Metroid Prime 4 gets more details on Vi-O-La motorcycle gameplay

During the most recent Nintendo Direct, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond revealed that there’ll be motorcycle gameplay with the Vi-O-La mechanic. Nintendo has since shared a few more details explaining how it all works.

We previously heard that Vi-O-La can be used to traverse and explore the environment. The Nintendo Direct footage also gave some idea as to how it’ll all work, but the latest information batch covers things in a bit more detail.

Here’s the full rundown of Vi-O-La in Metroid Prime 4: Beyond:

Samus acquires a motorbike called the Vi-O-La, equipped with advanced features.

This vehicle was invented by the Lamorn, a space race that once existed on Viewros. Riding the Vi-O-La allows for swift travel across the vast expanses of the unknown planet Viewros. In addition, special actions can be used while riding to combat enemies and destroy ores scattered across the surface, allowing you to explore uncharted territory.

• Boost: Temporarily boosts your speed, knocking enemies back or shattering ore.
• Power Slide: Sliding Vi-O-La sideways while boosting, known as a “Power Slide,” will send enemies, ore, and other targets flying.
• Projectile: Fire a projectile that tracks your target. The projectile can lock on to up to five enemies at once, attacking them and then returning like a boomerang.

Summon Vi-O-La at any time within the available area. Dismounting Vi-O-La will return you to Samus’ perspective and resume your exploration.

To return alive from the unknown planet to which she was transported, Samus will use her newly acquired “psychic abilities” and Vi-O-La to clear her way.

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond launches for Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch on December 4, 2025. See the new footage here.