined presentation have generated significant excitement for the full release.
FAQs
When does Metroid Prime 4: Beyond release?
The game launches on December 4, 2025, for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2.
What are the new powers introduced?
Samus gains psychic abilities such as controlling a beam in slow motion and moving objects remotely, adding new layers to combat and puzzles.
Does the game run better on Nintendo Switch 2?
Yes, the Switch 2 edition supports up to 4K resolution at 60fps or 1080p at 120fps along with mouse control support.
Who is MacKenzie?
MacKenzie is a mechanic companion who accompanies Samus. While some find the character adds levity, others feel the voice acting and escort mission disrupt the typical Metroid vibe.
Is there a multiplayer mode?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond focuses on single-player adventure; no official multiplayer mode has been announced.
Conclusion
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond appears to balance nostalgia and innovation, delivering familiar mechanics alongside exciting new features like psychic powers and next-gen graphics options. Though some narrative choices are divisive, the overall impression from final previews is very positive. Fans eager for a new Metroid Prime experience will find plenty to look forward to when it launches this December.