MercurySteam Confirms Metroid Ravenous for Nintendo's Next Console
The studio behind Metroid Dread returns to the series with a title slated for January 2027 on the 'Switch 2'.
Spanish developer MercurySteam has effectively confirmed it is developing the upcoming title Metroid Ravenous. The announcement follows a recent Nintendo Direct reveal where the game was first showcased to the public.
While Nintendo did not explicitly name the developer during the official presentation, MercurySteam signaled its involvement via social media. The studio shared the game's trailer on LinkedIn and retweeted the footage using ninja and heart emojis, a move widely interpreted by the industry as a confirmation of their role. Metroid Ravenous is scheduled for release on January 28, 2027, and will launch exclusively for Nintendo's successor console, commonly referred to as the 'Switch 2'. Additionally, the game's official eShop listing indicates that the title will support 120Hz output, highlighting a technical leap for the series.
A Turbulent Path to Return
This project marks a reunion between MercurySteam and the Metroid franchise. The studio previously earned critical acclaim for its work on Metroid Dread, released in 2021, which revitalized the series' 2D exploration formula. However, the period following that success was marked by instability. MercurySteam recently underwent significant restructuring and faced financial pressure following the commercial underperformance of its original title, Blades of Fire, in 2025. The resulting layoffs and internal shifts made the studio's future uncertain until the emergence of this new partnership with Nintendo.
Industry Implications
The confirmation of Metroid Ravenous is a pivotal development for both the studio and Nintendo. For MercurySteam, the project represents a critical lifeline and a return to a high-profile IP that can stabilize the company's financial standing. For Nintendo, the game serves as a key software pillar for the launch window of its next-generation hardware. By leveraging the 2D Metroid formula—which has proven highly successful in recent years—Nintendo is ensuring a strong software lineup to drive adoption of the 'Switch 2'.
Looking Ahead
As the industry awaits the official unveiling of the 'Switch 2' hardware, Metroid Ravenous stands as one of the first concrete examples of the technical capabilities of the new system, particularly regarding the 120Hz output. While the social media signals from MercurySteam provide a clear indication of their involvement, the gaming community continues to watch for a formal joint statement from Nintendo and the developer to finalize the partnership details.