Not long after giving fans a closer look at its upcoming Ocarina of Time remake, Nintendo delivered another major reveal during its second Direct stream this week. The showcase highlighted several upcoming titles for Nintendo Switch and the new Nintendo Switch 2, and one of the biggest announcements was Metroid Ravenous, a fresh entry in the Metroid franchise.
Metroid Ravenous takes a different approach from the Metroid Prime trilogy. Rather than moving fully into 3D first-person gameplay, Ravenous remains rooted in the series’ 2D side-scrolling tradition. The new game continues the storyline from Metroid Dread while introducing new mechanics and systems that change how Samus navigates enemy encounters and the game world.
From the footage shown in the Direct, one of the more striking additions to gameplay is a predatory mechanic that lets Samus interact with enemies in new ways, including the ability to consume certain foes. This “eat or be eaten” theme appears central to the title’s tone and mechanics, changing how players approach combat, exploration, and resource management. Alongside combat innovations, the trailer hinted at environmental puzzles and traversal elements tailored to the 2D format, keeping the classic Metroidvania feel while refreshing the design for modern hardware.
Nintendo announced a definitive release date: Metroid Ravenous is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2027. The title will be available for Nintendo Switch 2, positioning it as one of the early major releases for the new console. Both standard and special editions of the game will be offered, and pre-orders were set to begin on the day of the Direct announcement.
Collectors and fans of physical merchandise will have options at launch. Nintendo confirmed a Metroid Ravenous amiibo collection that includes individual figures and collectible statues. The lineup features a Samus figure and a Chozo Statue, each sold separately, and a third Samus amiibo labeled “Samus (Metroid Suit)” that will be included with a Special Edition bundle. That Special Edition will come with the game and a steel game case. For players who value both digital and physical collector items, these offerings provide a range of choices from a standard release to a premium collector’s package.
It’s eat or be eaten for Samus Aran in an all-new 2D adventure, coming to Nintendo Switch 2! Plus, the Metroid Ravenous amiibo collection will release with individual Samus and Chozo Statue figures at launch. A third amiibo in the lineup, Samus (Metroid Suit), will be bundled with a Special Edition that includes the game and a steel game case. Both the standard and special editions launch Jan. 28, 2027, and pre-orders begin later today.
For longtime Metroid fans, Ravenous promises a blend of familiar exploration-focused design and new systems that could shift how progression and combat feel across the map. The decision to continue in a 2D format underscores Nintendo’s commitment to diverse gameplay styles within the Metroid franchise—preserving the tight platforming and map-based exploration that defined earlier side-scrolling entries while taking advantage of the improved performance and features of modern hardware.
As the release date approaches, expect more details about specific mechanics, boss encounters, and post-launch content. Nintendo’s reveal was an early look that sets expectations high: a narrative continuation after Metroid Dread, new predator-style gameplay, multiple physical editions, and amiibo support will give players and collectors several reasons to watch Metroid Ravenous closely over the coming months.
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