During today's Nintendo Switch Direct, fans were treated to another exciting glimpse of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, featuring new gameplay mechanics infused with psychic elements and showcasing a striking red-and-purple suit for Samus. The footage highlighted a variety of psychic abilities that Samus will employ to navigate the game's environments upon its release later this year. The gameplay has a distinct BioShock-like feel as Samus scans ancient stone figures and battles new adversaries on the mysterious planet Viewros, using controlled bursts of purple energy from her free hand. While details about this enigmatic jungle world, where Samus finds herself unexpectedly transported, remain scarce, it's evident that intelligent life has long been centered around a colossal tree at its heart.
Nintendo has been somewhat secretive about the exact launch date of Metroid Prime 4, only confirming a 2025 release window. However, the gameplay revealed today sheds light on how these new psychic abilities will function in the game. These powers will not only allow Samus to interact with mysterious mechanisms but also enable her to guide energy shots through the planet's wildlife, adding a fresh layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has experienced a tumultuous journey since its initial announcement at E3 2017, where it was introduced with just a title logo. After disappearing for several years and undergoing a developer change, the game reemerged last year with our first look at actual gameplay. Today's Direct, which was dedicated entirely to the current Nintendo Switch, leaves many wondering if Metroid Prime 4 will receive any enhanced features on the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. What we do know is that the game will be playable on both platforms.
For a comprehensive overview of all the announcements from today's Nintendo Switch Direct, you can find more details right here.