Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 4 drops with Metacritic 80 on the 18-year wait, here’s why critics are divided after nearly two decades

Nintendo Switch Metroid Prime 4 launches today on both the original Switch and Switch 2, but with an 80 Metacritic score, critics remain mixed about whether the 18-year wait was worth it. After nearly two decades since Metroid Prime 3 (2007), Samus Aran’s triumphant return brings beautiful exploration and intense combat—yet some reviewers worry the franchise plays it too safe.

The Long-Awaited Return of First-Person Samus

After 1,826 days, Metroid Prime fans finally have a reason to celebrate. The franchise’s return to Nintendo hardware brings Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as a day-one title for both generations of Switch consoles. Developed by Retro Studios, the same team behind the original trilogy, the game explores the mysterious planet of Viewros where Samus discovers new psychic abilities that fundamentally reshape how players approach combat and puzzle-solving.

The Switch 2 version showcases dramatically improved graphics with enhanced lighting and environmental detail compared to the original Switch iteration. Both versions maintain solid performance, making this a genuine technical achievement for Nintendo’s cross-generational strategy.

Reviewers Split Between Praise and Criticism

The 80 Metacritic score tells the story of a divided critical reception. Giant Bomb awarded 5/5 stars, praising the game’s incredible atmosphere and gorgeous Switch 2 performance. Nintendo Life gave 9/10, celebrating how the game captures the magic of exploration from the original GameCube classics.

However, NPR criticized Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for focusing too much on action while sacrificing puzzle-solving and exploration—core pillars of the franchise. Kotaku concluded the game is “fine” but not exceptional, with critics suggesting the wait didn’t justify the final product’s direction shifts.

Review Score	Outlet	Key Takeaway
5/5	Giant Bomb	Essential purchase; Retro Studios delivers
9/10	Nintendo Life	Magic of exploration recaptured
8/10	Shacknews	Polished but predictable experience
Mixed	Kotaku	Fine but unremarkable; long wait unjustified

Why the Split Reception Matters for the Franchise

The Metroid Prime 4: Beyond critical response reveals a franchise at a crossroads. Positive reviewers highlighted how the game maintains franchise identity while introducing psychic powers and expanded combat mechanics. Critics point to excessive handholding through side characters and mission markers that contradict the series’ exploration-first philosophy.

The Guardian noted the game feels like “an experimental title from 15 years ago,” which positive critics embraced as authenticity but others saw as stagnation. Video Games Chronicle described Metroid Prime 4 as “stuck between two worlds”—torn between honoring legacy and pursuing modern shooter conventions.

Gameplay Evolution: Combat Over Discovery

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond prioritizes fast-paced first-person combat as its central pillar. The new psychic ability system enables puzzle solutions that previous Prime games wouldn’t have attempted. Players wield elemental weapons and upgraded armor while facing challenging boss encounters comparable to Zelda-style battles.

The estimated 15-20-hour campaign takes Samus across Viewros’ atmospheric environments. Scanning mechanics return from the original trilogy, rewarding exploration enthusiasts with lore and environmental context. Yet reviewers note the game explicitly guides players toward objectives, reducing the freedom that defined the franchise’s peak.

What Does 80 on Metacritic Actually Tell Us?

A score of 80 signals “generally favorable reviews”—the game is objectively good but not groundbreaking. For perspective, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (2007) scored 81, making this new entry the lowest-rated Retro Studios Metroid game. Missing that distinction by one point stings for Nintendo executives banking on this being a flagship title.

Yet this classification remains meaningfully above “mixed.” Most players will find a competent, beautiful action game that honors the franchise. The real question: was 18 years of development and anticipation worth 80 critical consensus instead of 85+? That philosophical debate now defines Metroid Prime 4’s legacy.

“At its core, even after 18 years, it feels like the series never went away. Despite initial hesitation, Metroid Prime 4 delivers on core fundamentals.”

— Video Games Chronicle, via Andy Robinson

Sources

• Metacritic – Aggregated critic scores and review data
• Nintendo Life – Comprehensive review roundup and critical analysis
• NPR, The Guardian,video GamesRadar – Individual critic perspectives on gameplay systems