Latest news with #MetroidPrime4:Beyond
9 News
11-05-2025
- Entertainment
- 9 News
Aussies get early hands-on with the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo has hosted an early hands-on experience for the Nintendo Switch 2 in Melbourne, with hundreds of excited gamers getting a first-look at the upcoming console. Spaces were limited, with a ballot held earlier this year to secure a spot at the event. Melbourne gamers were some of the first in the world to get hands-on with the upcoming console. (Nine) Held at Melbourne's Olympic Park, Nintendo fans filled the Centrepiece venue to experience the new console a month before launch. Games on show included Mario Kart World , Donkey Kong Bonanza and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — which highlighted the Switch 2's mouse control feature. READ MORE: Grand Theft Auto VI set to smash records The Nintendo Switch 2 launches in Australia on June 5. (Nine) Upgraded Zelda titles and third-party games like Split Fiction were also there for gamers to play. The new console is set to be a big leap forward compared to the original Switch, with updated visuals and hardware. The most anticipated video games of 2025 View Gallery
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Hands-On Preview — Retro's Return Delivers a Stunning Evolution
After years of anticipation, Nintendo fans can finally see the light at the end of the tunnel for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. With its release confirmed for 2025, the game is set to make its debut on both the original Nintendo Switch and the newly unveiled Nintendo Switch 2. At an event in NYC, I had a chance to play a 20-minute segment from the beginning of the game. The next-generation release brings cutting-edge enhancements for the new console, such as performance mode running at 120 FPS at 1080p and a 4K mode, and reignited my excitement for what could be one of the most ambitious entries in the Metroid Prime series. If the early segment is anything to go by, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is shaping up to be a must-own title for the Nintendo Switch 2's launch library. For anyone following the journey up to this point, the development of the game has been a bit rocky, to say the least. Nintendo originally handed development to Bandai Namco, but concerns over quality led to a complete restart in 2019 under Retro Studios, the team responsible for the critically acclaimed Metroid Prime trilogy. This decision was met with relief from fans, many of whom regard Retro as the true keepers of Samus Aran's intergalactic legacy. If my time with the game is anything to go by, that trust was justified. If you watched the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Direct, the latest trailer provided a tantalizing glimpse into Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and with Nintendo proudly demoing the game during the Nintendo Switch preview event, I can say I am impressed. Samus Aran returns with her iconic Power Suit and arsenal, including staples like the Morph Ball, Missile Launcher, and Scan Visor, and I can safely say the Metroid series has never looked better. The 1080p 120 FPS performance mode version of the game was at the event, running on the Nintendo Switch 2, and the world of the game came to life. Every enemy, explosion, and character you run into feels more defined and realized than ever before. Retro Studios has taken what the Nintendo Switch 2 offers and pushed the series as far as it could go. It is amazing to see all aspects we know from past installments and even from the 2D-style adventures, realized in stunning 3D, with all the particle effects, detail, and refinement this new system allows. While I only got to test out the first segment of the game and did not get to explore many of the new locations promised in the trailer, what I did see was a good showcase of what the Nintendo Switch 2 edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond allows. As I mentioned above, players can now choose between two graphical modes: Quality Mode delivers 4K resolution at 60 frames per second (fps) with HDR support when docked, while Performance Mode prioritizes fluidity with 120 fps at 1080p resolution. Even handheld play benefits from improved visuals and HDR support, ensuring that the visuals and intricate architecture look stunning across all formats and playstyles. I sadly did not get the chance to see handheld mode being played during the event, with all my experience being done in docked mode. But judging by how well the screen on the Nintendo Switch 2 looks, both modes will provide a full experience of what the game can be and showcase the visuals, flair, and style put into the title. What is perhaps the biggest change for the series—and something I, as a PC shooter lover, was excited to test out—is the new alternative control scheme utilizing Joy-Con mouse capabilities, which introduces a fresh way to interact with Samus' environment. This feature could redefine how players navigate puzzles and aim their weapons, offering greater precision and immersion. Honestly, it does feel very similar to what you could find with a PC shooter. I will say it took me quite a bit of time to adapt to how it works, with the mouse mode feeling very odd at first, but once it clicked, it proved to be a new way to play that I quickly fell in love with. For those sticking with their original Switch consoles, Nintendo has confirmed that an upgrade pack will enable access to these new features on Switch 2 without compromising compatibility. If I had any major gripe to say about Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, it would be how much of a Halo vibe the new installment gave off. The early mission I played has you working alongside Galactic Federation soldiers as they fend off an attack from space pirates — as seems to be the way in the Metroid series. The models struck me with how much they resembled the soldiers you would see around a Halo mission. Thankfully, from what I was told by the person guiding me through the segment of the game, this is not indicative of the final game, and you will be thrust into a more isolated situation as you progress through the rest of the game. That brings me to my next issue: the sense of solitude the series is known for. It was not present at any point during the demo. It was amazing to hear that the rest of the game would feel much more isolated in comparison to the early section. While it looked stunning, with plenty of aspects that showcased Samus Aran's arsenal, including the Morph Ball and weapons, it never evoked the sense of being alone and working through puzzles and areas by yourself. That being said, as an early showcase for the game, it worked well and gave a glimpse of what the game could be. The final boss fight of the demo, in particular, provided that sense of challenge, puzzle-solving, and dread I loved seeing in past Metroid Prime games. It is always a good feeling to overcome obstacles larger than Samus, and the way this game made it feel overwhelming works with the right level of body horror and Metroid-forced evolution that I hoped to see from the series. Was it challenging? Not especially, but it worked as a first big obstacle to set the tone and overall sense of what Metroid Prime 4: Beyond was going to be like. Retro Studios has consistently demonstrated its ability to innovate while respecting Metroid's core identity. The original Metroid Prime trilogy transitioned the series into first-person gameplay without losing its focus on exploration and atmosphere — a gamble that paid off handsomely both critically and commercially. The studio's commitment to quality shines through in every detail, from intricate environmental storytelling via Scan Visor logs to immersive soundscapes that heighten tension and wonder. If the gameplay section I played is any indication, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is ready to push boundaries once again. New abilities, modern graphics, and new optional refined controls promise a fresh experience while staying true to what makes Metroid special: its ability to immerse players in alien worlds full of mystery and challenge, all while keeping true to the roots people have loved up to this point—something not many studios can straddle well. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the franchise, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond looks set to deliver an unforgettable journey through uncharted territory.
Express Tribune
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Tomodachi Life sequel sparks debate as Nintendo introduces same-sex relationships
Nintendo has officially announced Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, a long-awaited sequel to the popular life-simulation game, set for release in 2026 on the Nintendo Switch. This installment introduces major updates, including same-sex relationship options—a response to past criticism regarding the franchise's lack of LGBTQ+ representation. The original Tomodachi Life, released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, faced backlash for excluding same-sex relationships, prompting Nintendo to address inclusivity concerns in future titles. The announcement of Living the Dream has sparked widespread discussion among fans, with many celebrating the progressive update while others debate its impact on the game's core experience. In addition to Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream, Nintendo also unveiled Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, the highly anticipated continuation of the Metroid series. The latest trailer showcased protagonist Samus Aran wielding new psychic abilities, signaling a fresh direction for the sci-fi franchise. Fan reactions to both announcements have been overwhelmingly positive, with gamers excited to see beloved franchises return with modern updates. The inclusion of same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream marks a significant step for Nintendo toward greater inclusivity in gaming, aligning with broader industry trends. its so fucking funny to me they put This at the very end of the tomodachi life trailer teasing gay romance options like its a smash character — Kale Chip 🦑💙🌙 (@seafoodchip) March 27, 2025 'We apologize for disappointing many people by failing to include same-sex relationships in Tomodachi Life. if we create a next installment in the Tomodachi series…design a game-play experience …that is more inclusive…' Then does that team these two are hinting at,,,y'know😳 — Senpai (@_CSenpai_) March 27, 2025 With Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on the horizon, Nintendo is set to deliver some of its most anticipated titles in 2026, cementing its legacy as a leader in the gaming world.
Yahoo
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond gives Samus psychic powers
Nintendo just dropped the action-packed second trailer for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, its last major release for the uber-popular Switch console. This time, fearless bounty hunter Samus Aran finds herself mysteriously teleported to an uncharted planet called Viewros. Sure enough, it's crawling with alien nasties, from giant mosquito-like bugs to deadly plants with slithery tendrils. Your job is to vaporise them all in first-person mode using the Arm Cannon laser blaster built into Samus's high-tech suit — only now, she can control the beams with her mind. As it turns out, our plucky explorer now has psychic powers. Alongside making short work of those pesky beasties, her mind-meld abilities let her interact with the world, operating mechanisms and opening doors as she navigates the labyrinthine environment. When all else fails, you can blast through walls or roll into a ball (Samus's signature move) to squeeze through tight spaces. 'Why were these powers bestowed upon Samus, and what will her fate be? The threads intertwining beyond space and time will weave a new tale,' Nintendo teased in its synopsis. The new trailer arrived on Thursday during Nintendo's latest Direct presentation focused on upcoming Switch games. Yes, you read that right — Nintendo is still churning out new titles for its nearly eight-year-old console despite the imminent arrival of the Switch 2. Then again, thanks to the next-gen device's backwards compatibility, Metroid Prime 4 will be playable on both systems. If you're new to the series, Metroid kicked off in 1986 on the NES and (alongside the vampiric RPG, Castlevania) went on to shape an entire sub-genre known as Metroidvania. Games that fall under this category let you explore freely, power up to progress, and double back to uncover secrets. Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is the best recent example. Super Metroid (SNES), Metroid Prime (GameCube), and Metroid Dread (Switch) set the gold standard for the series, and Beyond looks set to continue that legacy. When can you play it? Well, after a gruelling eight-year wait, during which the game was rebooted once and went through multiple delays, we still don't have a concrete release date. All Nintendo has said is that it will be out at some point this year.
WIRED
27-03-2025
- Entertainment
- WIRED
Nintendo Is Changing the Way Digital Games Work
Mar 27, 2025 12:06 PM During its Nintendo Direct event Thursday, the company revealed 'Virtual Game Cards,' which will allow players to share games or play across multiple systems. It also teased Metroid Prime 4: Beyond . Photograph:Nintendo is overhauling how digital downloads work on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 with a new feature it's calling 'Virtual Game Cards.' Virtual Game Cards, which the company said during Thursday's Nintendo Direct livestream will launch in late April, are designed to better mimic the flexibility of physical games. It works like this: After buying a digital version of a game, the virtual card is loaded onto the player's Switch. Players can load or 'eject' these game cards; with two systems, a player could eject a game on one system and load it onto another to play from that handheld. Although players will need a local connection to do so, it allows you to swap multiple games between systems quickly. The feature could fundamentally change the landscape for digitally downloaded games, which have become increasingly popular over the past several years as brick-and-mortar retailers have shuttered and physical copies have become less important to some players. Digital copies offer a fast, easy way to get a new game, as long as players have an internet connection. But ownership of a digital game is far more murky than with physical media. Companies can remove digital games from storefronts at any time, and there's no fun secondary market for collectors. It's also not possible to resell a digital game, or loan it out without sharing account details. What Nintendo is doing with Virtual Game Cards does offer some flexibility on that last point. The virtual cards can be lent out to other players via a local connection in Family Groups, which link together several Nintendo accounts. But only one game can be shared between two people at one time for two weeks. It's unclear if a game that's been lent out can still be played by the original owner. WIRED has reached out to Nintendo for clarification and will update accordingly. Production and sales of physical games media and consoles stand to take a massive hit in the US if President Trump follows through with proposed tariffs on Canada, China, and Mexico, where many video game components are made. The Entertainment Software Association released a statement in February warning that 'tariffs on video game devices and related products would negatively impact hundreds of millions of Americans and would harm the industry's significant contributions to the US economy.' Tariffs could both increase prices and reduce availability for physical game products, making digital games more attractive to consumers. While Nintendo shared many details about Virtual Game Cards during Thursday's event, it did not share any news about the Switch 2. Another Nintendo Direct focusing on the new console is planned for April 2. The company did offer a brief look at Metroid Prime 4: Beyond , which will give its heroine Samus mysterious new physic abilities. The game is still expected this year, though it's possible a firm release date will be announced alongside the Switch 2 news next week. This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
