Nintendo has officially pulled back the curtain on the next chapter of Samus Aran’s side-scrolling saga. During today’s Nintendo Direct, the platform holder announced Metroid Ravenous, a brand-new 2D Metroid adventure that will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 in January 2027.
Metroid Ravenous Headlines the Nintendo Direct
The reveal was one of the biggest moments of the presentation, confirming months of rumors that a new 2D entry in the legendary action-adventure franchise was in development. Nintendo confirmed the title, the release window, and the platform exclusivity, instantly making Metroid Ravenous one of the most anticipated games on the Switch 2 roadmap.
A Long-Awaited Return to 2D
The announcement marks the first new 2D Metroid game since 2021’s critically acclaimed Metroid Dread, which became one of the best-selling entries in the series’ history. Dread’s success proved there was a strong appetite for classic side-scrolling Metroid gameplay, and Nintendo is clearly doubling down on that formula with Ravenous.
What’s in a Name?
While Nintendo kept gameplay details under wraps for now, the title itself has already sparked plenty of fan theories. “Ravenous” evokes imagery of hunger and predation — themes that sit comfortably within Metroid lore, where the titular alien organisms drain the life energy from their prey. Could this hint at a darker, more aggressive direction for the story, or perhaps a new threat that hunts Samus rather than the other way around? Until Nintendo shares more, that remains speculation — but the name alone suggests something menacing is lurking in the shadows.
Why Switch 2 Exclusivity Matters
Launching Metroid Ravenous exclusively on Switch 2 is a strategic move by Nintendo. As the company transitions its first-party development pipeline to its newest hardware, exclusives like this give players a compelling reason to upgrade. It also signals that Nintendo is treating the 2D Metroid series as a genuine system seller rather than a niche offering — a far cry from the franchise’s years of dormancy before Dread revived it.
The Metroid Pipeline Has Never Been Stronger
For longtime fans, this is arguably a golden era for the bounty hunter. With Metroid Prime 4: Beyond also heading to Nintendo platforms, the franchise is now active across both its 2D and 3D branches simultaneously — something that hasn’t happened often in the series’ nearly four-decade history. Samus Aran fans have a lot to look forward to through 2026 and beyond.
How to Prepare for Launch Day
With a January 2027 release date, there’s plenty of time to get your Switch 2 library in order. If you’re looking to top up your Nintendo eShop balance ahead of pre-orders, you can grab Nintendo eShop gift cards and game codes at TURGAME.com — a quick and convenient way to make sure you’re ready to download Metroid Ravenous the moment it goes live.
Final Thoughts
Metroid Ravenous is shaping up to be one of the flagship titles of the Switch 2’s 2027 lineup. A new 2D Metroid built for modern hardware, arriving hot on the heels of Dread’s success, is exactly what fans have been hoping for. We expect to see much more — gameplay footage, story details, and hopefully a confirmed release date — in future Nintendo Direct presentations. One thing is certain: the hunt begins again in January 2027.
Source: Eurogamer