Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Preview Points to Atmospheric Return, Strong Combat on Nintendo’s New Hardware

NEW YORK – November 18, 2025: Game Rant conducted a hands-on preview of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at the Lightbox in New York City, spending roughly 90 minutes with Nintendo’s long-delayed first-person adventure. Early impressions highlight an eerie, atmospheric tone, dynamic combat, and a visually striking presentation on Nintendo’s new hardware, commonly referred to as the Switch 2.

First announced at E3 2017, the game underwent a full development reset in 2019. At the time, Nintendo said the project had “not reached the standards [Nintendo] seeks in a sequel to the Metroid Prime series.”

Years in the Making: A Reset, a Return, and a Fresh Look

Following a high-profile restart from scratch in 2019, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is reemerging with momentum, according to Game Rant’s hands-on session. The preview event opened with the same early sequence showcased during the Nintendo Treehouse presentation earlier this year, offering about 15 minutes of foundational gameplay to reintroduce Samus Aran‘s arsenal and core systems.

In the opener, Samus responds to a Galactic Federation outpost under attack. Game Rant reported that combat felt familiar yet sharp, with “simplified” first-person mechanics remaining responsive and fast-paced. Aggressive enemy AI kept encounters “dynamic,” reinforcing the series’ lock-on-driven firefights while preserving the option for free-aim.

Hands-On Takeaways from New York City

Fury Green Biome Showcases Exploration and Scale

Beyond the opening, the demo shifted to the lush Fury Green biome. Game Rant described a mix of tight, vine-filled caverns and ancient, overgrown structures that opened into sweeping vistas populated by alien wildlife. The publication noted that the game’s draw distance and environmental detail stand out on Nintendo’s latest hardware, calling Metroid Prime 4: Beyond a potential “crown jewel” for the platform’s early lineup.

Audio design drew similar praise. The soundtrack’s soothing synths and serene vocal elements, paired with the tactile sounds of Samus’ technology and ambient environmental cues, reinforced the franchise’s signature isolation-in-space mood, according to the preview.

Controls: Lock-On Dominates Despite New Input Options

Moment-to-moment gameplay remains closely aligned with prior Metroid Prime entries. Samus can strafe and fire with precision, and the series’ signature lock-on is present for quick target tracking. Game Rant said the aggressive enemy patterns often steered them toward lock-on over free-aim for both effectiveness and enjoyment.

Nintendo has positioned the game as an ambassador for the Switch 2 mouse controls. Game Rant reported that these controls “work just as intended,” allowing seamless switching between aiming styles with smooth, responsive input. However, the outlet characterized mouse aiming as feeling like a novelty in practice due to the strength of lock-on. The publication also noted comfort concerns during extended use, citing Joy-Con size and trigger positioning that led to hand cramping. Gyro controls, which require toggling in settings, were described as even less valuable within the current setup.

Combat and Atmosphere Lead the Early Strengths

Despite caveats around alternative inputs, Game Rant’s preview emphasized that combat and atmosphere emerged as the standout elements. The session highlighted:

• Responsive combat with aggressive enemy AI that keeps firefights engaging.
• Exploration-rich environments in Fury Green, spanning caverns, ruins, and expansive vistas.
• High-impact presentation with detailed visuals and strong draw distances on Nintendo’s new hardware.
• Immersive audio blending synth-led music, ambient soundscapes, and distinctive tech effects.

Context: From E3 2017 Reveal to 2019 Restart

Originally unveiled as a major exclusive for the first Switch, the project’s trajectory changed two years later with a full reboot. Nintendo stated the in-progress build had “not reached the standards [Nintendo] seeks in a sequel to the Metroid Prime series,” prompting the reset and a renewed focus on quality.

Conclusion: Anticipation Builds as Nintendo’s Showcase Title Takes Shape

Based on this 90-minute hands-on, Game Rant’s early verdict points to Metroid Prime 4: Beyond delivering on the series’ core pillars-atmosphere, exploration, and responsive combat-while testing new input features on the Switch 2. With visuals and audio presentation drawing particular attention, the game is positioned as a potential showcase for Nintendo’s latest hardware. Nintendo has not provided new release details in this preview context, and fans now await the next round of updates.