I received a copy of this game. All opinions are my own.
After years of rumors, Metroid 4 has finally arrived on the Nintendo Switch 2, and it’s a major release for fans of the series. Whether you’re a longtime follower of Samus Aran’s missions or a newcomer curious about what defines Metroid, this entry delivers a modern, polished experience that builds on the franchise’s strengths while taking a few bold steps forward.
This installment continues Samus’s story with a fresh mission and a noticeably darker, more cinematic tone. Nintendo has kept key story beats under wraps to avoid spoilers, but the game balances narrative progression with the non-linear exploration that defines Metroid. The core loop remains familiar: explore environments, discover upgrades, and use those new tools to reach previously inaccessible areas. That sense of discovery—finding an ability that suddenly makes a long-passed door useful again—is central to the pleasure of playing.
Built specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2, the game takes advantage of the system’s improved performance and visual fidelity. Environments are richly detailed and atmospheric: you’ll traverse decrepit facilities, alien ecosystems, and high-stakes set pieces that contribute to the mood and pacing. The lighting, texture work, and level design combine to create immersive locations that reward careful observation, and environmental storytelling is used effectively to hint at the broader context without overwhelming the player with exposition.
Combat is varied and offers multiple approaches depending on your play style. Samus’s arsenal is upgradeable, and the game provides a wide range of ways to engage enemies, overcome obstacles, and solve environmental puzzles. Encounters are designed to challenge positioning, timing, and the creative use of abilities rather than relying solely on button-mashing. As with prior entries, exploration and occasional backtracking are encouraged: you’ll often find that a newly acquired tool opens paths you previously noted but could not traverse.
One of the more noticeable shifts in this entry is its cinematic presentation. The game includes more cutscenes, expanded voice work, and larger scripted moments that heighten drama and help move the plot forward. That said, the narrative additions augment rather than replace the series’ classic focus on exploration and atmosphere. Longtime fans will recognize the familiar beats and design philosophy, while new cinematic elements provide extra context and emotional weight.
For players new to Metroid, this title offers an accessible entry point: tutorials and pacing help guide you through core mechanics without assuming deep knowledge of prior games. The progression is clear, and optional challenges provide room to learn and improve. For series veterans, the game contains subtle callbacks, layered level design, and narrative nods that reward familiarity with the franchise while still pushing the story forward in meaningful ways.
Overall, Metroid 4 feels like a careful modernization of a classic formula. It keeps the essential elements that make the series compelling—methodical exploration, satisfying upgrades, and atmospheric worldbuilding—while adopting a more cinematic presentation and higher production values. The result is a title that can be enjoyed on multiple levels: as an exciting new chapter for fans and as a well-crafted action-adventure for newcomers.
Buy It
Metroid 4 is available for Nintendo Switch 2. You can purchase physical copies at major retailers and game stores or download it via the Nintendo eShop on your console. Check your preferred local or online retailer for availability and edition options.
