After years of anticipation and a rocky development, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is finally releasing on Nintendo Switch 2 later this week. Early reviews suggest it lives up to the high standards of the beloved Metroid Prime series. To build excitement for the launch, Nintendo is adding some fun new *Metroidthemed icons for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers – a small treat for dedicated fans.
Fans can now earn rewards that bring back memories of Metroid: Zero Mission and Metroid 2: Return of Samus. There are five unique icons available for each game, for a total of 10. Each icon costs 10 Platinum Points in the My Nintendo store and showcases a different character. To unlock these icons, you’ll need to actually play both Metroid: Zero Mission and Metroid 2: Return of Samus first.
You can now play Zero Mission on Nintendo Switch Online through the Game Boy Advance app, and Return of Samus via the Game Boy app. Launching either game instantly earns you 50 Platinum Points, enough to get all the available icons. So, while it takes a little effort, you can essentially unlock the icons for free!
It’s great that Nintendo is releasing these games together. Zero Mission is a revamped version of the first Metroid game, and Return of Samus was originally a Game Boy sequel. While Return of Samus was updated for the 3DS in 2017, this release features the classic, original versions. If you have time before Metroid Prime 4: Beyond comes out, playing these older titles is a good way to experience the history of the Metroid series.
If you’re a dedicated fan who wants the full story, you might also want to play the three earlier Prime games, as well as Hunters and Federation Force. These spin-off games are a bit different, but they introduce Sylux, a character who seems important in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. While Nintendo will likely provide enough background information for new players – especially since not many people played Hunters and Federation Force – playing those games beforehand could enhance your experience.
We’re just days away from the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond! The game’s development hasn’t been easy. First announced back in 2017, it had to be completely restarted in 2019 by Retro Studios after two years of work. It’s been a long road for the Nintendo team, but early reviews of Metroid Prime 4 are positive. While it might not be receiving the same level of praise as previous Metroid Prime games – possibly due to its open-world areas – it looks set to be very popular with fans.
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2025-12-02 21:41