Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launched on Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch on December 4, 2025. The Switch 2 Edition adds Joy-Con 2 mouse-style aiming, improved visuals and frame-rate options, and HDR support. If you already own the Switch version, Nintendo offers an upgrade pack rather than requiring you to buy the game again.
What’s different in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition?
Nintendo’s Switch 2 Edition adds three main features: mouse-style aiming with Joy-Con 2, two graphics modes, and support for HDR. Nintendo describes these as edition features; its published resolution and frame-rate targets are specifications, not independent performance measurements.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
- Joy-Con 2 mouse controls: Use a compatible Joy-Con 2 in mouse mode for aiming. Standard button controls are also supported.
- Quality Mode: Prioritizes visual detail, targeting 4K at 60 frames per second (fps) when docked, or 1080p at 60 fps in handheld or tabletop mode.
- Performance Mode: Prioritizes frame rate, targeting 1080p at 120 fps when docked, or 720p at 120 fps in handheld or tabletop mode.
- HDR: Supported with a compatible display. The 4K and 120 fps TV-mode features also require a compatible display.
These are Nintendo of America’s published targets for the Switch 2 Edition, not results from independent testing. See Nintendo’s US product listing for the mode specifications.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Which display mode should you choose?
| Mode | Docked | Handheld or tabletop | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 4K at 60 fps | 1080p at 60 fps | Higher resolution and visual detail |
| Performance | 1080p at 120 fps | 720p at 120 fps | Higher frame rate |
Choose Quality if you prefer the higher resolution target, especially on a compatible TV. Choose Performance if smoother motion is more important to you than resolution. The difference matters most when your screen can use the corresponding output: the docked 4K and 120 fps features require a compatible display, as does HDR.
#1 Best Overall
- 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.
Can you upgrade if you already own Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Switch?
Yes. Nintendo says owners of the Nintendo Switch game can buy an upgrade pack for Switch 2 through the Switch 2 eShop or Nintendo Store. A game update is also required to use the added features on Switch 2. Check Nintendo’s upgrade pack listing for current purchasing details.
If you do not own the game, Nintendo lists a separate Switch 2 Edition, including a physical version. The edition is designed for Switch 2 and includes its exclusive features; buying the upgrade pack is the relevant option if you already own the Switch version.
Rank #2
![Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Nintendo Switch 2 Edition - Nintendo Switch 2 [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/415BEE24o-L._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.
- 4. Aim with a Joy-Con 2 controller as a mouse
- 5. Experience enhanced resolution, framerate, and load times in the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of the game
Does the Switch 2 Edition run on the original Nintendo Switch?
No. Nintendo says the Switch 2 Edition itself is playable only on Switch 2. Its game card can run the Nintendo Switch version on an original Switch, but the Switch 2-exclusive features are not available there. Nintendo’s UK product page explains this cross-platform compatibility.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsWhat is Metroid Prime 4: Beyond about?
Nintendo describes a single-player adventure in which Samus is transported to the alien planet Viewros after an accident during a clash with Sylux. The Lamorn grant her psychic abilities, which can operate mechanisms and alter the trajectory of charged shots. The game’s official description also highlights scanning, combat, finding upgrades, and travelling on the Vi-O-La vehicle. These are details from Nintendo’s description, not an independent assessment of the game.
Rank #3
- 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.
What did Nintendo announce about the release?
Nintendo’s September 19, 2025 announcement said: “Metroid Prime 4: Beyond – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition launches on Nintendo Switch 2 December 4, with the Nintendo Switch version also launching the same day.” Nintendo’s announcement and product pages provide the edition and compatibility details; pricing and availability vary by market.
Are there compatible amiibo?
Nintendo lists game-compatible Metroid Prime 4: Beyond amiibo sold separately. Its UK product page names Samus, Samus with Vi-O-La, and Sylux figures. Availability and stock can differ by region.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →
