Nintendo shares updated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond plot summary

The Nintendo of America store listing for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has updated its plot summary. If you’re trying to avoid spoilers, you may not want to keep reading.

For those who want to know:

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 to manipulate her surroundings. Operate mechanisms in the environment, control your charge beam, and more—you’ll need every tool at your disposal to survive and escape Viewros!

The accident is likely Sylux shooting the mysterious artifact during his appearance at the beginning of the game, as seen in recent footage from the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience. Some have theorized that this was how Samus was transported to Viewros, and it looks like they were right!

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled for release in 2025. As soon as we have any news, namely a release date, we will bring it to you straight away! Watch this space.

Source: Nintendo

The Community Speaks on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

After the Switch 2 Direct, when it was announced that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond would receive a next generation version, we held a poll asking if our followers would get that or stick to the original Switch. On Twitter, our readers overwhelmingly voted in favor of Switch 2 (74.7%), compared to 25.3% who wanted to play it on the first Switch. On YouTube, the same poll had a very similar result, 71% of respondents would get it on Switch 2, and 29% on Switch 1.

Many who replied to the poll said they would buy the game on Switch 1 and purchase the next gen upgrade, instead of buying a physical Switch 2 cartridge. A few even said they’d get both versions. A few of the comments indicated that they were choosing Switch 1 because the Switch 2’s price is cost prohibitive.

We also ran a poll asking if you’ll be using gyro or mouse controls with the game. These polls were much closer. On Twitter, 59.2% of followers said they would use gyro controls, compared to 40.8% who chose mouse controls. On YouTube, the result was 58%-42% in favor of gyro controls, which suggests most Metroid players are used to the Wii Remote-type controls from Metroid Prime Trilogy. Although these are the two control schemes Nintendo has promoted at in-person Switch 2 events and in online marketing, dual analog controls are still present in Prime 4 and a number of our readers said they would use those.

Others said they would wait and see until they had their hands on the game, then they could decide. All of these perspectives are fair, and the beauty of Prime 4 is that everyone will have their choice of how to play. In response to some who said they’d use the new GameCube controller to play Prime 4, I’m sorry to disappoint, that will only work with Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube titles.

Next, we posed a question on Twitter and Bluesky in response to concerns that Nintendo hasn’t begun marketing Metroid Prime 4 aggressively enough despite the anticipation for it. We asked, if they held a dedicated Direct for Prime 4, what our followers would want to see in it. Unsurprisingly, many of you said you want the release date. Us too! Others said they hope for multiplayer content (which is unconfirmed as of yet), a deeper dive into the story, or an announcement of a Collector’s Edition. Some even said they don’t want to see any more, wanting to go into the experience spoiler-free. That’s fair! We’ve waited so long for this game that any massive spoiler would feel evil.

As we get closer to the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, more information will come, and we’ll be sure to bring it to you as soon as it does. Metroid Prime 4 is scheduled to come out in 2025 on Nintendo Switch 1 and 2.

Episode 32 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Trailer 2

Shinesparkers Podcast
Shinesparkers Podcast
Episode 32 - Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Trailer 2
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Our first podcast episode of 2025 sees our team members discussing the second trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, which aired during the Nintendo Direct of March 27, and the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, which aired earlier on the day of recording. They share their reactions to the trailer and their theories about what everything we saw means. Additionally, Amanda reads from the mailbag.

Podcast is hosted by Amanda, with team members Roy and Deadweight.

00:00 – Introductions
00:35 – Topic: Metroid Prime 4 Beyond Second Trailer and Switch 2 Direct
34:08 – Mailbag
42:49 – Bloopers

Retro Studios prototype Project Harmony has leaked

Multiple prototypes for Nintendo Switch games have leaked online, including a demo for a cancelled game in development at Retro Studios. The prototypes were found in a Nintendo Switch dev kit and also include debug builds of Splatoon 2 and Arms, an unreleased LEGO Civilization game, and a Ridge Racer prototype.

Project Harmony is apparently what Retro Studios was working on in the intervening years between Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. There have been rumors for years that Retro was developing a singing rhythm game or RPG, and this debug build, which is dated 2017, may have confirmed it. It was never officially announced.

It features a bubbly, red-haired female protagonist with a flower in her hair, who sings. The prototype features a playable test area and a bonus menu with concept art, dioramas, music, lore cinemas (presumably cutscenes) and the credits.

The protagonist uses a staff for a weapon and she can perform a ground slam, summon one of four magical creatures with varying abilities (one of which appears on the introduction screen), double jump and wall jump to climb platforms. The creatures include a winged sort of fish that she can mount and fly on, and a burly creature with moss on its back, which appears along with her on the title screen.

You can watch footage of the Harmony prototype here and here. It’s a real shame this was cancelled, it could have had much potential.

Source: Reddit

Update (April 8, 2025): Further footage of Project Harmony has been leaked onto Bluesky, in this thread. It shows some more polished combat, and a song that the protagonist sings with her animal friends.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond transcript

We’ve transcribed all text that was present in gameplay footage shown today, either during the Nintendo Treehouse: Live showcase, or in footage provided by other outlets. This includes scan text, onscreen tutorials, and GF Trooper dialogue.

We can confirm that, at least for now, there is no dubbing for the Japanese version of the game. Famitsu’s clip reveals that the English voice acting is retained with Japanese subtitles.

The transcript is as follows:

It is Cosmic Year 20X9.

Determined to defeat Samus and the Galactic Federation, Sylux and his army of Space Pirates launched a series of attacks on Federation Research Facilities.

It is believed the Space Pirates are being controlled by Metroids that have the ability to fuse with other life-forms and control their minds.

Now, on Planet Tanamaar in the Desolan System, another Federation Research Facility is being attacked.

Galactic Federation HQ received their distress call and dispatched Samus, who was on a reconnaissance mission nearby…

Hold [ZL] to lock on to targets.

Press [A]/[ZR] to fire Power Beam.

Press [B]/[L] to jump.

Press [A]/[ZR] to shoot doors.

“Keep shooting.”

“It’s Samus. She’s punching through.”

“What are these Pirates looking for?”

“They came out of nowhere! How’d they get the drop on us?”

“This ain’t no usual invasion. They’re up to somethin’.”

“Samus, you saved us.”

“I can’t believe it. It’s Samus. It’s really her.”

V-2 Wall:
Improved model of the Galactic Federation tactical
barricade. Offers a 30% increase to durability over the
V-1 Wall due to its UHMM metals.

Galactic Federation Trooper:
Standard Galactic Federation military personnel.
Equipped with a powered armor suit and an NS-4664
assault rifle with grenade launcher.

Vehicle: SM.14GHV1
Seventh-generation Federation fighter. Satellite-linked
to track any targets in weapon range. Shot down by
Space Pirates.

Galactic Federation Trooper:
Powered armor sit has been penetrated in numerous
places. No life signs detected. [two troopers have this scan]

Vehicle: DR-T Tactical Truck
Armored all-terrain six-wheel vehicle. Used for
transporting assets such as mi[cut off]

“We’re holding our position, but the artifact is at risk. We need immediate-AAH!”

“Samus. You made it. Command needs you to secure a sensitive artifact. Uploading coordinates now. [she gets them] When you’re ready, scan the door and head through.”

AREA MAP acquired!
Map data has been acquired for this area. Press [-] to open the Map.

[Map Objective] Secure the Artifact.

Press X to switch to the Scan Visor.

Hold [ZL] to scan targets.

Scanning…
Scan complete.

Security ID registration complete.
Bounty Hunter: Samus Aran
Full access to Federation base facilities granted.

GF Trooper: “We’ll hold position here. Go get ‘em, Samus.”

Large Federation Container:
Larger size of the standard container. Usually used for
storing and transporting supplies. Frame is similar to
standard.

Galactic Federation Gate:
Composed of three shock-resistant, reinforced-alloy
panels and a central sensor. It will unlock if the sensor
detects beam exposure or an explosive shock.

“Cover me. Somebody cover me.”

“Guns up, eyes up, everybody up.”

“They’re coming through the roof.”

“This is what we trained for. Keep it together.”

“Get ‘em.”

“Watch ‘em.” [repeated twice]

“They’re on me.”

Alien Morphology: Space Pirate
Ruthless, brutal, and bellicose intergalactic marauder.
This is one example of the diverse alien life-forms that
make up the Space Pirates.

“We got ‘em. All clear.”

“My heart is beating so fast.”

“Alpha Squad, we have suppressed a scouting party. Multiple friendlies wounded. Over.”

“Roger that. Standing by for further instructions.”

Vehicle: Dive Spike
The cone-shaped chassis and thrusters enable direct
insertion into fortified positions, while landing impacts
are mitigated via energy conversion upon opening.

Air Defense Monitoring System Terminal:
Linked to a satellite above the facility that monitors
aerial threats. Collected data appears on the display.

Monitor has sustained critical damage and no longer
functions.

UTO Laboratory Confirmation Monitor:
Shows live camera and sensor feeds from several
tactically critical areas throughout the facility. Used for
assessing combat situations.

Press [Y] to enter Morph Ball mode.

Press [Y] to exit Morph Ball mode and
return to the Combat Visor.

[Outdoor room with massive mech]

“Samus, we need your help.”

“They’re dropping out the sky.”

“More of ‘em.”

Hold [A]/[ZR] to attract pickups.

“Did we get ‘em?” “Are we clear?”

“Stay sharp-there could be more on the way.”

“Keep an eye for dropships.”

“This is a nice place for an ambush. We’re sitting ducks.”

“Hey, somebody get command on the horn. We need orders.”

While still in the air after jumping, press [B]/[L] again to perform a Space Jump.

[when speaking to Trooper in Courtyard] “This is my first time in combat. I wasn’t ready. I will be next time.”

“This is Charlie actual. Request immediate assistance. Incoming dropships on our position. Over.”

“We’ll keep our eyes on the sky. Good hunting, Samus.”

Galactic Federation Heavyweight-Class Golem:
MK-99 bipedal, manned war mech. Right-arm loadout
includes a charged particle cannon with a max output
equal to a frigate’s main battery.

Vehicle: 565-PH Hellfire
Light combat and transport fighters for deploying Dive
Spikes. Hull torn apart due t [cut off]

Alien Morphology: Space Pirate
Numerous injuries detected. The resulting internal
organ failure and biofluid hemorrhage has reduced
combat ability by 70%. Vitals severely deteriorated.

Note: the above scan has changed since the June 2024 trailer. It originally read as follows:

Alien Morphology: Space Pirate >>>
Subject is heavily injured with reduced combat ability.
Internal organ failure and biofluid hemorrhage
confirmed. Vital signs weak and deteriorating rapidly.

Duct cover grille cracked due to heavy impact. Any
further damage will destroy it.

“Ambush. They’re right on top of us.”

“Alpha Squad, heads up. Pirates are attempting breach on your position. I repeat, Pirates are gonna blow the door. Do you copy?”

Press [A]/[ZR] to place a Morph Ball Bomb.

“Gimme someone on that door. Take ‘em out, now.”

“We’re trying. Can’t get a shot.”

“They’re inside.”

“Get the artifact into the hangar. Now.”

“Providing cover. On the move.”

ENERGY TANK acquired!
Energy capacity increased by 100.

“Go. Go.”

“Go.”

“It’s Samus.”

“Friendly, friendly-check your fire.”

“All clear.”

“This is the fallback point. We hold this line… ’cause there’s nowhere else to go.”

“Samus, Alpha Squad is expecting you in the hangar.”

“They’re moving the artifact to safety.”

“All clear?”

“What do we do now? What’s our orders?”

“Yes, Sergeant.”

Universal Object Analyzer:
Identifies and classifies unknown materials. Uses both
radiation measurement and microfocus x-ray scans.

Hologram of the Desolan System.
Artifact-detection location marked.

FORCE 29-18 Cooling Device Terminal:
Regulates the cooling systems of the FORCE 29-18
quantum computer.

FORCE 29-18 Terminal:
Operates the FORCE 29-18 quantum computer.
Confirms and manages its state.

Gate destroyed by breach charge, causing debris to
block the entrance. Clearing the debris is impossible
due to the fire.

“Right through these doors. They need your help.”

Galactic Federation Trooper:
Standard Galactic Federation military personnel.
Equipped with a powered armor suit and RT-6336
submachine gun.

Federation Lock-On Gate:
Use the Lock-On ability on the central sensor to reveal
four free-aim sensor targets. Shooting the free-aim
sensors will then unlock the gate.

Press [X] or [A]/[ZR] to return to the Combat Visor.

Aim using [vertical Joy-Con] or [horizontal Joy-Con]. Press [A]/[ZR] to fire your Arm Cannon.

Federation Lock-On Gate:
Lock on to the central no [cut off]

“Get that artifact on the bird, now!”

“Careful! I need to secure this thing.”

“We’re out of time. Let’s go!”

“Protect the artifa-“

“Get down!”

Double-press [B]/[L] while locking on and moving with [left stick left to right] to quickly dash.

Alien Morphology: Aberax
Large officer in the Space Pirate army. Metroid fusion
has resulted in a loss of free will and the formation of
beam-projection lenses on its chest.

Metabolic energy surges become uncontrollable when
all lenses have been destroyed. This causes recurring
energy releases directly from its core via the orifice in
its abdomen until the lenses regenerate.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond shown during Treehouse Live

The third game shown during today’s Treehouse Live event was Metroid Prime 4: Beyond! The introduction cutscene reiterates that it is set in Cosmic Year 20X9. The Space Pirates, now led by Sylux, are being controlled by Metroids that can fuse with other organisms and take control of their minds.

The UTO Research Center on planet Tanamaar in the Desolan System has been attacked, and Samus, already there on a recon mission, has been dispatched. This is the introduction to the game, first seen in the June 2024 trailer. We also see what appears to be a non-chibi Mech from Metroid Prime: Federation Force!

Update: Analysis follows below. If you’re concerned about spoilers, you may want to avoid the rest of this post.

Sylux and the Space Pirates are leading a series of attacks on Federation Research Facilities, with the Tanamaar attack being the latest. Samus flies into the invasion, with Space Pirate destroyers from Metroid Prime 3: Corruption in the sky. She lands where we saw her in the 2024 trailer; her landing animation has changed slightly. As stated in the previous post, this sequence serves as the game’s tutorial. It ends with Sylux’s entrance, and a battle between him and Samus in a cutscene. He accidentally shoots the mysterious artifact, which becomes unstable and engulfs the entire facility in an energy blast that knocks Samus on her back. I’m speculating, but this could be how Samus is sent to Viewros.

There’s a new Item Acquisition Fanfare, and rooms are still named, but the classic “expansion acquired” jingle from the original Metroid Prime series remains. Objects that haven’t been scanned are now highlighted green in the Scan Visor, which was previously the color used for already scanned objects in Metroid Prime 2 and 3. Reused sounds include scanning, the “screech” when a Federation soldier is killed, and the Space Pirate death scream. The Threat Assessment on the HUD is now an exclamation point rather than a meter.

Samus appears to have new effort sounds, and there are now female Federation Marines based on the voices of the soldiers heard. The “tractor beam” effect of the Charge Beam returns, as do the aiming calibration door puzzles from the very start of Metroid Prime 1 and 3. It seems that Samus can now dash forward in combat too, in addition to side to side.

Update 2: GameSpot confirmed in their hands-on impressions that Samus’s face still reflects in her visor when she fires a shot at the wall. She now squints in the light’s direction. Unfortunately, there is no footage of this yet. According to another article they published, you can switch between mouse and gyro controls simply by moving your Joy-Con down sideways. There is also a dual-stick control scheme.

Update 3: Our founder Darren believes that the music heard when Samus is arriving on Tanamaar is an updated version of an arrangement of Samus’s theme on Super Metroid: Sound in Action, the Japan-only soundtrack for Super Metroid. You can listen to that here; it’s timestamped to the portion Darren recognized. Also, the Boost Ball is confirmed to be returning, as you can see at 10 seconds into Gamereactor’s footage.

Source: YouTube (full broadcast – the Treehouse segment on its own can be watched here)

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gameplay shown off

Ahead of today’s Nintendo Treehouse: Live event, GVG has shared a new video on YouTube with their gameplay impressions of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. It also contains footage from the opening level. The rest of this post may contain spoilers, so if you want to go into Metroid Prime 4 blind, you may not want to keep reading or watch the video.

The gameplay footage reveals that the Galactic Federation Research Facility (UTO Research Center) attack witnessed in the June 2024 trailer is the game’s tutorial. The Federation is attempting to repel a sudden Space Pirate attack and protect a mysterious artifact. Samus assists the Federation until they reach a hangar, where they are attacked by a large Space Pirate called Aberax. A Metroid fuses into it and creates Metroid “spores”, which we saw in the trailer last week. Upon its defeat, Sylux makes his entrance. During the gameplay, we also see a massive Federation golem, perhaps an evolution of the Mechs seen in Metroid Prime: Federation Force.

You can watch GVG’s gameplay impression video below.

Source:GVG

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond to be shown during Nintendo Treehouse Live

Alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct this week, two Nintendo Treehouse Live streams were announced, taking place tomorrow, April 3, and on Friday, April 4. At the end of today’s Direct, they revealed that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be showcased during Treehouse Live. It’s unclear whether we will see it tomorrow or on Friday, but we will bring you coverage as it happens!

Source: Nintendo Direct

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will have a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition

During today’s Nintendo Switch 2 Direct, they announced that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will receive a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition with enhancements. These include both standard and mouse controls with the new Joy-Con 2. Beyond on Switch 2 will include two different modes: Quality Mode, which supports 4K, 60 frames per second and HDR, and Performance Mode, which runs at 1080p, but supports 120 frames per second and HDR.

According to the US site for Nintendo, the Switch 2 version of Beyond will also improve texture quality and load times!

The Switch 2 Edition will be released physically, or if you originally bought Beyond digitally on Switch 1, you can buy an upgrade pack via Nintendo eShop, My Nintendo Store, or a retailer that sells them. They have not revealed the price for this yet.

Source: Nintendo Direct

March 2025 News Roundup

Now that April 2025 is upon us, Shinesparkers has prepared a roundup of the Metroid news we had in March. See below:

March 2 – Samus was an answer in yesterday’s New York Times Crossword

March 6 – New information revealed about cancelled Metroid movie

March 27 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond trailer shown during Nintendo Direct

March 27 – Metroid Prime 4: Beyond boxart, new screenshots released

March 27 – Additional Metroid content to be found in the new ‘Nintendo Today’ app

Additionally, we shared another feature written by myself, Metroid’s Uncredited Developers.

We have a lot more content planned throughout March and the rest of the year, and we will continue to share any Metroid news that comes up. See you next mission!