Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Discount Details and Switch 2 Upgrades – Q&A

Welcome to our Q&A on the latest discount for Metroid Prime 4: Beyond. Best Buy is currently offering the physical Switch version for just $39.99, a $20 saving. This deal raises important questions about performance, upgrades, and value—especially with the Switch 2 enhancement pack. Below, we answer key queries to help you decide whether to grab the game now.

What is the current discount on Metroid Prime 4: Beyond at Best Buy?

The physical edition of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond for Nintendo Switch is marked down to $39.99 at Best Buy, down from $59.99. That’s a solid $20 saving on one of the most graphically impressive first-person shooters on Nintendo’s hybrid console. The discount applies to the standard Switch version, not the Switch 2 Edition. However, if you plan to play on the upcoming Switch 2, you can combine this deal with a separate $10 digital upgrade pack to access enhanced features. The total cost for discounted game plus upgrade is $49.99, which is still $20 less than the full $70 Switch 2 Edition.

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

On the original 2017 Switch hardware, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond runs surprisingly well, delivering smooth gameplay and solid visuals for its open-world design. However, the Switch 2 version pushes the experience further with higher-resolution textures, faster loading times, and a unique Joy-Con mouse mode that adds precision aiming. The improvement is noticeable but not mandatory—the base game is fully enjoyable on Switch. The $10 upgrade pack unlocks these enhancements for players who own the physical Switch edition and later upgrade their console.

What does the $10 digital upgrade pack include?

The Digital Upgrade Pack is a $10 purchase that transforms the standard Switch version of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond into the Switch 2 Edition. Key features include:

• Hi-res textures for crisper visuals.
• Faster loading times between areas.
• Joy-Con mouse mode allowing pointer-based aiming.

This pack is only available digitally via the eShop. By combining the discounted physical game ($39.99) and the upgrade ($10), you effectively get the full Switch 2 Edition experience for $49.99—saving $20 compared to buying the digital Switch 2 Edition directly for $70.

What new gameplay elements are introduced in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond?

For the first time in the Prime series, Beyond adopts an open-world design filled with familiar modern trappings: map markers, collectibles, and a motorcycle for bounty hunter Samus Aran to traverse the vast desert setting. The story unfolds across a huge, sand-swept landscape, encouraging exploration. These elements mark a departure from the linear, corridor-heavy levels of earlier Prime titles. While some longtime fans (including critic Andrew Webster) feel the additions are out of place, the campaign remains engaging and doesn’t overstay its welcome, clocking in at a reasonable length that respects your time.

What did critic Andrew Webster say in his review of the game?

In The Verge’s review, Andrew Webster noted that while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is a good game overall, the new open-world additions—like map markers and the motorcycle—feel out of place within the classic Metroid formula. He described them as “associated trappings” of the open-world genre that dilute the series’ signature isolation and exploration. Despite this, Webster conceded that he still had a good time playing, praising the campaign for not overstaying its welcome. The review highlights a tension between modern game design and the traditional Prime experience, but ultimately recommends the game for its strong core shooter gameplay and impressive visuals.

Is the campaign length satisfying?

Yes, the campaign in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is designed to be tight and respectful of the player’s time. According to our review by Andrew Webster, the game “doesn’t overstay its welcome,” meaning it avoids the bloat common in many open-world titles. The main story can be completed in a reasonable number of hours (exact duration varies by playstyle), while still offering ample opportunity for exploration and side content. For fans who prefer a focused narrative without endless fetch quests, this length hits a sweet spot. The open-world structure does invite extra time for collecting upgrades and discovering secrets, but none of it feels mandatory or padded.

For more details, see our discount breakdown or read about the upgrade pack.