During the Nintendo Switch 2 showcase, there were plenty of new experiences to get excited about. However, for fans of the Metroid series, the standout was arguably the familiar sight of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
Taking the controls of Metroid Prime 4 felt like slipping on a well-worn glove for followers of the series like myself, focusing on an early sequence in the game. Samus, armed with her classic gear like the arm cannon, missiles, scanner, morph ball, and bombs, was missing the shiny new upgrades we’ve heard about. This section seemed deliberately chosen, probably from the game’s start, before the power suit enhancements kick in.
This hands-on demo from Nintendo and Retro Studios served a purpose. It streamlined the experience, putting the spotlight on how the Switch 2’s hardware handles Metroid’s core features rather than getting lost in new complexities.
As I settled in to play, the Nintendo representative was quick to highlight, “This runs at 120 frames per second.” Performance stats aren’t usually Nintendo’s selling point, but in this case, it’s understandable. The game, originally designed for weaker hardware, boasted a full HD resolution at 120fps natively on the Switch 2. It also has a 4K option, albeit at 60fps, all of which made it look quite a bit better compared to the streams of the original Switch version.
What truly stood out was the mouse control option using the Joy-Con in a novel manner on the Switch 2. By placing the Joy-Con sideways on a flat surface, it effectively turns into a mouse—a nod to PC-style gaming that changes the playing field for games that benefit from precise controls. The convenience of switching to “mouselook” was impressive. No menus needed; just place the Joy-Con down, and the game shifts modes instantly.
I could enjoy traditional Joy-Con play for exploration and puzzles and easily transition to mouse controls for combat, leveraging the best of both setups. The fluid transition made complex maneuvers and gameplay adjustments seamless.
In a combat-heavy demo segment, I quickly got comfortable with this hybrid style. During boss fights, the precision offered by the mouse mode allowed me to target vulnerabilities with incredible ease. The experience felt almost like cheating compared to traditional controls, combining fast frame rates with precise movements in a way that was previously unavailable on Nintendo devices without external tweaks.
As Metroid Prime 4 nears its release, it’s clear that for those able to make the jump to new hardware, the enhanced experience on Switch 2 is a no-brainer. Even if there’s going to be a version for the original Switch, for the full potential and gaming experience, Switch 2 is the place to be. This next-gen upgrade really shows what Nintendo is aiming for in the future.
