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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond introduced Samus Aran’s psychic abilities in March 2025 and launched on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on December 4, 2025. Nintendo says the powers let her redirect beams, operate mechanisms and open doors as she explores the planet Viewros.
What are Samus’s psychic powers in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?
Nintendo first showed Samus’s new abilities in its March 27, 2025 announcement. They are used to clear paths and interact with parts of the environment. Nintendo identified three demonstrated uses:
- Control the trajectory of Samus’s beams.
- Operate mechanisms.
- Open doors.
The powers are acquired as Samus explores Viewros. Nintendo describes them as an additional tool for exploration, alongside her scans, equipment and weapons.
When did Metroid Prime 4: Beyond come out?
Nintendo confirmed a December 4, 2025 release for both Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in its September 19, 2025 announcement. The release date is now historical: the game has launched. Nintendo’s US store page lists the Switch 2 Edition as available now.
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#1 Best Overall
- Explore a mysterious planet to find your way home
What is the game about?
An accident transports Samus to Viewros, a planet of ancient ruins and jungle. She must explore the unfamiliar world and find a way home. Nintendo’s UK product page identifies the Lamorn as an alien race that once inhabited the planet and says they make a solemn request of Samus. The same page describes Sylux as an enigmatic bounty hunter with a grudge against the Galactic Federation and Samus.
Exploration combines scanning, weapons, psychic abilities and travel on Vi-O-La, a technologically advanced bike. Nintendo says the bike is also used in combat in open areas. The game is categorized as a first-person action-adventure shooter with puzzle-solving, and Nintendo lists single-system play for one player.
Rank #2
- 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.
What’s different in the Switch 2 Edition?
The Switch 2 Edition adds Joy-Con 2 mouse-control support and enhanced visuals, frame rates and load times compared with the Nintendo Switch version. Nintendo lists these display modes for Switch 2:
| Mode | TV / docked | Handheld |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | 4K at 60 fps | 1080p at 60 fps |
| Performance | 1080p at 120 fps | 720p at 120 fps |
Nintendo lists both modes as HDR compatible. In TV mode, 4K, HDR and 120 fps require compatible displays; the listed output is not a promise that every screen supports those features.
Rank #3
![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
If you already own the Nintendo Switch version
Nintendo Support says the Switch 2 Edition Upgrade Pack is available through Nintendo eShop on Switch 2 and the Nintendo Store. It adds the Switch 2 features to the game. Check your region’s current edition, packaging and upgrade terms before buying; availability and terms can vary.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What do the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond amiibo do?
Nintendo lists three game-specific amiibo, sold separately, with distinct functions. Its amiibo support page documents what each one does:
Rank #4
- 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.
| amiibo | Documented in-game function |
|---|---|
| Samus | Grants a temporary Health Shield once per day and unlocks a Vi-O-La radio. Two additional tracks become available after finishing the game. |
| Samus & Vi-O-La | Tracks distance traveled on Vi-O-La and unlocks alternate bike skins at milestones. Scan the figure again to update progress and unlock additional skins. |
| Sylux | Provides easier access to an in-game cinematic and plays voice lines. |
Nintendo also says other Metroid series amiibo can be scanned to hear sounds from the game. The figures’ listed release dates were November 6, 2025, for Samus and Samus & Vi-O-La, and December 4, 2025, for Sylux, according to Nintendo’s UK page. Current stock and prices are not established here.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Iconic Design: Carry your Nintendo Switch 2 system in style with a case featuring a design inspired by your favorite Nintendo games and characters
- Structured Protection: Molded interior with soft fabric lining
- Game Storage: Securely holds up to 10 game cards*
- Integrated Play Stand: unfold the convenient play stand and enjoy tabletop mode with ease
- Padded Screen Protector: The play stand doubles as a padded screen protector when the system is inside the case
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.
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