Nintendo's long-awaited sequel in the Metroid Prime series is set to take full advantage of the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 hardware capabilities. The game, which has been in development since 2017 with a complete reboot in 2019, will offer enhanced performance options and control schemes that weren't possible on the original Switch hardware.
Enhanced Visual Performance Options
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Nintendo Switch 2 will feature two distinct display modes to cater to different player preferences. The Quality Mode will push the visual boundaries with 4K resolution at 60 frames per second with HDR support while playing in docked mode. For handheld gameplay, this mode will still deliver an impressive 1080p resolution at 60 FPS with HDR support. Players who prioritize smoother gameplay can opt for the Performance Mode, which offers 1080p resolution at 120 FPS with HDR in docked mode, or 720p resolution at 120 FPS with HDR in handheld mode. These technical specifications represent a significant leap over what's currently possible on the original Nintendo Switch hardware.
Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Display Modes
| Mode | Docked | Handheld |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 4K @ 60 FPS with HDR | 1080p @ 60 FPS with HDR |
| Performance | 1080p @ 120 FPS with HDR | 720p @ 120 FPS with HDR |
Innovative Control Options
Beyond the visual enhancements, Nintendo has revealed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will support the new Joy-Con 2's mouse functionality. This innovative control scheme could potentially revolutionize how players navigate and interact with the game world. While specific details on how this mouse functionality will work remain limited, it promises to offer a potentially more intuitive way to control Samus Aran through the alien environments of planet Viewros. This control option will be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of the game, giving early adopters of the new console an additional incentive to purchase this version.
New Gameplay Mechanics
Last week's Nintendo Direct provided fans with a substantial look at the gameplay, showcasing Samus Aran's new psychic abilities. These powers will allow players to operate mechanisms, control beam trajectories, open doors, and solve puzzles in ways never before seen in the Metroid Prime series. These psychic abilities appear to be a central gameplay innovation that will differentiate Beyond from its predecessors while maintaining the exploration-focused gameplay the series is known for. The trailer revealed the game's setting as planet Viewros, though details about the story remain largely under wraps.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Key Features
- New Joy-Con 2 mouse functionality support
- Psychic abilities for puzzle solving and combat
- Set on the planet Viewros
- Compatible with both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2
- Developed by Retro Studios after 2019 development reboot
Release Timeline
While Nintendo has confirmed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will launch in 2025 for both the original Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2, an exact release date has yet to be announced. The game's development journey has been notably long, with the initial announcement coming shortly after the original Switch launched in 2017. After development challenges, Nintendo made the significant decision in early 2019 to restart development with Retro Studios, the team behind the original Metroid Prime trilogy. For fans eager to revisit the series while waiting for Beyond, Nintendo released Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, which was widely praised for its faithful recreation of the GameCube classic.