At long last, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is (almost) here. The highly anticipated fourth entry in the Prime series releases this Thursday, December 4, on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. If you haven’t preordered a copy yet, physical editions for both platforms are in stock at multiple retailers. Launch-day delivery isn’t guaranteed at this point, but Best Buy is still shipping “by release date” and is offering in-store pickup at launch.
If you want to play Prime 4 in 4K but don’t yet have a Switch 2, the Switch 2 Mario Kart bundle is on sale for a $50 discount after Cyber Monday.
- Preorder Metroid Prime 4 on Switch 2:
- Preorder Metroid Prime 4 on Switch:
Metroid fans can also preorder the new Sylux Amiibo for $30 at Amazon, Best Buy, and other major retailers. Sylux launches alongside the game and follows last month’s Samus Amiibo and Samus & Vi-O-La Amiibo. Along with the Amiibo, fans should check out the recently released Metroid Prime action figure sets at Walmart and Club Mocchi-Mocchi plushies at Amazon. There are two $15 3-packs and a $25 Ultraviolet Glow Metroid Figure.
You can also get limited-time deals on officially licensed Nintendo Switch 2 gear. PowerA’s Metroid Prime 4 Slim Case for Switch 2 is discounted to $16 (was $20), and the Metroid Prime Crossbody Bag is on sale for $20 (was $25). You can also save $10 on PowerA’s Metroid-themed gaming earbuds.
Quick look: Metroid Prime 4 Merch
$70 | Releases December 4
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for Nintendo Switch 2 includes the base Switch game and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for $70. Like other first-party Switch 2 games and select third-party titles, the full game is stored on the cartridge, so you won’t need to download any data beyond patches.
The Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4 has better visuals, enhanced resolutions in handheld and docked modes, and higher frame rates. Two different graphics modes will be available at launch. When the Switch 2 is docked, Quality mode renders Samus’ latest adventure in 4K at 60fps. Performance mode offers 1080p resolution at 120fps. Metroid Prime 4’s handheld experience offers 1080p resolution at 60fps in Quality mode and 720p at 120fps in Performance mode. High Dynamic Range is supported at all times.
Switch 2 players also have the option to use mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2 to aim Samus’ arm canon. Players can swap freely between dual stick, mouse, and gyro motion controls at any time.
$60 | Releases December 4
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond retails for 10 bucks less on original Switch hardware. Like other games with versions for both generations of Switch hardware, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for $10. The upgrade is available for digital and physical owners of Prime 4 on Switch.
Where to Buy Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Amiibo
- Sylux — $30 | Dec. 4
- Samus & Vi-O-La — $40
- Samus — $30
$70
PowerA’s new Metroid-themed wireless controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 via Bluetooth. The controller is officially licensed and has a traditional form factor similar to Nintendo’s Pro Controllers.
It has anti-friction joystick rings, motion controls, dual rumble motors, and two back buttons that can be remapped on the fly. The eye-catching design features Samus Aran wearing her Varia Suit and a space-themed background on the right. The Metroid Prime logo is on the left grip.
The controller can run for up to 30 hours between charges and comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable.
$16 (was $20)
PowerA’s Slim Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2 has Metroid Prime 4: Beyond’s cover art on the front and back of the hardshell exterior. The inside of the case has soft lining, a built-in console stand, and slots for 10 games.
$14.42 (was $25)
PowerA’s Metroid Prime-themed gaming earbuds look pretty cool, but it’s worth noting upfront that the controller doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Switch 2 console, however, does support wired earbuds.
The earbuds feature Metroid iconography on each side and three swappable silicone tips. It has an inline microphone for voice chat, 8mm dynamic audio drivers, and an adjustable slider to prevent the wires from becoming tangled.
Honestly, though, the coolest feature might be the drawstring storage bag, as it features three pieces of key art depicting Samus based on her appearances in the original trilogy.
$20 (was $25)
The Metroid Prime Trilogy Crossbody Bag features the same artwork found on the drawstring bag included with the earbuds. PowerA says the bag is designed for Nintendo Switch OLED, Switch, and Switch Lite. That said, it will work with the Nintendo Switch 2 if you remove the Joy-Con 2 Controllers.
$50 | Available Now
Speaking of the Metroid Prime Trilogy, the official visual retrospective released October 28. Made by the team behind the beautiful Legend of Zelda strategy guides, Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective is a 208-page clothbound hardcover that all fans will want to check out.
The book includes concept art, sketches, and illustrations as well as commentary from Retro Studios developers and other behind-the-scenes materials such as producer’s notes from Nintendo’s archives. The book covers Metroid Prime, Prime 2: Echoes, Prime 3: Corruption, and Metroid Prime Remastered.
Series producer Kensuke Tanabe wrote the foreword for the book, and each game’s section is introduced by a developer from Retro Studios.
Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective is a gorgeous book. It has an etched metallic-foil illustration of Samus on the clothbound cover, sheet-fed art paper, and a stitched binding.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond earned an 8/10 in GameSpot’s review. We praised its wonderful level design, stellar boss battles, and gorgeous visuals. We weren’t quite as sold on Vi-O-La–the motorbike you ride to travel between areas. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond currently holds an 81 on GameSpot sister site Metacritic.
If you haven’t played the phenomenal remaster of the original Metroid Prime, we’d highly recommend checking it out. It’s not necessary to play it to understand Prime 4’s story, but you will likely appreciate Prime 4 more by Metroid Prime Remastered as a foundation.
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