Five years after Metroid Dread, Nintendo announced Metroid Ravenous for Nintendo Switch 2 during the September 9, 2026, Nintendo Direct. The new game will launch exclusively on Nintendo’s latest console on January 28, 2027, making it the first 2D Metroid entry since Samus’ last side-scrolling adventure.
It’s eat…or be eaten. #MetroidRavenous. 28/01/2027.
Only on #NintendoSwitch2. pic.twitter.com/b7f9fQWRmo
— Nintendo UK (@NintendoUK) September 9, 2026
The Metroid Ravenous name first surfaced online on July 1, before Nintendo’s presentation officially confirmed the project and supplied its first trailer. The earlier appearance identified it as a new Metroid game for Nintendo’s latest console, while the showcase established its format, platform, and release date. The original report on the July 1 appearance provides that earlier chronology.
Samus turns enemy energy into a weapon
Metroid Ravenous follows Metroid Dread with a new role for Samus’ ability to drain energy from her enemies. The trailer shows her converting that energy into different attacks and forms, building on the power she gained at the end of Dread and turning a detail tied to her human and Chozo heritage into a central combat mechanic.
Close-range encounters give Samus more ways to answer enemy pressure. She can use Drain to counter grapples, and those clashes can lead into the larger transformation shown in the trailer. The counter-focused foundation from Dread remains present, although Ravenous puts Samus on the offensive more often.
Boss encounters also feature fast camera work, with attacks and counters appearing to continue during cinematic sequences instead of stopping the action. Samus is shown fighting a robe-clad group that appears to be trying to contain her on a desert world.
The feeding mechanic evokes the Metroid creatures themselves and may connect to the meaning behind the new game’s title. Nintendo has not shared many details beyond the January 28 release date, Nintendo Switch 2 exclusivity, and the trailer’s central mechanic, but the announcement gives the 2D series a clear return date on Nintendo’s latest console.
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