After an eighteen-year hiatus and a development saga that could rival Samus Aran`s own galactic expeditions, the moment Metroid fans have been anticipating is finally here: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is available for preorder. Announced during a recent, packed Nintendo Direct, this highly anticipated fourth entry in the beloved Metroid Prime series is slated for a December 4 release, ushering in a new era of first-person exploration and combat for both the Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming “Switch 2.”
For those who`ve maintained an eight-year-long Amazon preorder, only to see it unceremoniously canceled earlier this year, this news arrives not just as a game announcement but as a collective sigh of relief. The journey of Metroid Prime 4 has been anything but conventional, initially revealed at E3 2017, only to be famously restarted in 2019 under the capable guidance of Retro Studios – the very architects of the original Prime trilogy – and producer Kensuke Tanabe. If anything, this meticulous, patient approach by Nintendo signals a commitment to quality over haste, a philosophy that has, arguably, served their flagship titles well.
A Glimpse into the Future: Switch 2 Enhancements and Performance
While the original Nintendo Switch will certainly host Samus`s latest adventure, the spotlight undoubtedly shines on the capabilities of the “Switch 2” version. Priced at $70, a modest increment from the $60 base Switch edition (with a $10 upgrade path available for original Switch owners), the next-generation console promises a significant leap in visual fidelity and performance.
Expectations for the Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond include:
- Enhanced Resolutions: A crisp 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) in docked Quality mode, or 1080p at 120fps in Performance mode.
- Portable Power: Handheld play will not disappoint, offering 1080p at 60fps in Quality mode and 720p at 120fps in Performance mode.
- Visual Depth: High Dynamic Range (HDR) support is confirmed across all modes, ensuring a more vibrant and immersive visual experience.
- Innovative Controls: Perhaps the most intriguing technical detail is the option for mouse controls via the Joy-Con 2, allowing players to seamlessly switch between traditional dual-stick, gyro, and this new, precise aiming method for Samus`s arm cannon. A commendable nod to player preference, particularly for those who cherish accuracy in their bounty hunting.
This commitment to high frame rates and resolutions, alongside flexible control schemes, underscores Nintendo`s ambition for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to be a showcase title for their new hardware, offering a truly next-generation Metroid experience.
The Saga Continues: Story, Sylux, and Psychic Powers
Beyond the technical prowess, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond promises a compelling narrative that picks up after the events of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. Samus Aran will journey to a brand-new planet, Viewros, a world teeming with a new, enigmatic musical alien race. These benevolent (or perhaps desperate?) inhabitants call upon Samus to protect their home from an unknown threat, bestowing upon her an array of new psychic powers.
“To aid in her adventure, the [unnamed musical aliens] imbue Samus with all-new psychic powers that will allow her to interface with the strange ruins and artifacts on Viewros and defend herself against the deadly creatures that live there.”
The introduction of psychic abilities suggests a fresh layer of gameplay mechanics, potentially transforming how Samus interacts with her environment and foes. Furthermore, the return of her enigmatic rival, Sylux, confirmed in earlier gameplay footage, indicates a pivotal role for this shadowy figure in the unfolding storyline. Their rivalry has always been a subtle undercurrent in the Metroid universe, and Beyond looks set to bring it to the forefront.
Collectibles for the Dedicated Hunter: Amiibo and Beyond
No major Nintendo release feels complete without an accompanying wave of Amiibo figures, and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond certainly delivers. Collectors and fans alike can look forward to expanding their physical collections with three new figures:
- A new Samus Amiibo ($30, releases November 6)
- A dynamic Samus on her Vi-O-La motorcycle Amiibo ($40, releases November 6)
- The much-anticipated Sylux Amiibo ($30, releases December 4, alongside the game)
These figures are not just static displays; they typically unlock in-game bonuses, adding another layer of engagement for dedicated players. While no specific preorder bonuses for the game itself have been announced by Nintendo, eager fans are advised to keep an eye on retailers, as exclusive incentives often appear closer to launch. (And given the saga of the initial preorders, perhaps a tangible bonus might soothe some historical wounds.)
For those looking to deepen their dive into the Metroid universe while awaiting December 4, several excellent options are available. The gorgeous Metroid Prime Remastered for Nintendo Switch ($40) offers a brilliant modernization of the 2002 classic. Additionally, Samus`s critically acclaimed 2021 side-scrolling adventure, Metroid Dread, remains a must-play. For the lore enthusiasts, “Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective” – a 208-page hardcover book featuring concept art, developer commentary, and producer`s notes – is also set to release on October 28, offering an unparalleled look behind the curtain of the original trilogy.
The road to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been long and winding, testing the patience of even the most stalwart bounty hunters. But with preorders now open, a concrete release date, and tantalizing details about its next-gen features and intriguing storyline, the wait feels genuinely worth it. Prepare your Power Suit, Samus Aran is almost ready to take us beyond.
Callum Darby