The Scan Visor is a visor that appears in every Metroid Prime game, as well as in Metroid: Other M. In Metroid Prime, the Scan Visor allows Samus to scan various objects and creatures to learn more about them, decipher Space Pirate records and Chozo symbols, and even activate certain machinery. When Samus finishes a scan, the game pauses to allow her to read its contents.

Some scans are recorded in the Logbook and can be accessed later on; such objects are marked by a small red symbol, whereas scannable objects that aren't recorded in the Logbook are marked by an orange one. Filling the Logbook will unlock secret concept art.