After nearly eight years of anticipation, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally approaching its long-awaited launch. According to Game.news, the latest hands-on session with the Nintendo Switch 2 version shows that the game has lost none of its iconic feel, seamlessly carrying the franchise’s legacy into a new generation.
The demo begins with a return to the opening sequence previously showcased in last year’s Nintendo Direct: intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran arrives at a research station under siege by space pirates and leaps into action. After progressing through the early tutorials and battling dozens of enemies, players encounter the reintroduction of Sylux — the antagonist from Metroid Prime Hunters — who appears to have a significantly expanded role this time. Although this early portion offers only hints about his connection to the space pirates and the mysterious Metroids that now follow his command, the setup is intriguing.
From there, the hands-on session shifts to Viewros, the lush new world Samus explores without most of her classic abilities. While she must once again recover staples such as Missiles and Morph Ball bombs, she also gains an entirely new set of psychic powers thanks to a glowing purple gem embedded in her helmet. These abilities elevate both puzzle-solving and combat: Samus can manipulate specific objects with her mind, reposition psychic Morph Ball bombs before detonation, and pilot her new Control Beam freely through the air.
These powers shine brightest in the environmental puzzles and the boss encounters. Guiding a Charge Shot through narrow openings to trigger door mechanisms is both clever and rewarding. A later battle against a plant-like creature with whip-like limbs showcases the creativity of the Control Beam—players must break shielded appendages and then curve shots through the arena to hit multiple weak points in a single flow, evoking cinematic precision reminiscent of the movie Wanted.
During the session, every control scheme was tested: attached Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, and the new controller-plus-mouse setup. Surprisingly, the mouse controls proved incredibly effective. In moments requiring precise aim—locking onto an enemy while targeting multiple weak spots or activating specific panels on a door—the mouse offered unmatched speed and accuracy. “Mouse controls felt less like a gimmick and more like a fully viable option,” according to Game.news, though the Pro Controller still stands out for overall comfort during longer play sessions.
The demo also introduces a new dynamic: a stranded Federation engineer whom Samus rescues in the Fury Green region. He assists in combat, interacts with ancient Lamorn technology to progress the story, and provides occasional humor that balances Samus’ serious nature. The feature adds a fresh narrative layer, though its long-term impact remains to be seen.
Visually, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is stunning. The vibrant foliage of Viewros, the alien wildlife, and the atmospheric lighting create a rich environment, especially impressive on a large screen. Both handheld and docked modes look excellent, with only minor performance stutters that never detract from gameplay. The soundtrack further enhances the experience with eerie ambience and powerful thematic cues worthy of the franchise.
After a full console generation of development, expectations for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond are sky-high. Based on the early impressions, the game is shaping up to not only meet but potentially exceed them. Samus’ new psychic capabilities add depth without abandoning the classic exploration, combat, and backtracking that define the Metroid Prime identity. This is shaping up to be a bold and thrilling new chapter in Samus Aran’s journey.
