Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Discount – Everything You Need to Know

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond has just received its first major price cut, dropping to $39.99 at Best Buy—a $20 saving on the physical Switch version. This Q&A covers the details of the deal, the optional Switch 2 upgrade, and what makes this latest Prime entry different from its predecessors. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Samus Aran's adventures, here's what you need to know before buying.

How much does Metroid Prime 4: Beyond cost now, and where can I buy it?

At Best Buy, the physical edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is currently $39.99, down from its regular $59.99 price. This is a $20 discount and the first significant price drop since release. The deal applies to the Nintendo Switch version of the game. If you prefer digital, note that this promotion is for the physical copy only. The game also runs on the original Switch hardware, delivering surprisingly good visuals for the 2017 console.

What is the Switch 2 upgrade pack, and how much does it cost?

For players using the Switch 2, there's a separate $10 digital upgrade pack that enhances the experience. It unlocks high-resolution textures, faster loading times, and a Joy-Con mouse mode. If you buy the discounted physical game ($39.99) plus this upgrade, your total comes to $50. That's still $20 less than the standard $70 Switch 2 Edition, which bundles the game and upgrade together. Note that the upgrade pack is only available digitally from the Nintendo eShop.

How does the game perform on the original Switch versus the Switch 2?

On the original Nintendo Switch (2017 model), Metroid Prime 4: Beyond impresses with its graphical fidelity, especially given the hardware's age. It's considered one of the most graphically impressive first-person shooters on the platform. However, performance is noticeably better on the Switch 2 when using the $10 upgrade pack. The upgrade boosts texture resolution, reduces load times, and adds the unique Joy-Con mouse aiming mode. Without the upgrade, the Switch 2 version runs via backward compatibility, which works but doesn't unlock the full visual potential.

What major gameplay changes does Beyond introduce to the Metroid Prime series?

Unlike previous Metroid Prime games (the last of which released in 2007), Beyond adopts an open-world design with familiar open-world mechanics. This includes map markers guiding you to objectives, collectibles scattered across the environment, and a slick motorcycle that bounty hunter Samus Aran uses to traverse the vast desert where the story unfolds. These additions mark a departure from the more linear, interconnected level design of earlier entries. While some traditionalists might find them out of place, the campaign remains tight and doesn't overstay its welcome, offering a solid experience even if it feels different from the series' roots.

What did critics and players think of the new open-world elements?

According to Andrew Webster's review (which I agree with), the open-world trappings—particularly the map markers and the motorcycle—feel a bit out of place in the Metroid Prime franchise. These elements are more common in other open-world games and can occasionally clash with the series' signature isolation and exploration. That said, the reviewer still had a good time with the game. The campaign's length is well-paced, meaning it doesn't drag on. The new additions are unlikely to ruin the experience, but long-time fans may miss the tighter, more focused progression of earlier entries. Overall, it's a positive but cautious reception.

Is the $39.99 deal a one-time offer, and should I buy it now?

This is the first major discount for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, so it's a limited-time opportunity at Best Buy. Typically, price drops of this size don't last long, especially for a high-profile Nintendo title. Whether you're playing on the original Switch or planning to upgrade to the Switch 2 later, buying the physical copy now at $39.99 and the digital upgrade pack for $10 (total $50) is cheaper than the $70 Switch 2 Edition. However, the upgrade pack is only worthwhile if you own or plan to get a Switch 2. For original Switch owners, the base game gives a great experience at a great price. I'd suggest grabbing the deal while it's available.

How does this discount compare to the regular Switch 2 Edition price?

The Switch 2 Edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond normally costs $70 and includes both the base game and the upgrade pack. With this deal, buying the physical game separately ($39.99) plus the $10 upgrade totals $50, saving you $20. So even if you want the enhanced Switch 2 features, the separate purchase route is cheaper—provided you don't mind owning a physical copy. If you prefer a digital-only library, note that the upgrade pack is digital, but the base game this sale applies to is physical. The overall value is excellent, making now an ideal time to jump in.