The Metroid franchise — whether it's the original and genre-defining 2D efforts or the shooter-leaning Prime series — has always been framed around exploration. You arrive on the surface of a new planet or corridor of some mysterious research facility only to be given the simple instruction to push forward. Some narrative setup and characters will be introduced, but you’re largely left to your own devices when it comes to fighting enemies, solving puzzles, and the gradual discovery of new weapons and abilities.

Nintendo has always nailed this balance, and ever since gameplay of Metroid Prime 4 was first shown off earlier this year, I naively assumed it would be more of the same. We’d once again take control of Samus Aran as we explored a new planet, found new weapons, and fought new enemies all while a familiar yet exciting narrative unfolded. This prediction still seems mostly correct, but this week’s Nintendo Direct trailer showcased something I don’t think anyone expected — Samus has a cool-as-hell motorcycle now.

Metroid Prime 4 Sure Looks Like It’s Going Open World

The new trailer focuses almost entirely on Samus’ sick new ride as she gingerly places her hands onto the handles before the camera zooms out to reveal its entire frame. This bike is so cool it’s even getting its own amiibo, and of course I will be buying it. We then watch as our heroine drives out of a ship or facility of some kind onto the surface of a sprawling desert planet with sand as far as the eye can see.

You can pull off amazing drifts, soar up ramps, and even do battle with enemies as you move around on the motorcycle. Considering this level of mechanical depth, I would not be surprised if the bike is a major part of the overall experience, or at the very least a decent section of Beyond’s campaign.

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While I don’t think Metroid Prime 4 is going to go fully open-world, (early previews are indeed of the ‘go forward through corridors’ variety) nor do I think it would be a better game if it did, but I do think it’s expanding on its legendary intertwining locations with a welcome dose of ambition.

I can see this motorcycle allowing us to flit between new places, each with their own combat encounters to conquer and puzzles to solve, or perhaps we’ll be moving back and forth between them to progress through the same handful of quests.

But I Hope It Doesn’t Push The Open World Too Far

The perfect balance for Metroid Prime 4 to strike would be similar to how such open areas were handled in The Last of Us Part 2 or Gears 5. Both of these titles are linear for the most part, but with sprawling locations that allow players to explore wider environments to fight foes and solve puzzles, all while taking part in conversations with beloved characters in moments that aren’t designed only to serve the main narrative.

Samus is a silent protagonist, so she’ll likely not say much, but balancing larger spaces like this one with the tight corridors and wild biomes we’re used to sounds like a recipe for success.

I’m also left with so many other questions about this motorcycle. How does Samus obtain it? Can it be upgraded and customised? Could this just be one of many vehicles featured within Metroid Prime 4 and this is only the beginning?

Regardless of the answers, Metroid Prime 4 continues to look like an absolute banger, and we’ll finally be able to play it in December.

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Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

Action First-Person Adventure Metroidvania Systems OpenCritic Reviews Released December 4, 2025 ESRB T For Teen // Animated Blood, Violence Developer(s) Retro Studios Publisher(s) Nintendo Engine RUDE engine Franchise Metroid Powered by Expand Collapse