After an accident, Samus crash-lands onto the enigmatic planet Viewros. Here, it is crucial to meticulously analyze environments, collect every clue, and maximize the potential of both her arsenal and equipment. With her newly awakened psychic powers and the highly advanced motorcycle Vi‑O‑La, she navigates a relentlessly hostile world. To survive, traverse, and ultimately escape, the full utilization of her capabilities is required.

The Long History of the Metroid Series

With twelve games now in the Metroid series and a 40-year history, the complex timeline can be challenging to follow. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a direct sequel to Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, which was released in 2007. In between, Metroid Prime: Federation Force was released for Nintendo 3DS, which senses reviewed upon its release in 2016.

Prior Knowledge and Control Scheme

Approaching this twelfth installment without prior experience or nostalgic ties to the Metroid series, I engaged with the game from a fresh perspective. Players are immediately immersed in the action, and as the game is developed for Switch, the control scheme distinctly reflects its platform optimization. This is particularly useful in ball mode.

I found this control method somewhat cumbersome and thus opted for a traditional controller. While visually clean, its aesthetic feels somewhat understated for a first-person shooter. The controls are intuitive, and the game offers clear tutorials that consistently guide players through objectives.

Gameplay Feel and Design Choices

My initial impression was that the game did not quite deliver the polish expected of a modern first-person shooter. There was an underlying lack of fluidity and responsiveness that was difficult to pinpoint. The controls felt overly loose at first, making precise aiming and character movement challenging. After some experimentation with the settings, I eventually achieved a satisfactory level of responsiveness.

The enemy AI and behavior also exhibit noticeable inconsistencies. Some foes remain stationary, allowing for easy elimination, while others exhibit such rapid, erratic movement that targeting becomes exceptionally challenging.

Performance on Nintendo Switch 2

I tested the game on Nintendo Switch 2, and its optimization for that console is evident. In docked mode, utilizing Quality Mode, the game maintains a steady 60 FPS in 4K. In handheld mode, it runs at 1080p, also at 60 FPS. While I typically prioritize higher frame rates over enhanced visual fidelity, Performance Mode delivers 120 FPS in 1080p in docked mode and, impressively, 120 FPS in 720p in handheld mode.

This performance uplift, however, incurs a resolution reduction from 4K to 1080p when frame rates are doubled, resulting in noticeable aliasing and reduced texture detail on larger displays. Consequently, I opted for Quality Mode in docked play, reserving Performance Mode for handheld use. The experience of 120 FPS in handheld mode offers exceptional fluidity.

The Difference Compared to the Regular Switch

On the original Switch, the game is locked to 30 FPS and is thus considerably outmatched by the newer console’s capabilities. If you purchased the game for the original hardware, an upgrade to the Switch 2 version is available for a hundred kronor, an investment I highly recommend.

I confidently recommend Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It is a game that truly showcases the new console’s capabilities, and despite my personal preference for higher resolutions, the experience of a Nintendo title running at 120 FPS is remarkably engaging. Further demonstrating its Switch 2 optimization, loading times remain impressively brief, even in handheld mode.

This long-awaited installment in the Metroid series is a must-experience title for fans. For newcomers, it also serves as an excellent entry point.

Nintendo sent a review code for the purpose of this review. The sender of the material has no editorial influence on our tests.