[GUIDE] Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Here's what makes the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition different!
The galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter Samus Aran must explore a mysterious alien planet, Viewros, to find a way home in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. You can play an upgraded version on Nintendo Switch 2… but what are the differences between the Nintendo Switch version?
TL;DR: Here is what to expect on the Nintendo Switch 2
- Precision Controls - Support for Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
- Higher resolutions for more detail - Support for up to 4K resolution when playing in TV mode*, and 1080p in Handheld/Tabletop Mode.
- Smoother Gameplay - Support for frame rates of up to 120 fps**
- Vivid colours - HDR support***
What's the story?
The UTO research center is attacked by a deadly sharpshooter named Sylux. The lone bounty hunter Samus answers the distress call- but as the confrontation escalates things take an unexpected turn... Regaining consciousness, she finds herself on an unknown planet named "Viewros". Aiming to get off the planet alive, it's here her latest quest begins...
Aim with Joy-Con 2 mouse controls
Play using mouse controls made possible by the Joy-Con 2 controllers or standard button controls. Move the Joy-Con 2 controller like a mouse to aim and navigate with greater precision. You can do this on most flat surfaces - like at a table, desk, or even on your lap while sat on the sofa. You can attach the Joy-Con 2 straps for added stability, and to make gliding across surfaces feel even smoother.
Choose your display mode
https://reddit.com/link/1pbjket/video/6ftrvv2sok4g1/player
Explore planet Viewros in greater detail with a higher resolution, faster framerate, and HDR support for more vivid colours. There are two different graphics modes to choose from:
Quality Mode
- Docked: 4K 60 fps HDR
- Handheld/Tabletop: 1080p 60 fps HDR
Performance Mode
- Docked: 1080p 120 fps HDR
- Handheld/Tabletop: 720p 120 fps HDR
Go all-in on visual detail with Quality mode, or choose Performance mode to prioritise even smoother gameplay. You can choose either mode to suit your preference. Simply toggle them anytime from the in-game menu!
The screen on the Nintendo Switch 2 supports up to 1080p resolution and HDR right out of the box. If you want to experience 4K and HDR in TV mode, you'll need a compatible TV.
Here's what critics are saying...
"Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks fantastic and the environments are some of the more varied and interesting in any Nintendo Switch 2 game, let alone Metroid more generally." - GAMINGbible
"Wonderful to find that atmospheric, engrossing, and sometimes unsettling audio-visual experience truly intact." - TechRadar Gaming
"Something special for both long-time fans and newcomers" - Gfinity
''Performance Mode is 1080p and 120fps - silky." - Eurogamer
"Looks superb on Nintendo Switch 2" - Mirror
"Metroid Prime 4 is shaping up to be everything I wanted from it, and certainly the follow-up to 3 that we've been waiting for." - Radio Times
Upgrade Pack Available
There is a paid Upgrade Pack sold separately. This means that if you decide to get the Nintendo Switch version, you can upgrade to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition when you're ready.
Find out more
Check out the Overview Trailer by clicking here. There, you can find out about the story, the world, Samus' new psychic abilities, the bike Vi-O-La, The Lamorn, The Galactic Federation, and - of course - Sylux.
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*Requires a TV that supports the specified resolution.
**Display compatible with 120Hz refresh rate required for 120 fps in TV mode. 120 fps only available at 1080p resolution. Frame rate is fixed to a maximum of 60 fps for 4K output.
***HDR-compatible display required when playing in TV mode.
Posted Dec 1, 2025, 5:51 PM UTC · locked