Start Metroid Prime 4: Beyond by scanning unfamiliar surroundings, matching your equipment to what you find, and treating Samus’s psychic abilities as part of her regular toolkit. The game’s areas connect through Sol Valley, where Vi-O-La opens up fast traversal. These eight tips explain what to look for without spoiling the story.
1. Scan unfamiliar things before guessing
The Scan Visor collects and processes environmental information, and Nintendo says scanning your surroundings for clues is part of the game. Use it when you encounter an unfamiliar object, mechanism, or threat whose purpose is unclear. It can help you understand what you are looking at rather than simply prompting you to shoot it.
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Scanning everything is not established as a requirement for progression. If a route seems blocked, observe the area, scan anything that might offer a clue, and consider returning after gaining another ability. That is a useful exploration habit, not a guaranteed solution to every obstacle. For the Scan Visor’s controls, check the game’s control menu; Nintendo’s overview does not specify a button.
2. Match your equipment to the problem
Samus’s starting kit includes the Power Suit, Scan Visor, Power and Charge Beam, Missiles, and Morph Ball. Each gives you a different way to approach the world:
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- Nintendo Switch 2 features Aim with a Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse Experience enhanced resolution, framerate, and load times in the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game
- Explore a mysterious planet to find your way home Deadly sharpshooter Sylux has finally caught up with renowned bounty hunter Samus Aran! After an unexpected accident in the wake of their clash, Samus finds herself transported to Viewros—a mysterious planet once inhabited by an ancient race. Now she must explore this planet, all while battling the strange creatures that inhabit it, to find her way home.
- Scan your surroundings for clues, make the most of your equipment and weapons, and use Samus’s newfound psychic abilities—and her technologically advanced bike, the Vi-O-La—to traverse and explore the environment. Operate mechanisms, control your charge beam, and more—you’ll need every tool at your disposal to survive and escape Viewros!
- Play with mouse controls, enhanced visuals, and two different display modes—only on the Nintendo Switch 2 system Aim with a Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse! The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game also features enhanced resolution, framerate, and load times.
- Two display modes let you choose how to experience the adventure. Enjoy more detail in Quality Mode, which runs at 60 frames per second in 4k while docked and in 1080p while in handheld, or prioritize super-smooth action with a higher frame rate in Performance Mode, which runs at 120 frames per second in 1080p while docked and 720p in while in handheld. Both choices are HDR compatible.
- Power and Charge Beam: The beam supports rapid fire or charged shots.
- Missiles: Nintendo describes these as highly accurate, target-tracking projectiles.
- Morph Ball: Lets Samus take her compact ball form.
- Scan Visor: Collects and processes information about the environment.
When something stops you, first ask whether it calls for information, a different form, or a different weapon. The official overview does not specify when to conserve ammunition or which weapon works best against particular enemies, so follow the clues the game gives you rather than assuming one tool solves every encounter.
3. Use psychic abilities for puzzles and combat
Samus’s new psychic abilities are not just a separate puzzle gimmick. The Psychic Glove manipulates energy and activates mechanisms; the Control Beam guides projectile trajectories. Nintendo also describes using psychic abilities to operate mechanisms and steer charged shots into otherwise inaccessible areas.
When ordinary weapons do not resolve an interaction, consider whether a mechanism or projectile could be controlled psychically. The exact action depends on what the game presents, so use its on-screen prompts rather than relying on assumed button combinations.
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- Explore a mysterious planet to find your way home
- Deadly sharpshooter Sylux has finally caught up with renowned bounty hunter Samus Aran! After an unexpected accident in the wake of their clash, Samus finds herself transported to Viewros—a mysterious planet once inhabited by an ancient race. Now she must explore this planet, all while battling the strange creatures that inhabit it, to find her way home.
- Scan your surroundings for clues, make the most of your equipment and weapons, and use Samus’s newfound psychic abilities—and her technologically advanced bike, the Vi-O-La—to traverse and explore the environment. Operate mechanisms, control your charge beam, and more—you’ll need every tool at your disposal to survive and escape Viewros!
4. Learn the shape of Sol Valley
The game’s zones are linked by Sol Valley, a vast open desert. It is a connecting hub, not evidence that the whole game is a single open world. Once you obtain Vi-O-La, Samus can traverse the valley freely.
Pay attention to how the desert connects the places you visit. If you are moving between zones or crossing open ground, Vi-O-La is more than a way to get from one point to another.
5. Use Vi-O-La’s actions, not just its speed
Vi-O-La lets Samus boost through enemies and objects, counterattack approaching hostiles, and break rocks to collect ore. These functions make riding relevant to both traversal and interaction.
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![Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41qNSkThD6L._SL160_.jpg)
- 1. Explore the mysterious planet Viewros as the renowned bounty hunter Samus Aran
- 2. Scan your surroundings for clues and make the most of your equipment and weapons to survive
- 3. Use Samus’s newfound psychic abilities—and her technologically advanced bike, the Vi-O-La—to traverse and explore the environment.
When you encounter an obstacle or hostile while riding, consider whether a boost, counterattack, or rock-breaking action applies. Nintendo’s overview establishes these uses but does not provide specific input instructions, so follow the in-game controls and prompts.
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Galactic Federation troopers were also transported to Viewros. Following their distress signals can lead you to them, and Nintendo says Samus occasionally battles alongside them.
Treat a signal as a reason to investigate if you want to explore and encounter more of the game’s supporting cast. Nintendo’s overview does not establish that these encounters are mandatory or promise a particular reward.
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![Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415BEE24o-L._SL160_.jpg)
- Two display modes let you choose how to experience the adventure.
- Enjoy more detail in Quality Mode, which runs at 60 frames per second in 4k while docked and in 1080p while in handheld, or prioritize super-smooth action with a higher frame rate in Performance Mode, which runs at 120 frames per second in 1080p while docked and 720p in while in handheld. Both choices are HDR compatible.
7. Choose the edition that fits your console
Both the Nintendo Switch version and Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launched on December 4, 2025. The Switch 2 Edition adds improved resolution, framerate, and loading, with a choice between Quality and Performance modes. It also supports aiming with a Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse. Nintendo UK lists capabilities of up to 4K resolution in TV mode, up to 120 fps, and HDR; these are maximum specifications, not a guarantee that every mode reaches all of them at once.
| Edition | Compatibility | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch version | Nintendo Switch | The version for players using a Switch. |
| Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Nintendo Switch 2 only | Enhanced resolution, framerate, and loading; Quality and Performance modes; Joy-Con 2 mouse aiming. |
| Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack | For existing Switch owners upgrading to the Switch 2 Edition | A separately purchased upgrade pack is available, according to Nintendo UK. |
Before buying, check which console you own, whether the Switch 2 enhancements or mouse aiming matter to you, and the current price in your region. Nintendo of America displayed prices of $59.99 for the Switch version, $69.99 for the Switch 2 Edition, and $9.99 for the upgrade pack when accessed October 4, 2026; prices can change. Nintendo of America’s game overview and Nintendo UK’s Switch 2 Edition page provide edition details.
8. Treat amiibo as optional extras
You do not need amiibo for the basic game. Nintendo documents optional effects for three game-specific figures:
- Samus: Provides a temporary Health Shield once per day and unlocks a Vi-O-La radio. Two more tracks unlock after finishing the game.
- Samus & Vi-O-La: Tracks riding distance and unlocks alternate vehicle skins at milestones. Scan the figure again as you travel to update its progress.
- Sylux: Makes an in-game cinematic easier to access and plays voice lines.
Other compatible Metroid series amiibo can play various sounds. These are bonuses for figure owners, not reasons to delay starting the game if you do not have one.
How to scan an amiibo in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
- Open the pause menu with the minus button.
- Use L or R to navigate to the amiibo menu.
- Select SCAN amiibo.
- Touch the figure to the controller’s NFC touchpoint.
Nintendo Support documents these steps and figure effects in its amiibo instructions for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.
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