Metroid Prime was the first Metroid game to use a first-person perspective.
Retro Studios developed Metroid Prime for the Nintendo GameCube, with Nintendo publishing it in 2002 in North America and in 2003 in Japan and Europe. Although its perspective changed from the side-scrolling format of earlier games, it retained exploration, scanning, environmental puzzles, upgrades, and backtracking as central features.
Players control bounty hunter Samus Aran through her helmet visor. The visor displays weapons, environmental information, and scan data, allowing the first-person view to support both combat and investigation. The story takes place on the planet Tallon IV and involves the mysterious substance Phazon.
Metroid Prime is often dated to 2002 because of its North American launch, while some references use 2004 when discussing the broader Metroid Prime series or later releases. It is distinct from Metroid Fusion, a 2D Game Boy Advance title released the same year.