Samus Returns: Early Impressions of Metroid Prime 4 on the Nintendo Switch 2
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is not just a highly anticipated sequel; it appears to be a technical showcase for the new generation of Nintendo hardware. In our ongoing time with the game, Beyond has proven to be a solitary yet stunning endeavor, masterfully translating the Metroidvania formula into a polished first-person shooter experience. While we have not yet completed Samus’s journey, our initial hours confirm that this title is shaping up to be a defining moment for the franchise and the Nintendo Switch 2 platform.
Technical Mastery: Visuals and Unwavering Performance
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is arguably the first title that truly demonstrates the potential of the new Nintendo hardware. Its optimization is exceptional, providing players with robust performance options:
-
Docked Experience: Players can choose between a visually sharp 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (FPS) or a hyper-smooth 1080p resolution at 120 FPS.
-
Handheld Options: The game maintains flexibility in portable mode, offering 1080p at 60 FPS or 720p at 120 FPS.
Crucially, even when running at the demanding 4K/60FPS setting, the game has maintained a flawless, stable frame rate. This sturdy performance ensures that the player can fully appreciate the gorgeous art direction—from the beauty of cavernous halls to the striking, rusty aesthetic of the Volt Forge—without graphical distraction.
The Metroid Formula: Isolation and Pacing
The core appeal of the Metroid Prime series—the sense of isolation and being deliberately pitted against the odds—is strongly preserved in Beyond. The game successfully re-establishes the core muscle memory, despite the 18-year gap since its predecessor:
-
Isolation and Risk: Beyond doubles down on the classic Metroid design philosophy. Save points are scarce and widely spread, punishing errors and forcing the player to keenly feel the danger of the uncharted planet of Viewros. This design choice strongly reinforces the feeling of fighting for existence against a hostile world.
-
Calculated Combat: The first-person combat feels heavy, deliberate, and calculated, rewarding strategic use of Samus’s arsenal over mere brute force.
-
Pacing Nitpick: The only minor drawback in the early hours is the pacing. Key advertised gear, such as the awesome Vi-O-La motorcycle, is piecemealed into the later stages of initial locations, slightly padding out the early game progression.
Shaping Up for a Franchise-Defining Release
Despite minor pacing issues, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivers everything fans have requested: modernized controls, a slick UI, and stunning, highly optimized visuals. The early hours suggest that the game perfectly balances open-ended exploration with tense, calculated combat, making it a strong contender for the title of the best FPS game on the Nintendo Switch platform. Our final review will confirm whether the momentum holds through to the stunning conclusion.
