Metroid Prime 4 was announced with a logo and little else back in 2017. After that brief tease at E3, the game vanished from public view. Development reportedly began at Bandai Namco before being scrapped in 2019, with Retro Studios—developers of the original trilogy—taking over and starting from scratch. Since then, six years of development brought us to this point: Metroid Prime 4 is not only real but releasing later this year, and we’ve played it on Nintendo Switch 2.
During the June 2024 showcase, Nintendo finally re-revealed Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The playable demo showcased the opening section of the game—where Samus lands in her ship and begins a cinematic, linear sequence reminiscent of Halo. While exploration-heavy gameplay is expected later, this early segment focuses on establishing tone, visuals, and combat. From the stunning background laser battles to the seamless transitions in and out of Morph Ball mode, it’s already clear that Switch 2 is getting a technical showpiece.
A 120 FPS Showpiece for Switch 2
Running at up to 120 frames per second on Nintendo Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4 sets a new bar for first-party performance. The build we played looked crisp and smooth, with instantaneous door transitions and large-scale boss battles that ran without stutter. The upgraded framerate and visual fidelity make this one of the best-looking Nintendo titles ever shown—especially in a franchise rooted in atmosphere and exploration.
One boss encounter from the demo featured multi-phase design, grunts scattered throughout the arena, and a cutscene transition that hinted at larger explorable zones. While traditional Metroid mechanics like gaining abilities to access new areas weren’t part of the demo, this was clearly the game’s prologue.
Joy-Con Mouse Mode and New Control Options
Perhaps the most surprising addition to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is its optional “mouse control” scheme using Joy-Con. When placed sideways on a flat surface, the Joy-Con transform into a motion-enabled pointer with a mouse-style reticle. This mode engages automatically without any menu toggling. It feels natural, responsive, and surprisingly precise.
There are some ergonomic quirks—like stretching to hit certain face buttons—but most inputs are mapped to triggers, easing usability. The game also supports traditional dual analog control and motion options, offering flexibility depending on playstyle. The Joy-Con mouse might become a favorite for fans wanting PC-like aiming precision on console.
Nintendo Switch 2 Upgrade Paths Raise Questions
Metroid Prime 4’s release also brings up the topic of Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade paths. The game has been in development for Switch One for most of its life. However, the Switch 2 version includes graphical enhancements, higher frame rates, and unique control features.
On the box of the Switch 2 edition, Nintendo includes a “Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack,” which implies that both versions are bundled. But it’s still unclear whether the upgraded version is pre-loaded on the cartridge or if players will be prompted to pay an extra $10 for the enhanced version. This lands Metroid Prime 4 in the “$10 upgrade path” tier, similar to other games that receive visual and performance boosts without adding content.
Nintendo has established three upgrade tiers:
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Free upgrades for games like Echoes of Wisdom or Link’s Awakening.
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$10 upgrades for technical enhancements without added gameplay.
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$20 upgrades for Switch 2 enhancements and additional content, like Super Mario Party Jamboree.
This structure, while manageable for dedicated fans, may be confusing for casual buyers. Clarity on what’s physically on the cartridge remains essential. Nintendo’s approach to upgrade distribution will set the tone for future cross-generation releases.
