Metroid Ravenous Announced for Nintendo Switch 2 With January 2027 Release Date

Nintendo has announced Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D action-adventure game starring Samus Aran, exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2. Revealed during the September 9, 2026, Nintendo Direct presentation, the game will launch on January 28, 2027, marking another major return to the franchise’s side-scrolling roots.

Metroid Ravenous introduces a dangerous alien environment, aggressive combat, and a new ability that lets Samus absorb energy from enemies. Its announcement trailer blends traditional Metroid exploration with modern 3D graphics, cinematic encounters, and a darker, survival-focused atmosphere.

Nintendo also confirmed a Special Edition and three collectable amiibo figures, including a new Samus in her Metroid Suit.

Metroid Ravenous Brings Samus Back to 2D Exploration

Metroid Ravenous follows Samus after unknown enemies attack her and strand her on an unfamiliar moon. Injured and surrounded by hostile creatures, the bounty hunter must explore a network of interconnected corridors, recover equipment and defeat powerful opponents to escape.

Nintendo’s official announcement describes the game as an entirely new 2D adventure developed specifically for Nintendo Switch 2.

The game retains the exploration-driven structure associated with classic Metroid titles. Players will navigate complex environments, search for upgrades and revisit previously inaccessible locations as Samus expands her abilities.

Although the action takes place primarily from a side-scrolling perspective, the presentation incorporates detailed 3D environments and cinematic sequences. The approach builds on the visual direction established by Metroid Dread while taking advantage of newer hardware.

New Metroid Abilities Change How Samus Fights

The most significant gameplay addition is Samus’s ability to consume energy from defeated enemies. Nintendo describes this mechanic as an awakening of her Metroid instincts, introducing a more aggressive dimension to combat.

Samus retains familiar weapons, including her Arm Cannon beams and missiles. However, the new absorption ability appears central to how players survive encounters and develop their combat capabilities.

The announcement footage also shows fast movement, close-range counters and encounters with unusually large alien enemies. Familiar traversal mechanics, including the Morph Ball, return alongside the new offensive abilities.

These changes suggest a stronger emphasis on maintaining combat momentum, although Nintendo has not explained every aspect of the energy-absorption system. Its relationship to health recovery, weapon upgrades, and progression remains unclear.

According to the official Nintendo game listing, Samus must gather equipment, navigate labyrinthine environments and defeat powerful bosses while using her newly awakened abilities.

How Metroid Ravenous Builds on Metroid Dread

Metroid Ravenous follows the franchise’s recent return to prominence. Metroid Dread, released for the original Nintendo Switch in 2021, revived the mainline 2D series with modern controls, challenging encounters, and an emphasis on exploration. The new game’s structure appears familiar. Still, its combat systems introduce a different approach. Rather than relying solely on traditional weapons and defensive counters, Samus can now use her enemies’ energy as part of her arsenal.

The setting also provides an opportunity for a fresh story. Nintendo has confirmed that Samus is stranded on an unknown moon, but it has not explained the attackers’ identities or how the events connect to previous Metroid games.

Importantly, Nintendo has not described Ravenous as a direct narrative sequel to Dread. Comparisons between the two are reasonable because they share a 2D format, but the precise relationship remains unconfirmed.

Nintendo Switch 2 Features and Performance

Metroid Ravenous is being developed exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, with no announced version for the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo’s product listing confirms support for handheld, tabletop and television play.

The game also supports HDR output and displays capable of receiving a 120Hz signal. These specifications indicate support for modern display features, but they don’t guarantee gameplay will consistently run at 120 frames per second.

Nintendo lists an estimated digital download size of 20.2GB. The final installation size may change before release, so players should check the Nintendo eShop closer to launch.

Metroid Ravenous is a single-player experience with Nintendo Switch Online cloud-save support. The game doesn’t require multiplayer, but you need a Nintendo Switch Online membership to use cloud backups.

Metroid Ravenous Special Edition and amiibo Figures

Nintendo has announced a physical Special Edition launching alongside the standard game on January 28, 2027. The package includes the game, a SteelBook case and an exclusive Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo figure.

Two additional figures will be sold separately: Samus and a Chozo Statue. All three belong to the new Metroid Ravenous amiibo collection and are scheduled for release on the same day as the game.

The Chozo Statue represents the mysterious civilisation closely associated with Metroid’s history. Nintendo describes the figure as larger than a standard amiibo and modelled on the recognisable seated Chozo statue design.

The Special Edition listing confirms the included collectable items. However, Nintendo has not yet explained the specific in-game rewards or functions the new amiibo figures unlock.

Collectors interested in the Special Edition should distinguish its included Metroid Suit figure from the separately available Samus and Chozo Statue figures.

Metroid Ravenous Release Date and Availability

Metroid Ravenous launches worldwide for Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027. Nintendo announced both digital and physical editions, with preorders opening following the September Nintendo Direct presentation.

The official listing lists Nintendo as the publisher and confirms an ESRB Teen rating for animated blood and violence. It supports multiple language options, including English, Japanese, French, German, and Spanish.

Although the release date is confirmed, Nintendo has not disclosed every gameplay system or revealed the complete story. Additional footage and technical details may become available ahead of launch.

Why Metroid Ravenous Matters for Nintendo Switch 2

Metroid Ravenous strengthens Nintendo Switch 2’s first-party lineup with a new instalment in one of the company’s longest-running action-adventure franchises. Its traditional side-scrolling structure also contrasts with the larger 3D experiences common in modern console releases.

The new energy-absorption mechanic is particularly promising because it meaningfully changes Samus’s established abilities. If integrated successfully with exploration and enemy design, it could distinguish Ravenous from earlier 2D Metroid games without abandoning the series’ core identity.

Unanswered questions remain about combat balance, level design, and the extent of its technical improvements. Nintendo has shown the game’s visual direction and central premise, but we can’t assess its overall quality until we have more substantial gameplay.

For now, Metroid Ravenous is a significant announcement for Nintendo Switch 2 owners. Its January 28 release will bring Samus back to 2D action with a new alien setting, more aggressive combat mechanics and a presentation designed around Nintendo’s latest hardware.