During today's Nintendo Switch Direct, fans were treated to an exciting new glimpse of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. The showcased footage highlighted Samus Aran's new psychic-infused gameplay mechanics, complete with a striking red-and-purple suit. The game is set to launch later this year, promising an immersive experience for players.
The new trailer focused on a variety of psychic abilities that Samus will use to navigate the mysterious planet Viewros. The gameplay has a distinct BioShock-like feel, as Samus scans ancient stone figures and battles new enemies with bursts of purple energy, controlled deftly with her free hand. Viewros, a lush jungle world where Samus finds herself unexpectedly transported, appears to have been home to intelligent life for centuries, centered around a colossal tree.
While Nintendo has remained somewhat secretive about the exact release date of Metroid Prime 4, they have confirmed a 2025 release window. Today's gameplay reveal offered insight into how these new psychic powers will function within the game. These abilities will not only allow Samus to interact with enigmatic mechanisms but also to manipulate energy shots through the planet's unique wildlife.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has experienced a tumultuous development journey, initially announced at E3 2017 with just a logo, then disappearing from the public eye for years before a change in developers and a reintroduction last year with actual gameplay footage. Today's Direct, which was solely focused on the current Nintendo Switch, leaves many wondering if Metroid Prime 4 will see any enhanced features on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. However, it's confirmed that the game will be playable on both platforms.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch Direct, you can find more details right here.
