The gameplay reveal of the Nintendo Switch 2 included a mix of fresh experiences, yet what caught my attention was a familiar favorite: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. As someone who has followed the series closely, the demo felt like revisiting an old friend. It was evident we were exploring a section from the beginning of the game, where Samus hasn’t yet upgraded her power suit with the intriguing telekinetic abilities.
In the segment I tried, Samus had her basic tools: the trusty arm cannon, missiles, scanner, morph ball, and bombs. It was all standard fare for Prime 4, making it seem at first like a straightforward sequel. However, snippets from other footage promise enhancements and new mechanics yet to be shown, meaning this presentation focuses on fundamentally showcasing the Switch 2’s performance capabilities.
Nintendo and Retro Studios probably chose this segment with purpose. Its simplicity ensured gamers like me could truly focus on experiencing the essentials of Metroid Prime on the new hardware, rather than getting distracted by new features.
As I sat down at the demo station, a Nintendo rep quickly pointed out, “This is running at 120 frames per second.” That’s quite a statement coming from Nintendo, a company that doesn’t usually spotlight technical specifications. The reason became quickly apparent.
Metroid Prime 4 on the Switch 2 is essentially an enhanced upgrade from a game crafted to function on hardware supposedly ten times less powerful, as per some questionable Nvidia stats. The game boasts full HD visuals (with 4K available at 60fps) and a legitimately smooth 120fps performance. From what I’ve observed, it visually surpasses the original Switch version, although that older version wasn’t available for direct comparison. The silky frame rate really defies what you’d typically expect from Nintendo—in a good way.
Once you set the controller down, though, there’s something else to explore: the unique mouse controls. The Switch 2’s intriguing new gimmick allows the Joy-Con to be used like a mouse by placing it side-down on a surface. This opens the door to games designed with mouse-like precision in mind.
At the Switch 2 event, Civilization 7 was one obvious showcase for these controls, emulating the PC experience admirably. Metroid, less obviously, also shines in this setup—though the Prime series falls under the metroidvania umbrella, it has strong first-person shooter elements.
What’s fascinating about Prime 4’s implementation is that mouse control isn’t toggled. Holding a Joy-Con in each hand allows for a traditional control setup, akin to other series entries. Place the right Joy-Con on a surface, however, and the game seamlessly switches to mouselook mode. No menus, no hassle, just smooth transitions.
If you’ve experienced mouselook, you understand how it should operate, and Prime 4 nails it effortlessly. This setup makes the game responsive and intuitive, creating a fluid synergy between playstyles.
In the section I played, combat took center stage, overshadowing the puzzle-solving typically associated with Metroid. Over roughly thirty minutes, I eased into the flow, juggling the Joy-Con like a seasoned gamer. When navigation was needed, I relied on the Joy-Con’s traditional feel. But when battles heated up, I instinctively turned the Joy-Con for precise mouselooking.
During a boss fight, I opted exclusively for mouse controls. With classic weak spots flashing on the enemy, the accuracy offered by mouse aiming gave me a distinct advantage over those using traditional methods, letting me dispatch the boss with impressive efficiency.
Combined with the game’s sleek 120fps output, playing Metroid Prime 4 felt almost too good to be true—akin to bending some gaming rule. This level of precision and performance was unheard of for a Nintendo title unless—well—you were cutting corners. For me, one issue with the original Switch was its performance, not its visuals. But if Metroid Prime 4 hints at the future, we can anticipate phenomenal upgrades focusing on performance rather than just graphical enhancements.
By the time Metroid Prime 4: Beyond rolls out later this year, there could be a version for the original Switch. But let’s be honest, if you’re aiming to get the full experience amidst today’s uncertainties, the Switch 2 is clearly the platform to choose—a true next-gen leap, which is exactly what fans expect with every upgrade.
