Metroid Prime 4: Beyond's $30 Amiibo sparks backlash over exclusive bike radio

Nintendo fans are unhappy about $30 “Metroid 4: Beyond” The amiibo figurine lets you turn on your motorcycle's radio.

As previously announced, the Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Samus amiibo unlocks a host of in-game features, including an energy shield that blocks 99 points of damage – and can only be used once per day. But what fans are talking about right now is that this amiibo also unlocks a jukebox function for Samus' Vi-O-La motorcycle, allowing you to listen to other themes from the game.

Discussions about what's right and what's wrong with Nintendo offering extra features to amiibo owners is nothing new, with dozens of Nintendo games offering exclusive extras for those who own the statue in question (or borrow one from a friend). Additionally, there have been some inaccuracies regarding the use of the radio in this case, with some reports incorrectly stating that it included additional exclusive music, or that the main Sol Valley area of ​​the bike was quiet.

Indeed, Sol Valley's ethereal ambient music is relatively sparse – after all, the desert-like area is a wasteland to begin with, and is a markedly different environment from the main areas of the game that Samus once again explores on foot.

Still, some fans have said it would be nice to have the option to turn on the in-game radio without having to buy a $29.99 toy, which is a common argument for Nintendo games with amiibo-exclusive features, but seems fair enough.

“Couldn't they have just given us jukebox mode from the start instead of making us buy an accessory to take away jukebox mode?” wrote Nintendo fan Knightedwolf851 reddit. “Spending more money on a game we already spent $70-80 on?”

“Honestly, if the DLC doesn't affect the gameplay and story, then I'm fine with it,” countered another fan, Kerrplady. “It's a cosmetic that doesn't impact the game. (Unlike Skyward Sword Teleport, I think the mechanic removes some decision-making from the game anyway.)”

“$30 to ruin the intended vibe? Okay,” quipped a third fan, The_Pepper_Oni.

I honestly think Desert would be at least three times better if they played some explosive music in the back. But it just feels… boring #Metroid4 pic.twitter.com/xqCAPxBgWP

— Andre (@AndreSegers) December 3, 2025

IGN has one Your complete guide to amiibo features, rewards and unlocks in Metroid Prime 4: Beyondwhich also includes a mileage counter and additional Vi-O-La livery. We previously reported on the game Sylux amiibo statue that allows you to watch specially edited in-game cutscenes otherwise required for 100% completion.

IGN wrote in our article: “Metroid Beyond is a brilliant, if relatively uneven, renaissance game that in its best moments reaches heights worthy of the Metroid name.” Metroid 4: Beyond Reviewrating the game 8/10.

Tom Phillips is IGN's news editor. You can contact Tom at [email protected] or find him on Bluesky @tomphillipseg.bsky.social