It feels surreal to even type this sentence: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a real video game that you can buy and play right now. Released on December 4, 2025, Samus Aran’s return to the first-person perspective has dominated the gaming conversation for the last week. We have had seven days to scan every lore entry, blast every Space Pirate, and dissect every frame of performance on the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Now that the initial shock of “it actually exists” has worn off, we can look at the game with clear eyes. Is it the masterpiece we waited nearly a decade for? Or has the industry moved past the Prime formula? Spoiler alert: It is mostly the former, with a few caveats that are sparking heated debates on Reddit.
The Switch 2 Factor: 120FPS Is a Game Changer
If you were lucky enough to snag a Nintendo Switch 2, you are playing the definitive version of this game. While the original Switch version is a technical marvel in its own right (Retro Studios are wizards, confirmed), the Switch 2 performance mode is a revelation. Running at a buttery-smooth 120fps, the combat feels faster and more responsive than any Metroid game before it.
The visual leap is striking. The planet of Viewros is dense with foliage, shimmering wet surfaces, and dynamic lighting that finally brings the series into the modern era. Seeing the reflection of Samus’s eyes in the visor in 4K resolution adds a layer of immersion that makes the isolation of the planet feel suffocating in the best way possible.
Sylux Takes Center Stage
For years, fans have speculated about Sylux, the mysterious bounty hunter teased at the end of Metroid Prime 3 and Hunters. Beyond doesn’t waste time; it thrusts him into the spotlight immediately. He is a fantastic foil to Samus—aggressive, tech-savvy, and wielding a stolen Federation prototype suit that makes him a deadly threat.
The narrative is surprisingly forward for a Metroid game. While it retains the environmental storytelling via scanning that we all love, the conflict with Sylux and his weaponized Metroids adds a sense of urgency that drives the plot. It is not just about exploring; it is about hunting.
The Verdict: A Worthy Successor?
After a week of playtime, the consensus is that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a triumph, though not without its quirks. The move to slightly more open-ended zones has been divisive; some players miss the tight, labyrinthine corridors of Tallon IV, arguing that the new “open” areas dilute the claustrophobic atmosphere. There are also complaints about some fetch quests that feel like padding—a sin in a genre defined by tight pacing.
However, when the music swells and you are locked in a duel with a massive boss, dodging beams and switching visors on the fly, it is pure magic. Retro Studios has proved that the Prime formula is timeless. The wait was long—perhaps too long—but Samus has stuck the landing.
Conclusion
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a love letter to patience. It bridges the gap between the GameCube era and the next generation of Nintendo hardware with confidence. If you haven’t jumped in yet, clear your schedule. The galaxy isn’t going to save itself.
FAQs
Is Metroid Prime 4 available on the original Switch?
Yes, the game is a cross-gen title available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2.
Does the game run at 60fps?
On the original Switch, it targets 60fps. On the Switch 2, it offers a Quality Mode (4K/60fps) and a Performance Mode (1080p/120fps).
Do I need to play the previous Prime games first?
While the game features a “History” recap video, playing the original trilogy (or the Remasters) is highly recommended to understand the lore behind Sylux and Phazon.
Who is the main villain?
The main antagonist is Sylux, a rival bounty hunter who first appeared in Metroid Prime Hunters on the DS.
Is it an open-world game?
Not exactly. It features larger, more open-ended zones than previous games (“wide-linear”), but it still follows the traditional Metroidvania progression structure.