Source: IGN
Introduction
Nintendo has officially pulled back the curtain on its next major project for the upcoming Switch 2 hardware. During a recent Nintendo Direct presentation, the company unveiled Metroid Ravenous, a direct side-scrolling successor to the critically acclaimed Metroid Dread.
The announcement confirms that bounty hunter Samus Aran will return to the spotlight in a high-stakes adventure. With a release scheduled for early 2027, the game appears poised to continue the modern evolution of the franchise’s signature exploration-based gameplay.
What Happened
The reveal trailer for Metroid Ravenous showcased a dire situation for the franchise's protagonist. Samus is depicted suffering from severe injuries after an encounter with unknown adversaries, leaving her stranded on a remote moon with limited prospects for escape. The narrative tone shifts toward survival, with Samus noting that she must consume her enemies to endure the ordeal.
Development duties for this title appear to rest with MercurySteam. The Spanish studio has a well-established history with the series, having previously developed Metroid: Samus Returns for the Nintendo 3DS and the 2021 hit Metroid Dread. This collaboration suggests a continuation of the mechanical foundation established in those recent entries.
Background
Speculation regarding the title began earlier this year when a regulatory filing in Brazil inadvertently leaked the name Metroid Ravenous. At the time, observers hypothesized that the moniker might reference Raven Beak, the primary antagonist from Metroid Dread. While the game shares a lineage with the broader franchise, it remains distinct from the first-person Metroid Prime series.
Chronologically, Metroid Ravenous is set to take place at the conclusion of the current series timeline, following the events of last year's Metroid Prime 4. Players should not expect direct narrative links to the Prime subseries, as the game focuses on the established side-scrolling continuity.
Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Initial Leak (Brazilian Ratings Board) | Summer 2026 |
| Official Reveal (Nintendo Direct) | September 9, 2026 |
| Global Launch Date | January 28, 2027 |
Key Details
The title is slated as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2. Pricing for the digital edition has been confirmed at $59.99, aligning it with the cost of other major upcoming software, such as the remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Nintendo also announced a series of accompanying physical products. Collectors can look forward to a specialized amiibo lineup featuring individual figures of Samus and a Chozo Statue. Additionally, a "Samus (Metroid Suit)" amiibo will be bundled as part of a premium Special Edition, which also includes a SteelBook display case.
| Product Offering | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Nintendo Switch 2 |
| Standard Digital Price | $59.99 |
| Release Date | January 28, 2027 |
| Special Edition Content | Game, SteelBook, Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo |
Impact
The announcement serves as a significant milestone for the Metroid series, which has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last half-decade. The success of Metroid Dread, which earned a 9/10 score in its original review, established a high bar for modern side-scrolling action. By retaining MercurySteam, Nintendo appears to be doubling down on the combat and exploration mechanics that defined the series' recent renaissance.
The thematic focus on survival and "eating" enemies suggests a potential shift in gameplay dynamics or narrative intensity. Given that the series is reaching the end of its current chronology, fans are likely to analyze how Ravenous expands the lore of the Chozo and Samus Aran’s ongoing evolution.
What Happens Next
The industry is now looking toward the January 28, 2027, launch date for the hardware and software. Nintendo is expected to provide further trailers and gameplay demonstrations as the release window approaches. In the interim, fans are encouraged to review the full list of announcements from the September 2026 Direct to understand how Metroid Ravenous fits into the broader roadmap for the Switch 2 platform.
