Is Metroid Prime 4 coming to Nintendo Switch 1? Here’s all you need to know about Samus Aran’s new adventure
Nintendo fans have been asking if Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will release on the original Nintendo Switch. With the sequel console now out, players are curious whether their old device can handle Samus’ next mission. We break down the answer, the gameplay, and the visual differences between the consoles.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is one of Nintendo’s most awaited games. After nearly a decade of waiting, the game is finally coming in 2025. But with the Switch 2 already here, many Nintendo users have been wondering if they’ll need to upgrade to play Samus Aran’s next adventure.
Can you play Metroid Prime 4 on Nintendo Switch 1?
Yes, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will be playable on the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has officially confirmed that players won’t need the new Switch 2 to experience the game. Switch 1 users will get the full story, gameplay, and features just like on the newer console.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond screenshots pic.twitter.com/NnX9RAftpz
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What’s the difference between Metroid Prime 4 on Nintendo Switch 1 and Switch 2?
The main difference is in graphics and performance. The Switch 2 version features sharper visuals with better texture filtering, especially for distant objects in the environment. Players have also noted smoother frame rates on the newer console, which enhances combat and movement.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch vs. Switch 2 Comparison
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Up close, textures look similar on both devices. But the Switch 2 brings more detailed backgrounds and improved fluidity overall. The game might also feel better with the new console’s controls, but full details will be clearer once Nintendo shares more footage and demos.
Switch 1 owners can still enjoy the complete experience, though Switch 2 users will notice visual upgrades and smoother gameplay.
What is Metroid Prime 4 about?
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond continues Samus Aran’s story in a first-person action adventure. The game promises classic Metroidvania elements like exploration, backtracking, and puzzle-solving, all wrapped in a sci-fi setting. Players will once again navigate mysterious planets, face alien threats, and upgrade Samus’ abilities to uncover the secrets of the galaxy.