Overview
- Nintendo released Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on December 4 for both Switch and Switch 2 after a 2019 development restart under Retro Studios.
- Early reception is mixed-to-positive, with an aggregate Metacritic score around 80–81 that currently makes it the lowest-rated mainline Prime by that metric.
- Reviewers praise Switch 2’s technical options, including 4K/60fps or 1080p/120fps in docked play and 1080p/60fps or 720p/120fps handheld, with consistently smooth performance reported.
- A Switch 2-specific Joy-Con ‘mouse’ aiming mode enables finer precision but some critics found it awkward to hold during longer or tougher encounters.
- The game sticks to classic Prime exploration and progression while adding psychic abilities and the Vi-O-La motorcycle for traversing the Sol Valley hub, drawing acclaim for visuals and boss design but criticism for overworld padding, chatty companions, and floaty shooting feel.