Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond is coming to the Switch and Switch 2, so we've lined up shots from trailers for both versions to see how they compare.

Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison
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TL;DR: Nintendo unveiled the Nintendo Switch 2, highlighting its 120 Hz HDR display and GameCube emulation. Metroid Prime 4 Beyond will launch with versions for both the current Switch and Switch 2, featuring enhanced visuals and performance on the latter. The game will support 4K 60 FPS or 1080p 120 FPS modes.

Nintendo has finally lifted the lid on all things Nintendo Switch 2, and there were several surprises during the company's hourlong presentation. It was a stacked Nintendo Direct, covering everything from the impressive 120 Hz HDR display to games to the arrival of Nintendo GameCube emulation as part of Nintendo Switch Online.

Metroid Prime 4 Beyond running on the original Switch (left) and Nintendo Switch 2 (right).
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Metroid Prime 4 Beyond running on the original Switch (left) and Nintendo Switch 2 (right).

One thing we were all expecting to learn was that Metroid Prime 4 Beyond would be launching with two versions - one for the current Switch and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that will take advantage of the new hardware. Developed by Retro Studios, Metroid Prime 4 is set to run at 4K 60 FPS in 'Quality' mode or 1080p 120 FPS in 'Performance' mode when docked.

It's expected that this will use some form of dynamic resolution or DLSS to maintain a playable frame rate, but we know the game will look significantly better on the Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo released a new Metroid Prime 4 Beyond trailer last week, with gameplay captured on original Switch hardware. We've been able to line up a few of the shots from that and the brief look at the Switch 2 version from the latest Direct to present this comparison.

Thanks to the 4K resolution, we immediately noticed the improved texture quality and sharper image in the Switch 2 version in these first two shots. The version running on the original Switch looks blurry, with background detail missing - the Switch 2 looks to feature a larger draw distance for higher-quality assets.

Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 2
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Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 1
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The following comparison shows that Metroid Prime 4 Beyond features the same level of geometric detail and effects across the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 versions. The big difference is that the Switch 2 version, running in 4K, looks infinitely sharper and crisper, with higher-quality textures.

Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 4
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Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 3
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The final comparison isn't a like-for-like shot that lines up perfectly, but taken in the same location, it's another example of Metroid Prime 4 Beyond looking crisp and sharp on the Switch 2. Once again, the original Switch version looks a little blurry, with muddy texture and lower-quality background details.

Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 6
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Metroid Prime 4 - Switch 2 versus Switch 1 graphics comparison 5
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For the most part, Metroid Prime 4 Beyond on the Switch compared to the Switch 2 will be the same game, with the latter offering 4K with more detailed textures and background detail alongside a 120 FPS 'Performance' mode and mouse-style controls. Retro Studios has done a fantastic job with the game's visuals on both systems, and the game is on track for a 2025 release.