Nintendo has shared extensive insight into the long and complex development of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond through a new interview with its development staff published by Famitsu (via Famiboards). The discussion outlines why the project changed development teams mid-production, how its core concepts were defined, and what guided major gameplay and story decisions.
According to the development team, the project began with a request from Nintendo of America to produce a numbered Metroid Prime entry, positioning it as a mainline installment. From the outset, the goal was to create something new while preserving the distinctive feel of the Prime series. The team also intended to focus the narrative on the relationship between Samus Aran and the antagonist Sylux, an idea that had existed internally for years.
One of the largest challenges emerged when the development company changed during production, forcing a restart with Retro Studios. The team explained that Retro Studios initially lacked a full production structure for Metroid Prime, requiring time to rebuild pipelines, outsource background assets and cinematics, and manage numerous external partners. A key priority was ensuring that new staff understood that the focus was not simply game construction, but the careful crafting of player experience.
The interview also addressed early fan expectations shaped by The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The team acknowledged online calls for an open-world Metroid, but rejected the idea, explaining that unrestricted exploration conflicts with Metroid’s ability-driven progression. Instead, the developers designed a limited free movement hub connected to other areas, later expanded with a bike-like vehicle to balance pacing and exploration.
Speaking on the game’s subtitle, the developers stated, “It means Transcending Space Time.” Technical achievements were also highlighted, with the team emphasizing visual fidelity and performance, including 60fps on Nintendo Switch and 120fps on Nintendo Switch 2. The Switch 2 version further introduces seamless switching between mouse and stick controls, a feature refined through extensive testing.
New gameplay systems include psychic abilities inspired by early Charge Beam experiments and expanded under Retro Studios, as well as the vehicle Vi-O-La, designed to make traversal across the Sol Valley hub both efficient and visually striking. On the story side, the game is set between Super Metroid and Metroid Fusion, while deliberately avoiding long-term timeline constraints by introducing interdimensional elements.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond marks the long-awaited return of the iconic first-person adventure series. Developed by Retro Studios, the game follows Samus as she explores the planet Viewros, confronting Sylux and a new alien race known as the Lamorn. It was released on December 4, 2025, for the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2.
