Metroid Prime 4 has been a running joke for years. Ever since an announcement trailer dropped all the way back in the Wii U era, fans have been clamouring for this game to be released. But delay after delay had many losing hope that this game would ever see the light of day. However, those fears were alleviated when Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was officially shown off earlier this year. I’ve been keen to see more of this game, and I got my chance at PAX Aus 2025 at Nintendo’s booth. Does it look like it’ll live up to the hype, or should they put it back in the oven for a little longer?
One of the main features of this game is the option to use the new mouse mode on the Switch 2, and this demo was set up to use this control scheme. I’ll admit, I kinda sucked ass at aiming for a little bit as I tried to wrap my head around the controls, but once I got it, it was very responsive. You can also tell that this game was made with this control scheme in mind, as the demo had numerous doors, puzzles, and enemies that could be easily dispatched with the mouse aim. You can still use a normal control scheme, but it seems like the Joy-Con mouse is the intended way.
Aside from the controls, the game is very similar to other Metroid Prime games. It’s in first-person, switches to third-person while using the morph ball ability, multiple blaster mods, missiles, and you scan absolutely everything. The demo didn’t deviate much from the basics, as I’m assuming it’s the intro mission. Still, I’m keen to see how they expand on these pre-existing concepts and further mix them with the new control scheme, especially if they continue to use the boss fights to introduce new mechanics (love that shit).
After being in development hell for years, you’d hope that the game at least looks great, and it sure as shit does. Metroid Prime 4 is a gorgeous game and maybe one of the best on the Switch 2. The environments are extremely detailed, with a futuristic art style that I dig a lot. The lighting is also phenomenal and makes everything look cinematic, even when I was flailing around trying to aim. There’s also a giant robot set piece that looked cool as shit, which is always a plus in my book.
Aside from just looking great, the game also runs really well. The game has basically no loading screens, even between cutscenes and gameplay. The transitions are seamless and help to keep you in the action (it better be after such a long development cycle). I am curious to see how well it runs in the full game (as the demo is just a taste), but I am now optimistic that there will be no issues whatsoever.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be another banger in the Metroid series. The new control scheme, visuals, and overall vibe are fantastic, and I’m excited to check out the full game in December.
Are you keen for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond? Have you played the other games? What’s your favourite Metroid game? Let us know in the comments where we can talk about all things Metroid.
