Picture this: Samus Aran, the legendary bounty hunter, sliding across the battlefield in a move straight out of Akira – and it's all coming to life in the fresh gameplay trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond! If you've ever dreamed of diving deeper into the Metroid universe, this update is your gateway, packed with thrilling reveals that could redefine how we play. But here's where it gets controversial: Is Nintendo pushing the boundaries too far with these new additions, or are they the perfect evolution of a classic franchise? Let's break it down step by step, so even newcomers to the series can follow along easily.
Nintendo has just dropped an exciting new trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (check it out here: https://www.eurogamer.net/games/metroid-prime-4), giving fans a closer look at the gameplay on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 (reviewed in detail at: https://www.eurogamer.net/digitalfoundry-2025-nintendo-switch-2-the-digital-foundry-hardware-review). For those who aren't familiar, Metroid Prime 4 is the latest installment in the beloved series that blends action-adventure with first-person shooter elements, following the fierce bounty hunter Samus as she explores alien worlds, fights off threats, and uncovers secrets. This trailer isn't just eye candy – it mixes stunning in-game cutscenes with live gameplay footage, demonstrating key features like fast-paced combat, detailed scanning mechanics for discovering environmental clues, and smooth navigation through expansive levels. Plus, there's a tantalizing peek at the motorbike sections, where Samus hops on a high-speed vehicle to zip through landscapes, adding a layer of speed and excitement that might remind you of motorcycle chases in other games, but uniquely tailored to her arsenal.
And this is the part most people miss: The trailer wraps up with a showcase of upcoming Amiibo figures for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. These collectible toys link up with the game to unlock extras, and fans will be thrilled to know that the Samus Amiibo and the Samus & Varia Bike Amiibo (featuring her riding companion) are hitting shelves on November 6th. Not long after, on December 4th, you'll be able to snag an Amiibo of the antagonistic Sylux, the shadowy rival who adds tension and rivalry to the storyline. But here's the controversial twist – while some players love how Amiibos enhance gameplay with bonuses like special abilities or cosmetic items, others argue they're just a money-making gimmick that caters more to collectors than core gamers. Is this a smart way to extend replayability, or does it distract from the pure Metroid experience? We'll dive deeper into that later.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has been teasing fans with bits of info throughout the year. Back in September, the long-awaited release date was finally unveiled (as covered here: https://www.eurogamer.net/metroid-prime-4-beyond-finally-gets-release-date-plus-samus-on-a-motorbike), and more details about the motorbike have trickled out since (explore them at: https://www.eurogamer.net/voila-nintendo-quietly-shares-new-details-on-samuss-motorbike-in-metroid-prime-4). For instance, the bike isn't just a mode of transport; it incorporates visor scanning for mapping routes and combat options like firing weapons while in motion, which could make exploration feel more dynamic and strategic. If you're eager to see what's fresh in Prime 4, these articles are worth a read – they explain how the motorbike integrates with Samus's suit upgrades, potentially allowing for hybrid gameplay that blends shooting and riding in ways that feel innovative yet true to the series.
Mark your calendars: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches on December 4th, compatible with both the Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. This dual release means you can enjoy it on your current console or upgrade to the enhanced hardware for sharper graphics and smoother performance – a smart move by Nintendo to ensure accessibility for all fans.
In this article
Related topics
What are your thoughts on this trailer? Do you think the motorbike segments will revolutionize exploration in Metroid games, or are they a risky addition that might dilute the classic stealth-and-shoot formula? And about those Amiibos – are they essential extras or unnecessary fluff? Share your opinions and predictions in the comments below; we'd love to hear if you're excited, skeptical, or downright divided on these updates!
