Arriving exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2, the game follows Samus trapped on a subterranean moon, introducing darker narrative undertones and survival mechanics.
The Bottom Line
- Release Date: Metroid Ravenous launches on January 28, 2027.
- Platform exclusivity: The title is confirmed as an exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.
- Fresh Mechanics: Revealed trailers hint at darker narrative beats, dialogue for the first time since Metroid Other M, and aggressive new combat animations.
Following Up on Dread’s Success
In 2021, Metroid Dread brought the series back from a long hiatus. That title went on to shift 2.9 million copies worldwide in its first six months on sale, out-pacing the previous best-seller Metroid Prime. This commercial victory gave the developers financial stability and creative runway to push the 2D formula even further.
During the latest Nintendo Direct broadcast, the publisher dropped our first substantial look at Metroid Ravenous. Samus finds herself stranded underneath the surface of a desolate moon, hunting for a way off world while fending off aggressive local fauna. The trailer showcases a distinctly feral edge to Samus, complete with a concerning glint in her eye as she confronts an enemy with the line, “It’s eat or be eaten.”
Hardware Realities and Platform Exclusivity
Unlike Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Metroid Ravenous will be a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. If fans want to experience Samus’s latest atmospheric expedition on launch day, hardware upgrades will be mandatory.
Nintendo is backing up the launch with collector incentives. Alongside the standard software release, a Deluxe Edition will hit shelves featuring a physical game cartridge, a custom steelbook, and brand-new Amiibo figures designed specifically for the title.
Expanding the Lore and Shifting Mechanics
For the first time since Metroid Other M, Samus actually speaks, reminding players that underneath the Power Suit lies a character with a voice and direct stake in the narrative. Glimpses of combat show enemies draining her energy, while brief, jarring cuts suggest Samus might literally devour creatures to reclaim her strength—taking a cue from her cousin, Kirby.
The aesthetic bridges the gap between classic side-scrolling navigation and modern 3D rendering. Full-3D cutscenes punctuate the pacing, showcasing a brutal encounter with a samurai-like adversary clad in black metal armor who manages to pierce Samus’s iconic suit. With Metroid Dread currently holding an 88/100 Metacritic score and an 8.8 user rating, the pressure on MercurySteam is palpable.
| Title | Developer | Release Window | Key Milestone |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metroid Dread | MercurySteam / Nintendo | 2021 | Shifted 2.9m copies in first six months, out-pacing previous best-seller Metroid Prime. |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Nintendo | Last year | Marked the series’ return to 3D dimensions. |
| Metroid Ravenous | MercurySteam / Nintendo | January 28, 2027 | Confirmed as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive featuring spoken dialogue and darker narrative themes. |
What Comes Next for the Bounty Hunter
Fans have spent years clamoring for modernized ports of Metroid Prime 2 and Metroid Prime 3 on the Switch, a wish list that remains unfulfilled even as brand-new chapters march forward. For now, all eyes are locked on MercurySteam’s upcoming experiment in survival horror platforming. How do you feel about Samus taking a darker, more visceral turn? Drop your thoughts in the comments below.
