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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is bringing Samus Aran’s next adventure to both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2. After being announced in 2017 and later restarted with original trilogy developer Retro Studios leading development, the long-awaited game is now set to arrive with an enhanced Switch 2 version. A hands-on preview showcases its visual options, flexible aiming controls and a challenging encounter with a powerful enemy.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Switch 2
The Switch 2 edition offers two display modes. Graphics mode runs at 4K resolution and 60 frames per second, while Performance mode targets 1080p and 120 frames per second. The preview was played in Performance mode, highlighting the system’s ability to deliver a high frame rate during visually demanding sequences.
Practical tip: Players who prioritize smoother motion may prefer Performance mode, while those who want higher resolution can choose Graphics mode. The best option depends on personal preference and display setup.
Exploring the Galactic Federation base
The demo opens with a cutscene showing Space Pirates attacking a Galactic Federation base. After a ship arrives and Samus steps out, the playable section begins inside the damaged facility. Samus navigates the area using abilities including the Morph Ball and Scan function before facing her first enemies.
Combat offers more than one way to aim. Players can fire Samus’ energy beam from the hip, or hold the left trigger to lock onto a target and use motion controls for more precise shots. The motion-based aiming proved useful for adjusting attacks accurately, particularly when targeting specific parts of enemies or doors.
Mouse and motion-control aiming
On Switch 2, the Joy-Con 2 can be turned on its side to use mouse controls. The switch between control styles happens without opening a menu, so players can adapt their aiming method while staying in the action. Mouse aiming provides another option for anyone who prefers the precision associated with mouse controls.
In the demo, these control choices were useful across several situations, from fighting groups of Space Pirates to completing a Morph Ball section. During that sequence, Samus drops bombs to open a route above a room filled with enemies.
Facing Aberax
The preview’s main challenge is Aberax, a large creature fused with a Metroid. It attacks with energy blasts and shockwaves, while its visible weak points give Samus clear targets. Locking on and using motion controls helps focus fire, and a quick dash can move Samus out of danger.
Players can also use Samus’ double jump to clear incoming attacks or transform into Morph Ball form to avoid airborne shockwaves. Destroying Aberax’s weak points causes health pickups to appear. Rather than running into danger to collect them, Samus can charge her beam to draw nearby items closer.
After a tense but relatively direct fight, Samus defeats Aberax. A final cutscene introduces the bounty hunter Sylux, who launches an attack before the demo ends.
What the preview suggests
The short demonstration offers an early look at the game’s exploration, combat and boss encounters. Its different aiming options and two Switch 2 display modes give players flexibility, while the Aberax fight combines target-focused attacks with movement and timing.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled to arrive on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch later this year. For players following the series, this preview provides a first look at how Samus’ abilities and the new hardware features come together.
