Footage of the first boss battle in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has surfaced online, giving fans their first real glimpse at how the long-awaited Switch 2 title plays. Originally posted by user @limmyshuriken, the off-screen gameplay shows Samus facing off against a large quadrupedal enemy in a dark, atmospheric facility.
The footage, though brief and filmed externally, reveals critical elements: traditional lock-on mechanics, beam weapon switching, and smooth vertical camera tracking — all hallmarks of the Prime series preserved in a new-gen format.
🎮 Suggested Reading
Enemy design appears organic-mechanical, echoing Prime 2’s darker tones. The animation and lighting also suggest high dynamic resolution — likely powered by Switch 2’s rumored DLSS features.
Nintendo released more footage of Metroid Prime 4.
This time they are showing the first boss battle vs Aberax.
— Stealth40k (@stealth40k.bsky.social) May 21, 2025 at 11:15 AM
Above: Samus faces off against a hulking creature in what appears to be the first full boss battle of Prime 4: Beyond
What We Learned
- Lock-On Combat: Classic Z-targeting returns, fluid and cinematic
- Environmental Lighting: Reflective corridors and moody particle effects dominate
- Movement: Samus rolls, aims, and vaults smoothly — no jank spotted
- HUD: Streamlined visor interface, retaining Prime DNA
Final Thoughts
It’s only 20 seconds of off-screen footage, but Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has finally crossed the threshold — from promise to presence. If this is how boss encounters look, Switch 2 is about to launch with weight.
🔗 Related: Read our editorial on F-Zero GX Still Reigns as the King of Speed