Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is Finally on the Horizon—and It Looks Fantastic on Switch 2
After years of eager waiting, Metroid Prime 4 is poised for launch later this year. Announced shortly after the Nintendo Switch’s introduction, this much-anticipated sequel has remained enigmatic for quite some time. While an exact release date is still under wraps, the targeting of 2024 hints at a probable launch during the holiday season.
During a recent Nintendo event, I had the opportunity to experience a brief demo of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and I was truly impressed—not only by the game itself but also by the insights it provides into the forthcoming Switch 2 hardware.
A Much-Anticipated Comeback for Samus
It has been more than 15 years since we last donned Samus Aran’s power suit in a Metroid Prime-style adventure, and stepping back into that role felt fantastic. The demo, albeit short, provided a sneak peek into what lies ahead. It began with Samus arriving in a frantic warzone, instantly immersing players in a high-stakes combat scenario that climaxed in an exhilarating boss battle.
This segment resembled a conventional first-person shooter rather than the typical Metroid experience—lacking exploration or puzzle-solving elements that are iconic to the franchise. Nonetheless, it’s likely that this served as the game’s introductory tutorial sequence, crafted to familiarize players with the controls and mechanics. Fans can be reassured that the complete game will probably feature the classic Metroid traits they cherish.
A Display of Switch 2’s Capabilities
Although the demo didn’t delineate what differentiates Metroid Prime 4 from its forerunners, it provided a breathtaking showcase of the Switch 2’s abilities. The game operated at 1080p resolution and a fluid 120 frames per second. While there was no on-screen frame counter, the performance appeared flawlessly smooth—no stuttering, no frame drops, just agile, responsive gameplay.
It was among the most visually striking demos at the event and a clear signal that the Switch 2 marks a considerable advancement in hardware performance.
Revolutionary Joy-Con Mouse Controls
One of the most unexpected elements of the demo was the implementation of the new Joy-Con controllers’ mouse functionality. At any moment, I could lay the right Joy-Con flat on a surface (which Nintendo provided for the demo) to enable mouse-style targeting. Picking up the controller would promptly switch back to the conventional dual-analog stick controls.
The transition between the control schemes was effortless and intuitive, delivering a new level of precision and adaptability. It’s a minor but significant innovation that could greatly influence how we engage with games on the Switch 2.
Concluding Thoughts
Even in its concise, action-packed demo form, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond made a lasting impact. It’s not merely a revival of a cherished franchise—it also serves as a compelling testament to the capabilities and potential of Nintendo’s next-generation console. If this is the level of performance the Switch 2 can deliver, fans have plenty to be excited about.