Eighteen years after Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Metroid fans can finally get their hands on Metroid Prime 4. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is out now on Nintendo Switch ($59.99) and Switch 2 ($69.99).
Metroid Prime 4 is the fourth game in the prequel series starring Samus Aran, intergalactic bounty hunter. While the primary Metroid series is 2D, the Prime series are 3D and first-person, as Samus explores dangerous alien planets. The Prime series maintains the series’ balance of combat, environmental challenges, and non-linear exploration. Beyond adds new psychic abilities, and a motorcycle, among her usual array of tools and weapons.
Though the game supports both Nintendo platforms, Prime 4 is clearly built with the Switch 2 in mind. The Switch 2 version features better resolutions, higher framerate, and improved load times. Switch 2 players can choose between Quality and Performance mode, with Quality Mode offering 4K and 60 fps when docked (with a 4K TV), or 1080p 60fps in handheld mode.
The Switch 2 version also supports the Joy-Con 2’s unique mouse controls. By splitting the Joy-Con 2 and placing the right Coy-Con 2 parallel with the ground, players can use control the game similar to a mouse-and keyboard, which is more ideal for first-person shooting.
A $10 Upgrade Pack is available, should players first purchase the Switch 1 version, and later acquire a Switch 2.
Metroid Prime 4 was originally announced back in 2017, with Bandai Namco. But development problems came to a crashing halt in 2019, when Nintendo restarted development with a different developer, Retro Studios.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is rated T for Teen with Animated Blood and Violence.
