Nintendo Opens Preorders for Metroid Ravenous on Switch 2
The 2D side-scrolling follow-up to Metroid Dread arrives January 28, 2027, with exclusive hardware and special editions.
Nintendo has officially opened preorders for Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D side-scrolling adventure launching exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2. The title is scheduled for release on January 28, 2027, marking a significant return for the series following the success of Metroid Dread.
The game will be available in both Standard and Special editions. The Special Edition bundles the game with a Steelbook case and an exclusive Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo that will not be sold separately. For those opting for the Standard Edition, Nintendo is offering both physical cartridge and digital formats. To complement the launch, Nintendo is also releasing two additional amiibo figures: a standard Samus and a Chozo Statue.
A Desperate Struggle for Survival
Metroid Ravenous continues the legacy of the 2D Metroid entries, placing Samus Aran in a precarious new environment. In the game's narrative, Samus finds herself stranded on a moon after an attack by unknown assailants. The plot introduces a darker survival mechanic where the protagonist must "feed on her enemies" to sustain herself and escape.
In a trailer, Samus describes her dire situation, noting that she sustained grave injuries and that her chances of leaving the moon are "slim at best." She concludes the transmission with a grim determination, stating, "It's eat or be eaten."
Next-Gen Strategy
As an exclusive title for the Nintendo Switch 2, Metroid Ravenous serves as a critical benchmark for Nintendo's next-generation hardware. The game's deployment in the early lifecycle of the new console indicates how Nintendo intends to leverage increased processing power for its first-party franchises. By pairing a high-profile legacy IP with the launch window of new hardware, Nintendo is positioning the Metroid series as a primary driver for console adoption.
What to Watch
While the release date and edition contents are confirmed, the industry is now looking toward technical deep dives to see how the Switch 2 hardware improves the 2D experience over the original Switch. Further details regarding the specific gameplay mechanics of the "feeding" system and additional first-party launch titles remain the primary points of interest for the community as January 2027 approaches.