After an agonizing 18-year wait since Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, the legendary bounty hunter Samus Aran returns in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Nintendo’s highly anticipated sequel launches on December 4, 2025, bringing with it revolutionary psychic powers, an explorable open world, and cutting-edge graphics that showcase what the Switch 2 can truly accomplish.
Whether you’re a longtime Metroid fan or completely new to the series, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Metroid Prime 4, from release times and gameplay mechanics to early reviews and story details.
Metroid Prime 4 Release Date and Platforms
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches worldwide on December 4, 2025, available for both Nintendo Switch and the newly released Nintendo Switch 2. This cross-generation release ensures fans on either platform can experience Samus’s latest adventure.
Global Release Times
The game releases globally at 17:00 UTC on December 4, with regional times varying based on your location. Most regions will experience a midnight local release, meaning you can start playing as soon as the clock strikes 12:00 AM in your area.
Players in eastern time zones will gain access to the game before those in western regions, and those with accounts set to early-access regions may be able to play several hours before their local midnight.
Switch vs Switch 2: What’s the Difference?
The Switch 2 version offers enhanced visual resolution with options for 4K at 60 frames per second or 1080p at 120 frames per second, plus optional mouse controls when using Joy-Con 2 controllers.
If you purchase the standard Switch version but later upgrade to Switch 2, you can purchase a $9.99 Upgrade Pack to access the enhanced edition. The Switch 2 version is priced at $69.99, while the original Switch version costs $59.99.
The Story: Stranded on Planet Viewros
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduces an entirely new storyline that’s accessible to newcomers while respecting the broader Prime timeline.
Samus Aran defends a Galactic Federation base from a Space Pirate assault when a clash with rival bounty hunter Sylux leads to an accident that transports her and scattered Federation troopers to the uncharted planet Viewros.
Meet the Lamorn
On Viewros, Samus must survive hostile biomes, battle alien creatures, and uncover ancient ruins of the Lamorn, a long-extinct psychic civilization that views her as a prophesied outsider. This ancient race plays a central role in Samus’s journey as she aids their lingering technology to revive their legacy.
The Return of Sylux
Sylux, a rival bounty hunter who first appeared in Metroid Prime Hunters, returns as a major antagonist with a grudge against both Samus and the Galactic Federation. The dynamic between these two powerful warriors adds tension and depth to the narrative.
Revolutionary Gameplay: Psychic Powers and Beyond
Metroid Prime 4 retains the series’ beloved first-person exploration and combat while introducing groundbreaking new mechanics.
Psychic Abilities Transform Exploration
Samus gains a new Psychic Visor that serves double-duty as both the scanning visor from previous games and the interface for psychic abilities, giving the feeling of moving objects with her “mind” through her line of sight.
The psychic powers include:
Psychic Beam and Hyper Beam – Enhanced versions of Samus’s classic weaponry with mental augmentation
Control Beam – Guide your projectiles mid-flight to hit moving or distant targets with precision
Telekinesis – Manipulate environmental objects, activate switches remotely, and solve complex puzzles by moving items with your mind
Psychic Bomb – A charged version that can be grabbed with mind-powers and positioned to activate distant switches
These abilities aren’t mere combat additions. They’re deeply integrated into puzzle design, environmental interaction, and progression mechanics, creating fresh challenges that feel natural within the Metroid universe.
Vi-O-La: Samus’s New Motorcycle
One of the most exciting additions to Metroid Prime 4 is Vi-O-La, Samus’s personal motorcycle that transforms how you navigate Viewros.
The Vi-O-La does everything from traverse large distances and attack enemies at high speed to dodge attacks and spin for energy-based attacks. Features include turbo mode for speed boosts, a defensive energy field to block incoming damage, and a projection trail that leaves afterimages to confuse enemy sensors.
The motorcycle connects Viewros’s various biomes through a desert hub area, making backtracking less tedious while adding a dynamic layer to exploration. It strikes an excellent balance between classic Metroid isolation and modern open-world conveniences.
Exploration and World Design
Viewros spans multiple biomes including humid forests, scorching deserts, icy caves, misty ruins, and volcanic regions. Each area features unique enemies, environmental hazards, and secrets waiting to be discovered.
The game maintains the classic Metroidvania structure of gated progression. You’ll need to acquire new upgrades and abilities to access previously unreachable areas, encouraging thorough exploration and rewarding curious players with energy tanks, missile expansions, and powerful equipment.
Classic Metroid Meets Modern Design
While Metroid Prime 4 introduces open-world elements through its desert hub and Vi-O-La transportation, the core experience preserves what fans love about the series. Expect labyrinthine dungeons, clever environmental puzzles, atmospheric exploration, and that signature feeling of isolation punctuated by intense combat encounters.
Characters and Companions
Metroid Prime 4 takes a bold step by introducing speaking characters who accompany Samus throughout portions of her journey. This represents a significant departure from the series’ traditional isolation.
Galactic Federation members including Myles MacKenzie provide assistance, though critics note his dialogue has been divisive among fans. Other characters like Armstrong (a Samus admirer), Duke (a hardened operative), and the robot VUE-995 add personality to the experience, though their implementation has sparked debate about whether they complement or detract from Metroid’s atmosphere.
Most reviewers confirm that the majority of gameplay focuses on solitary exploration, with companion interactions limited to specific story segments rather than constant chatter.
Combat and Boss Battles
Combat in Metroid Prime 4 maintains the series’ satisfying lock-on shooting mechanics while adding new dimensions through psychic abilities.
Early boss encounters like Carvex (a plant-based enemy) and Zelios (a heavily shielded foe requiring precise timing) showcase varied enemy design that demands both strategy and skill. Expect to scan enemies and objects to learn about environments and discover weaknesses, a core mechanic that returns with enhanced detail.
The psychic control beam adds tactical depth to combat, allowing you to curve shots around obstacles and hit weak points that would normally be protected.
Performance and Technical Features
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is technically impressive, especially on Switch 2.
The game supports 120 FPS in handheld mode at 1080p, while 4K docking limits performance to 60 FPS for visual fidelity. These options let players choose between buttery-smooth motion or stunning visual detail depending on their preferences.
The art direction combines the atmospheric mystery of previous Prime games with modern lighting, particle effects, and environmental detail that bring Viewros to life. Many reviewers have called it one of the best-looking Nintendo games ever created.
Amiibo Support and Collectibles
Three new amiibo figures launch alongside Metroid Prime 4: Samus, Samus & Vi-O-La (releasing November 6, 2025), and Sylux (releasing December 4, 2025). These figures unlock bonus content when tapped to the Switch 2’s NFC spot.
Previous Metroid amiibo figures are also compatible, providing additional rewards for collectors who’ve supported the franchise over the years.
Early Reviews: Critical Reception
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond currently sits at a Metacritic score of 80, the lowest in the series’ history, though all previous Prime titles debuted in the 90s.
What Critics Love
Reviewers consistently praise the game’s core Metroid Prime experience, highlighting excellent atmosphere, gorgeous visuals, satisfying combat, and clever puzzle design. The psychic powers receive positive attention for feeling like natural evolutions of Samus’s abilities rather than gimmicks.
The Vi-O-La motorcycle is almost universally praised as a fun addition that respects the series’ identity while modernizing traversal.
Points of Criticism
The main criticism centers on companion characters, particularly Myles MacKenzie. Many journalists felt he detracted from the series’ sense of isolation, though opinions vary on whether this represents a fatal flaw or minor annoyance.
Some reviewers note that the game doesn’t radically reinvent the Metroid Prime formula, instead refining and modernizing existing concepts. For longtime fans craving pure isolation and atmospheric exploration, certain story segments may feel at odds with series traditions.
How Long to Beat Metroid Prime 4?
A typical playthrough takes approximately 12 hours including a fair amount of side content. This is shorter than expansive open-world epics but appropriate for the focused, quality-over-quantity approach that defines Metroid games.
Completionists seeking 100% item collection and exploring every secret will invest significantly more time into their Viewros adventure.
Should You Play Previous Metroid Prime Games First?
No prior Metroid experience is required. Nintendo confirms no previous games are needed as Beyond is fully accessible to newcomers while tying into the broader Prime timeline.
That said, playing the Metroid Prime Remastered collection (available on Switch) provides valuable context about Samus, the Chozo, and the universe’s lore. The remastered trilogy offers modernized controls and visuals that make jumping into the series easier than ever.
Pre-Order Information and Pricing
- Nintendo Switch Version: $59.99
- Nintendo Switch 2 Version: $69.99
- Upgrade Pack (Switch to Switch 2): $9.99
Pre-loading is available on both platforms, letting you download the game in advance and start playing the instant it releases in your region.
Final Verdict: Worth the 18-Year Wait?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond represents both a return to form and a step forward for the franchise. It delivers everything fans expect from a Metroid Prime game—atmospheric exploration, satisfying combat, intricate puzzles, and stunning art direction—while introducing fresh mechanics that expand the formula without abandoning its core identity.
The addition of psychic powers feels natural and engaging, adding new dimensions to both combat and puzzle-solving. The Vi-O-La motorcycle provides a fun traversal option that respects the series’ pacing. Visually, this is Nintendo at its absolute best, showcasing what their teams can accomplish with modern hardware.
The inclusion of speaking companions remains the most divisive element, potentially disrupting the isolation that many fans cherish. However, most gameplay still focuses on solitary exploration, and the majority of reviews suggest these characters occupy specific story segments rather than constantly interrupting the experience.
For newcomers, Metroid Prime 4 offers an accessible entry point into one of gaming’s most respected franchises. For longtime fans, it delivers a worthy sequel that modernizes beloved mechanics while preserving the magic that made the originals special.
After nearly two decades, Samus Aran’s return proves that some adventures are worth the wait. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond may not revolutionize the franchise, but it refines and celebrates what makes these games timeless.
FAQs
Q When does Metroid Prime 4 release?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond releases on December 4, 2025, at midnight local time in most regions (17:00 UTC globally).
Q Is Metroid Prime 4 open world?
The game features an open-world hub area explored via the Vi-O-La motorcycle, connecting traditional Metroid Prime dungeon-style areas. It blends open exploration with focused, linear sections.
Q Can I play Metroid Prime 4 on original Switch?
Yes, the game is available for Nintendo Switch with full support, though the Switch 2 version offers enhanced graphics and performance options.
Q Do I need to play previous Metroid games?
No. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is designed as an entry point for new players with a standalone story, though series veterans will appreciate deeper lore connections.
Q What are Samus’s new abilities in Metroid Prime 4?
Samus gains psychic powers including telekinesis, guided projectiles via Control Beam, psychic bombs, and a Psychic Visor for scanning and manipulating ancient Lamorn technology.
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