Metroid

Metroid fans have been beyond ready for the fourth entry in the Metroid Prime series, and now we know when the more than 18-year wait comes to an end. Announced during September’s jam-packed Nintendo Direct, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches December 4 on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, and preorders are now open for both versions at major retailers. Metroid enthusiasts can also preorder three new Amiibo figures: A new Samus Amiibo and Samus on her Vi-O-La motorcycle launch November 6, and a Sylux Amiibo releases the same day as the game.

Check out all of the Metroid Prime 4 preorder details you need to know below. We’ve also included a look at the upcoming Metroid Prime Trilogy retrospective book and two recently released official Metroid gaming accessories, including a brand-new wireless controller for Switch 1/2.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Preorder Bonuses

Nintendo rarely offers preorder bonuses with its exclusives, but it’s fairly common for retailers to have exclusive bonuses for Nintendo games. No retailer has announced any bonuses just yet, but we’ll update this story if anything changes. It took over a month for Walmart and Best Buy to reveal Pokemon Legends: Z-A exclusive bonuses. Retailers typically add the bonus to your order if you preorder before it was announced.

$70 | Releases December 4

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for Nintendo Switch 2 includes the base Switch game and the Switch 2 Upgrade Pack for $70. Like other first-party Switch 2 games and select third-party titles, the full game is stored on the cartridge, so you won’t need to download any data beyond patches.

The Switch 2 version of Metroid Prime 4 has better visuals, enhanced resolutions in handheld and docked modes, and higher frame rates. Two different graphics modes will be available at launch. When the Switch 2 is docked, Quality mode renders Samus’ latest adventure in 4K at 60fps. Performance mode offers 1080p resolution at 120fps. Metroid Prime 4’s handheld experience offers 1080p resolution at 60fps in Quality mode and 720p at 120fps in Performance mode. High Dynamic Range is supported at all times.

Switch 2 players also have the option to use mouse controls with the Joy-Con 2 to aim Samus’ arm canon. Players can swap freely between dual stick, mouse, and gyro motion controls at any time.

$60 | Releases December 4

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond retails for 10 bucks less on original Switch hardware. Like other games with versions for both generations of Switch hardware, you can upgrade to the Switch 2 edition for $10. The upgrade is available for digital and physical owners of Prime 4 on Switch.

Metroid Prime 4 Amiibo Figures

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was initially revealed back at E3 2017, just a few months after the Nintendo Switch launched. Preorders actually opened at the same time. Many fans had an Amazon preorder for nearly eight years before the retailer finally canceled all existing orders earlier this year. Prime 4 was originally being developed by Bandai Namco, but the project was scrapped and restarted in 2019 by Retro Studios. The Nintendo subsidiary developed the previous three Prime games, and Beyond is led by the original producer Kensuke Tanabe. Gameplay footage shown so far has looked very promising.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond takes place after the events of Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, though how far after remains unclear. What we do know is that it will see Samus explore an all-new planet, Viewros, populated by a new musical alien race called____ who have called on Samus to save the planet from an unknown threa. To aid in her adventure, the ____ imbue Samus with all-new psychic powers that will allow her to interface with the strange ruins and artifacts on Viewros and defend herself against the deadly creatures that live there.

As confirmed in an earlier gameplay trailer, Samus’ enigmatic rival, Sylux, will also appear and likely play a pivotable role in the storyline. Gameplay footage shown so far has looked very promising, and fans don’t have to wait much longer to explore the planet of Viewros through Samus’ iconic visor.

If you’re looking to play earlier Metroid Prime games before the Beyond arrives, unfortunately, the long-rumored Metroid Prime Trilogy for Switch never materialized. But you can at least play the gorgeous 2023 remaster of the original GameCube hit. Metroid Prime Remastered is a brilliant modernization of the 2002 classic. You can snag the physical edition for Nintendo Switch for $40 at Amazon. Samus’ 2021 side-scrolling adventure Metroid Dread is also well-worth playing.

In August, PowerA launched a pair of Metroid Prime-themed accessories. After initially selling out, the new PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller and wired gaming earbuds are back in stock at Amazon. Take a look at both of the stylish pieces of gear below.

$70

PowerA’s new Metroid-themed wireless controller is compatible with Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 via Bluetooth. The controller is officially licensed and has a traditional form factor similar to Nintendo’s Pro Controllers.

It has anti-friction joystick rings, motion controls, dual rumble motors, and two back buttons that can be remapped on the fly. The eye-catching design features Samus Aran wearing her Varia Suit and a space-themed background on the right. The Metroid Prime logo is on the left grip.

The controller can run for up to 30 hours between charges and comes with a 10-foot USB-C cable.

$25

PowerA’s Metroid Prime-themed gaming earbuds look pretty cool, but it’s worth noting upfront that the controller doesn’t have a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Switch 2 console, however, does support wired earbuds.

The $25 earbuds feature Metroid iconography on each side and three swappable silicone tips. It has an inline microphone for voice chat, 8mm dynamic audio drivers, and an adjustable slider to prevent the wires from becoming tangled.

Honestly, though, the coolest feature might be the drawstring storage bag, as it features three pieces of key art depicting Samus based on her appearances in the original trilogy.

$46.49 (was $50) | Releases October 28

Speaking of the Metroid Prime Trilogy, the highly anticipated, official visual retrospective is slated to release October 28. Made by the team behind the beautiful Legend of Zelda strategy guides, Metroid Prime 1-3: A Visual Retrospective is a 208-page cloth hardcover that sounds like a must-read book for fans.

The book includes concept art, sketches, and illustrations as well as commentary from Retro Studios developers and other behind-the-scenes materials such as producer’s notes from Nintendo’s archives. The book covers Metroid Prime, Prime 2: Echoes, Prime 3: Corruption, and Metroid Prime Remastered.

Series producer Kensuke Tanabe wrote the foreword for the book, and each game’s section is introduced by a developer from Retro Studios.

We have yet to see any of the pages, but the etched metallic-foil illustration of Samus on the cover looks awesome. Publisher Piggyback printed the book on premium art paper and stitched the pages to the binding. The hardcover is wrapped in cloth, which adds to the collectible-quality aesthetic.

Sign up for GameSpot’s Weekly Deals Newsletter:

Source link