Metroid Ravenous is Nintendo’s newly revealed 2D action adventure for Nintendo Switch 2, sending Samus Aran to an unfamiliar moon where survival follows one brutal rule: eat or be eaten. Nintendo has confirmed its release date, core combat idea, editions, amiibo lineup and several technical features.
1. Metroid Ravenous releases January 28, 2027
Nintendo lists Metroid Ravenous for January 28, 2027, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2. Standard and special editions launch on the same day. Preorders opened after the September 9 Nintendo Direct, placing the new Samus adventure among the system’s biggest early-2027 releases.
2. It is an all-new 2D Metroid adventure
Metroid Ravenous returns to side-scrolling exploration rather than copying the first-person structure of Metroid Prime. Nintendo describes it as an intense 2D action adventure built around labyrinthine ruins, fast movement, ranged weapons and large boss encounters. Players will need to search interconnected corridors and expand their arsenal to reach previously inaccessible areas.
3. Samus is stranded on an unfamiliar moon
The story begins after unknown attackers ambush Samus and leave her gravely injured on a strange moon. With no simple route home, the bounty hunter must explore ancient-looking ruins while learning why the creatures and structures around her are so dangerous. Nintendo has not yet named the moon or fully explained the attackers.
4. New Metroid instincts change the hunt
The biggest confirmed twist is Samus’s newly awakened “Metroid instincts.” Nintendo says players can use them to devour foes, suggesting a more aggressive risk-and-reward system than the familiar beam-and-missile loop. The exact resource, health or progression benefits have not been detailed, so claims about how the ability works remain speculation until Nintendo shows more gameplay.
5. Beams and missiles still matter
Classic tools remain central. The official description tells players to strike quickly with beams, missiles and more before becoming the enemy’s next meal. That wording points to faster encounters and pressure from pursuing creatures, while the maze-like world keeps the exploration and upgrade rhythm associated with 2D Metroid games.
6. Powerful bosses guard the ruins
Nintendo specifically promises powerful bosses inside the labyrinth. The reveal art and footage emphasize predatory alien life, but the company has not published a complete boss list. Expect major battles to test movement, aiming and the new instinct mechanic, while also unlocking paths or story answers.
7. Three Metroid Ravenous amiibo are planned
The amiibo collection includes individual Samus and Chozo Statue figures at launch. A third Samus figure wearing the Metroid Suit is bundled with the Special Edition. Nintendo says functionality will be announced later, so bonuses, daily scans or unlocks are not confirmed yet.
8. The Special Edition includes physical extras
Nintendo’s Direct recap says the Special Edition contains the game, a steel game case and the Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo. Store stock can change quickly, and regional packaging or pricing may differ. Check the official store rather than paying inflated reseller prices.
9. Switch 2 features include HDR and 120 Hz output
The official store page lists HDR output and 120 Hz output on compatible televisions, plus surround sound, amiibo support and Save Data Cloud. These labels confirm supported system features, but they do not guarantee every scene runs at 120 frames per second. The estimated download size is 20.2 GB and may change before launch.
What remains unknown?
- The name and history of the moon.
- The identity of the attackers who ambush Samus.
- How devouring enemies affects health, abilities or progression.
- The full map structure and total campaign length.
- Exact amiibo functionality.
Is Metroid Ravenous worth watching?
Yes. The confirmed 2D format, new survival mechanic and January release date give Nintendo a clear action centerpiece for Switch 2. The smartest expectation is a fast, exploration-heavy game with a more predatory combat rhythm—while waiting for Nintendo to explain the systems that have not yet been shown.
Follow our Nintendo coverage for future updates. Details in this article come from the official Nintendo Store page and Nintendo’s Direct recap.
Updated September 10, 2026. Features and file size may change before release.
