The anticipation surrounding the Nintendo Switch 2’s gameplay unveiling featured several thrilling new adventures, but what truly caught my eye was a familiar face: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
The demo provided an experience that felt instantly recognizable to a long-time fan like myself, though likely more stripped down compared to the final version. It appeared to showcase an early scene in the game where Samus hasn’t yet acquired her advanced telekinetic powers.
In this short segment, reminiscent of a base-under-siege scenario, Samus wields her characteristic arm cannon, missiles, scanner, morph ball, and bombs. These familiar elements give the impression that Prime 4 is merely a continuation of its predecessors. However, this demo didn’t reflect the newer abilities and mechanics we’ve seen in other footage, as this particular hands-on was missing those enhancements.
It’s pretty obvious that Nintendo and Retro Studios intentionally chose this segment. Its simplicity allows players to appreciate how the core features of Metroid Prime are being reimagined for the Switch 2 hardware without getting distracted by newfangled upgrades.
Right as I sit down for the demo, the Nintendo rep is quick to highlight the performance: “This is running at 120 frames per second.” It’s rare for Nintendo to lead with technical specs. But you can see why this is important.
Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 2 is essentially a beefed-up remaster designed to run on what’s reportedly ten times less powerful hardware, according to some questionable Nvidia stats. Nonetheless, it’s delivering full HD visuals (with a 4K option at 60fps) and maintains a consistent 120fps, which looks and feels a world apart from what we’ve seen streamed from the original Switch version. Such smoothness in frame rate is decidedly unlike Nintendo, yet it’s remarkable when you finally set the controller down.
By setting it down, I’m referring to the new mouse-like controls. As I explained in my coverage of the Switch 2 and its Welcome Tour collection, a notable innovation is using the Joy-Con on its side as a mouse. This can be done on any flat surface, and for Metroid, likely requires a mat, enhancing game compatibility.
Elsewhere at the event, Civilization 7 showcases this feature perfectly, using mouse controls seamlessly, reminiscent of its PC counterpart. Metroid, despite being an exploration-based shooter, integrates this feature exceptionally well. The genius of Metroid Prime 4’s integration lies in its fluidity. Instead of toggling modes, you can easily switch between holding the Joy-Con as a regular controller and placing it for mouselook. It’s seamless; the game adapts instantly without any menu navigation.
We all know how intuitive mouselook can be, and Prime 4 doesn’t disappoint. It responds swiftly and precisely. However, the real joy lies in the effortless switch between modes.
The portion of Prime 4 I played leaned heavily on combat, skimping on the series’ hallmark puzzles. But in around 30 minutes, I found a rhythm. I held the Joy-Con like a traditional controller for exploration and used the returning lock-on feature for quick shots. Yet, when battles intensified, instinctively shifting to mouse mode allowed my PC-gaming skills to shine. It’s truly the best of both control worlds.
During a boss encounter, the distinction was stark. Targeting the boss’s weak points felt almost unfairly precise with mouse controls, compared to some who stuck with traditional playstyles.
Pair this precision with the crisp 120fps, and it almost feels scandalous. It’s the kind of performance and control fidelity that Nintendo fans aren’t used to experiencing legally. This also tackles a significant gripe I’ve had with the original Switch—while its games often look fine, particularly first-party titles, the performance frequently lagged. If Metroid Prime 4 indicates what’s to come, I’m excited for both updated classics and new releases that might prioritize performance enhancements over flashier graphics.
With its release slated for later this year, there may be a version of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for the original Switch. But if you’re considering an upgrade amidst all the current chaos, the Switch 2 is undoubtedly now the place to experience it. Just what you’d hope for in a next-generation leap.
