Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of the most anticipated Nintendo releases of the decade. After years of silence, delays, reboots, and massive fan speculation, Nintendo finally delivered a new chapter in Samus Aran’s story.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
The game moves the Prime series forward with modern gameplay, a deeper narrative, and a fresh world built for exploration.
If you’re trying to understand what the game offers, how it performs on Switch 1 and Switch 2, whether it’s an open-world game, how long it takes to finish, or whether the reviews are good, this guide covers everything. (hstech)
What Is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a first-person action-adventure game developed by Retro Studios and published by Nintendo. It serves as a direct follow-up to the Metroid Prime trilogy while also expanding the story arc that has followed Samus for over 20 years.
Nintendo rebuilt the game from scratch after the 2017 announcement. The final version launched at the end of 2025 on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, with upgraded graphics and performance on the newer system.
Story Overview: Samus, Sylux, and the Mystery of Viewros
The story begins with Samus Aran pursuing Sylux, a recurring antagonist, after detecting unusual activity around an ancient alien artefact. Their fight triggers the artefact, teleporting Samus to a distant and unfamiliar world called Viewros.
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Key story elements
• Samus gains new psychic abilities from an ancient alien species called the Lamorn
• She must locate five keys to activate a massive energy structure called the Master Teleporter
• Sylux manipulates creatures, corrupts environments, and interferes with Samus throughout the journey
• A small group of Galactic Federation survivors tries to assist Samus
• The story blends classic Metroid isolation with larger world stakes
How long is Metroid Prime 4?
• Main story: around 18–22 hours
• Completionist (100% items): 30–35 hours
• Speedrunners will likely break this eventually, but those numbers are the realistic player average.
Gameplay: A Modern Take on Classic Prime
Metroid Prime 4 feels familiar yet new. Retro Studios kept the series’ DNA, but added features that fit today’s gaming expectations.
Core Gameplay Features
1. First-Person Exploration
Exploration still plays the most significant role. Players scan environments, investigate ruins, and uncover the secrets of Viewros.
2. Psychic Powers (New)
The new Lamorn power system lets Samus:
• Move objects
• Reveal invisible platforms
• Deflect attacks
• Re-route beam shots
• Disrupt enemy shields
This adds a puzzle layer that the series never had.
3. Combat Upgrade
The combat feels faster and smoother than previous Prime games.
• Lock-on movement is more fluid
• Beam types are balanced better
• Enemies have more intelligent AI
• Boss fights are more cinematic and longer
4. Semi-Open World Structure
Fans asked:
Is Metroid Prime 4 an open world?
No, not fully.
It uses a semi-open-world design, similar to Metroid Prime 3 but more interconnected. You can explore large zones, revisit areas, and choose different paths, but it’s not free-roam like Zelda.
5. New Vehicle: Vi-0-La
A hovering motorcycle was used to travel quickly across large sections of Viewros.
6. Companion System
A few Galactic Federation survivors join small missions, but the game still keeps Samus mostly alone.
Performance: How the Game Plays on Switch 1 vs Switch 2
How is Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 1?
Surprisingly good for older hardware.
• 900p resolution
• 30 fps with a few dips
• Longer loading times
• Less detailed textures
It’s fully playable and looks better than most late-generation Switch titles.
Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 2
This is where the game shines.
• 4K 60 fps performance mode
• 1080p 120 fps performance option
• Ray-traced reflections in some areas
• Better lighting, shadows, and particle effects
• Faster loading
• Better aiming with Joy-Con 2’s “mouse-style” sensor control
This version feels like the true vision Retro Studios had in mind.
Is Metroid Prime 4 Good? (Full Review)
After the long development cycle, fans hoped the game would not disappoint. Thankfully, the final product is strong.
What the Game Does Well
1. Visual Design
The world of Viewros is stunning. Retro Studios returned to high-contrast alien landscapes, atmospheric lighting, and detailed environments.
2. Exploration
No other Nintendo series creates this kind of lonely, mysterious exploration. MP4 nails the mood.
3. Boss Fights
Boss fights are a significant highlight.
They’re huge, intense, and require good use of Samus’s new abilities.
4. Sound and Music
The soundtrack mixes ambient sci-fi tones with heavier combat themes. Sound design keeps you on edge, classic Metroid.
5. Storytelling
The Lamorn history, Sylux character development, and the end-game missions feel mature and well-written.
Where It Falls Short
Even great games have weak points.
1. Some players dislike companions
Metroid fans love isolation. The optional companion segments feel distracting to some.
2. Semi-open world pacing
Not everyone loves the larger zones. A few players say it slows down the classic tight pacing.
3. Predictable mid-game
A few missions repeat the “find keys, unlock door” pattern a bit too much.
Metroid Prime 4 Review Scores
According to early critics:
Metacritic Score: ~80/100
Strong reviews, but not a perfect masterpiece for everyone.
Special Edition – What’s Included
The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Special Edition includes:
• Steelbook case
• Artbook
• Soundtrack selection
• Lamorn-emblem display card
• Exclusive in-game suit skin
It sold out quickly in most regions.
Walkthrough and Endings
The game has:
• A standard ending after completing the Master Teleporter mission
• A 100% ending that reveals more about Sylux and his motives
Walkthroughs are available online and continue to expand as players discover secrets.
Community Buzz: Metroid Prime 4 on Reddit
The Metroid Reddit communities share:
• Lore theories
• Sylux explanations
• Speedrunning strategies
• Comparisons to Prime 1 and Dread
• Complaints about companions
• Praise for the Switch 2 version
Fans are mostly positive.
FAQs
Will Metroid Prime 4 release date?
Yes, it was released on December 4, 2025.
How is Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 1?
It runs well at 900p/30fps, but Switch 2 plays it far better.
Will Metroid Prime 4 be an open-world game?
It’s a semi-open world, not fully open.
How long is Metroid Prime 4?
• 18–22 hours main story
• 30–35 hours completionist
Final Verdict: Should You Buy Metroid Prime 4?
Yes, especially if you’re a Metroid fan.
It’s faithful to the original Prime trilogy but fresh enough to feel modern. Samus has never looked or controlled better, and Viewros is a world worth exploring. The pacing isn’t perfect, and the NPC companions won’t please everyone, but the game still delivers a strong, atmospheric, and memorable Metroid experience.
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