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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a Metroid game for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 developed by Retro Studios and is the fourth main installment in the Metroid Prime series.
Gameplay[]
Beyond introduces psychic powers, which can be used to operate mechanisms and guide shots, and a motorcycle, the Vi-0-La. The Nintendo Switch 2 version allows players to use the Joy-Con Controller as a mouse, similarly to a PC first-person shooter.
Plot[]
Following the destruction of the planet Phaaze and the Phazon, Samus Aran fights for survival on the planet Viewros and confronts foes including the bounty hunter Sylux.
Development[]
The game will be developed by a team led by Kensuke Tanabe. Metroid Prime 4 "returns to the first-person adventure roots of the original Metroid Prime game and introduces a storyline that ties together the events of the Metroid Prime universe and takes the storyline in new directions."[1] The game was announced on the same day Metroid: Samus Returns was at E3.
The release date was given by Bill Trinen as "beyond 2017". VentureBeat initially quoted Charlie Schibetta, Nintendo of America's corporate communications director, saying that Metroid Prime 4 would be released in 2018, before retracting that statement and clarifying he meant "2018 and beyond".[2]
On January 25, 2019, a video from Nintendo was posted to YouTube to give fans an update on the development of the game. Shinya Takahashi announced that what was developed so far did not feel like a true Metroid Prime sequel the fans are hoping for. Thus, it was announced that the development process would be restarted entirely, with Retro Studios collaborating in development. [3]
The game's first gameplay footage and final title was officially revealed at a Nintendo Direct presentation in June 2024.[4]
Release and promotion[]
After releasing no further information since the game's announcement in 2017, Nintendo released the first trailer and the title Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on June 18, 2024. The trailer showcased similar gameplay to the previous games in the series, with Samus exiting her gunship, exploring a forest world, using her morph ball ability, scanning a Space Pirate and encountering Sylux. Nintendo also announced that Prime 4 is scheduled for release in 2025. It was nominated for Most Anticipated Game at the Game Awards 2024.
Nintendo released a second trailer in another Direct presentation on March 27, 2025, introducing the forest planet Viewros setting, new enemies, the Lamorn race and Samus's psychic powers.
In a Direct presentation on April 2, Nintendo announced a version for Nintendo Switch 2, with enhanced visual resolution, the option to use 4K at 60 frames per second or 1080p at 120 frames per second, and optional mouse controls when using the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
On September 12, Nintendo released a new trailer showcasing a desert environment and Samus's motorcycle and announced the release date, December 4. Amiibo figures were also announced.
A trailer focusing on the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition was released on November 4, subtitled Survive, and a seven-minute long "overview trailer" was released on November 14.
On the same day as the game's release, seven music tracks from the game were released on the Nintendo Music app.
Reception[]
Pre-release[]
In November 2025, media outlets were allowed to play a 90-minute demo, including the opening sequence and a section in the Fury Green area of Viewros. The presentation, puzzles and combat were praised. Ethan Van Allen of Game Informer felt Samus's new psychic powers were "a standout" and praised the new mouse controls. Nintendo Life's Alex Olney felt they blended well with the gameplay and were "refreshingly different".
Post-release[]
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond received "generally favorable" reviews according to the review aggregator website Metacritic. According to OpenCritic, 83% of critics recommended the game, with a top critic average score of 81.
Sales[]
In its first week, Beyond was the third best-selling game in the United Kingdom, behind EA Sports FC 26 and Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 version accounted for 83% of sales.
Trivia[]
- The title was revealed during the Nintendo Spotlight in E3 2017.
Videos[]
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References[]
- ↑ https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-OPsqoBRa9_Tlo5d0JOUHNpaDg/view
- ↑ https://venturebeat.com/2017/06/21/nintendo-on-keeping-switch-owners-happy-with-mario-and-more/view-all/
- ↑ Development Update on Metroid Prime 4 for Nintendo Switch
- ↑ Nintendo shares the first gameplay trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (The Verge) Date: June 18, 2024. Author: Jay Peters.
External links[]
- Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Metroid Prime 4 at GameFAQs
| Metroid series | |
|---|---|
| Metroid series | Metroid (NES Classics) • II: Return of Samus • Super Metroid • Fusion • Zero Mission • Other M • Samus Returns • Dread |
| Metroid Prime series | Metroid Prime (New Play Control! • Remastered) • 2: Echoes (New Play Control!) • Prime Hunters • Prime 3: Corruption • Prime 4 • Prime Pinball • Prime: Trilogy • Federation Force |
| Related | Nintendo • Retro Studios • Samus Aran • Super Smash Bros. • Nintendo Land • Gunpei Yokoi • Kensuke Tanabe • Yoshio Sakamoto |