"Metroid Prime 4: Beyond": The Switch 2 becomes a shooter PC
The eagerly awaited fourth part of "Metroid Prime" was playable for the first time at Gamescom. And differently than you might expect on a console.
(Image: Nintendo)
Nintendo's current Switch 2 console is very similar to its predecessor system in many respects. However, one of the most important technical innovations is that the Joycon controllers can now be used not only like classic gamepads, but also like a typical computer mouse.
This sounds like a nice gimmick at first, something that looks particularly good in fact sheets and dedicated technology demos such as the "Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour", but has no real practical use. After playing "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond", however, we can confirm that it does. At least in part.
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The mouse on the console
Before the big outcry begins: Of course, the latest installment of the legendary "Metroid Prime" series (which made its debut on the Gamecube in 2002) will also be able to be played as normal using the Switch 2 controller. At the same time, this game will also be the big test balloon for the practicality of the mouse function. That's why Nintendo also let us try out the game in this version.
The controls are a mixture of console and PC controls: the corresponding Joycon rests in one hand, we control space heroine Samus Aran with the stick and let her jump or keep enemies in sight by pressing the shoulder buttons. The Joycon in the other hand rests on the table (or other surface) like a mouse and controls the crosshairs in the same way as in PC shooters.
(Image:Â Nintendo)
This feels strange on the console at first – but it works. After a very short time, the controls work smoothly and the nasty space pirates drop like flies. As usual in the series, Samus can transform into the compact "Morph Ball" to roll through narrow passages. And of course, as is typical of the series, there is a lot of scanning to gather information about enemies or the surroundings. But somehow it feels like you're playing the PC version of "Metroid Prime". Just without WASD.
Painful battles
Basically, the unfamiliar controls work really well. However, the question is whether you want to play "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" like this in the long term. The joycons on the Switch 2 work like a mouse – but unfortunately not like an ergonomic mouse. The index finger has to be bent sharply to reach the shoulder button (which is used to fire), which is quite tiring in the long run.
Particularly in the more detailed battles against huge bosses or large groups of enemies, the constant clicking on the ergonomically questionable Joycon surface quickly leads to pain. You also have to press one of the regular controller buttons to transform into the Morph Ball, which requires you to reach around. This is simply not comfortable.
(Image:Â Nintendo)
In other words, the game is a successful proof of concept that the mouse function of the controller is more than just a technical gimmick. But at the same time, it is also a clear demonstration that this function has its limits in terms of design.
Shining space heroine
In terms of content, "Metroid Prime 4: Beyond" follows in the tried and tested footsteps of the series: On the planet Viewros, Samus Aran not only has to deal with space pirates and the dreaded Metroid plague, but also with the mysterious bounty hunter Sylux. The planet is large and branching, there are many battles (which are reminiscent of the "Halo" series in their size) and puzzles integrated directly into the 3D graphics. And following the now established Metroidvania game principle, which owes its name to the "Metroid" series among others, the huge world only unlocks bit by bit once Samus has acquired the appropriate skills to reach previously inaccessible regions.
(Image:Â Nintendo)
Technically, the game makes full use of the Switch 2's significantly increased graphics power compared to the previous console: 4K resolution is supported as well as HDR and a display with 120 frames per second at reduced resolution. The game, which will be released in 2025, already looks very good and, just like "Mario Kart World" or "Donkey Kong Bananza", should serve as a technical flagship title for the Switch 2.
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