Metroid Prime 4: Beyond File Sizes & Switch 2 Enhancements

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond File Sizes & Switch 2 Enhancements
Samus Aran from Metroid Prime 4 Beyond gameplay with Switch 2 enhancements

The wait is finally over! After what feels like an eternity for fans, Nintendo has dropped critical details for the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, confirming both its release date and the crucial file sizes for both the original Nintendo Switch and the cutting-edge Nintendo Switch 2. This monumental first-person adventure, starring the iconic Samus Aran, is set to redefine expectations, especially for owners of the next-generation console, with a suite of advanced features demanding extra digital real estate.

A Nearly Two-Decade Wait Culminates

It has been a staggering 18 years since the launch of Metroid Prime 3 in 2007, making Metroid Prime 4: Beyond one of the most patiently awaited sequels in gaming history. First unveiled at E3 2017, the game's development journey saw a significant reset in early 2019, when Nintendo famously brought back the original trilogy's masterminds, Retro Studios, to reboot the project after an initial stint with Bandai Namco. This move signaled a commitment to quality that fans believe will pay off in spades. Recent trailers, including a captivating November showcase featuring intense space battles, Samus's signature acrobatic flips, and an impressive Akira slide, have only heightened anticipation for this week's launch.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Download Sizes Detailed

Prospective players should prepare their console storage now, as Nintendo has officially provided the download requirements for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. According to figures from the Nintendo Store, the game will require:

  • Nintendo Switch 2: An estimated 31.6GB of storage.
  • Original Nintendo Switch: A more modest 26.3GB.

Intriguingly, the eShop, when accessed via a Switch 2 console, lists the original Switch version's size at 28.9GB, suggesting a slight variation in reporting. Regardless, the larger footprint on the Switch 2 is entirely justified by the next-gen console's powerful capabilities.

Unleashing the Power of Switch 2: Next-Gen Features

The increased download size for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on Switch 2 directly correlates with a host of exclusive graphical and performance upgrades designed to leverage the console's advanced hardware. Owners of the Switch 2 can look forward to a truly immersive experience, boasting:

  • Stunning 4K visuals in quality mode when docked.
  • Blazing-fast 120 frames per second (fps) in performance mode while docked.
  • Expanded visual fidelity with full HDR support.
  • Innovative mouse controls, seamlessly integrated through the new Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, offering a fresh way to engage with Samus's adventure.

Launch Date Imminent: Prepare for Impact!

Mark your calendars: Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is officially launching this Thursday, December 4. This highly anticipated title is poised to be a landmark release, not only for the legendary Metroid franchise but also as a showcase for the capabilities of the Nintendo Switch 2. Get ready to embark on Samus Aran's most ambitious journey yet!