Metroid Prime 4: Beyond receives its first major price cut

For the first time since its release, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has dropped to its lowest price yet. Best Buy is currently offering the physical edition of the Nintendo Switch game for $39.99, a solid $20 discount from its usual retail price.

Despite launching on hardware that first hit shelves in 2017, the game delivers a surprisingly polished visual experience. However, those playing on the Switch 2 will see even better performance. Nintendo offers a $10 upgrade pack that unlocks high-resolution textures, significantly faster loading times, and support for the Joy-Con mouse mode.

For Switch 2 owners, the math works out nicely. Snagging the discounted physical copy and then purchasing the digital upgrade brings the total to $50. That’s a full $20 less than buying the dedicated Switch 2 Edition outright. Admittedly, the tiered pricing structure can feel a bit convoluted.

This latest installment in the Prime series marks a notable shift from its predecessors, the last of which arrived all the way back in 2007. Beyond adopts an open-world structure, complete with map markers, collectible items, and a sleek motorcycle that lets bounty hunter Samus Aran traverse the expansive desert where the story takes place. Our reviewer Andrew Webster noted that some of these new mechanics feel somewhat out of step with the franchise’s established identity. Even so, the campaign remains an enjoyable experience, and its length never drags on past the point of welcome.