After more than a decade and a half of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally nearing its release, and our hands-on session with the game on Nintendo Switch 2 reveals a title poised to surprise everyone. First announced at E3 2017, this sequel to 2007's Metroid Prime 3: Corruption is a bold modernisation that retains the series' soul while introducing changes that will inevitably spark debate amongst its dedicated community.
A Visual Leap on Nintendo Switch 2
The initial, somewhat dubious-looking footage from a previous Nintendo Direct has been firmly put to rest. Playing on the Nintendo Switch 2, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a visual treat. From the cinematic detail of Samus's armour and Arm Cannon to the lush, green landscapes of the new area, Fury Green on planet Viewros, the game is sharp and impressively textured. While some close-up grass textures are less stellar, and DLSS upscaling is likely at work in handheld mode, the overall presentation is exceptionally pretty.
Players are given a choice between two performance modes. Quality Mode delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR when docked, and 1080p/60fps with HDR in handheld. Performance Mode pushes the frame rate to a buttery-smooth 120fps at 1080p docked and 720p in handheld. Both are excellent, with the 120fps option feeling incredibly fluid, though the graphical fidelity of Quality Mode at a solid 60fps provides an outstanding balance for most players.
Modernised Combat and Intuitive New Controls
The core combat will feel instantly familiar to series veterans, offering the intuitive, lock-on shooting the franchise is known for. However, a significant and brilliantly implemented addition is the mouse controls for the Nintendo Switch 2. Far from a gimmick, this control scheme offers fine, manual aim and feels so intuitive that returning to standard handheld controls felt unnatural after the preview session.
Enemy variety is well-judged, ranging from small nuisances to genuinely challenging foes. One particular boss required a puzzle-like approach to defeat, encouraging strategic thinking over simple point-and-shoot tactics. This blend of action and cerebral challenge remains a series hallmark.
New Psychic Powers and Narrative Shifts
The mission previewed served as a tutorial for Samus's new suite of psychic abilities, a clear point of modernisation that will be contentious. These include the Psychic Visor (an upgraded scanner), the Psychic Glove for manipulating objects, the Psychic Charge Beam which slows time for precision shots, and the Psychic Bomb for use in Morph Ball mode. It's a clever way to refresh the classic arsenal, much like the abilities granted to Link in *Tears of the Kingdom*.
Exploration feels fantastic, with the rewarding loop of scanning enemies and objects for hints and lore making a welcome return. However, a more pronounced shift comes in the form of narrative. The preview featured significant dialogue, primarily from a new character, Galactic Federation Technician Myles MacKenzie, who acts as a talkative companion and narrator. This is a stark departure from the series' traditionally silent protagonist and will undoubtedly be a point of contention for purists.
The Verdict: A Divisive but Exciting Future
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be a visually impressive and mechanically refined entry. The story hooks, including the mysterious antagonist Sylux, the Lamorn race, and the artefact he seeks, are compelling. The promise of Samus's motorcycle, the Vi-0-La, adds another layer of intrigue.
Ultimately, the game modernises the Metroid franchise in all the right ways for a contemporary audience, but this very progress may alienate some long-time fans. The enhanced graphics, fluid performance, and intuitive mouse controls are major wins. Yet, the increased dialogue and new psychic powers represent a fundamental evolution of the Metroid Prime formula. It is a surprising and confident step forward, setting the stage for one of the most talked-about releases of the year when it arrives this December.
