Ethan Crossfield 
Nintendo has officially revealed Metroid Ravenous after the project appeared in leaked documents from Brazil. Shown during the September 9 Nintendo Direct, the next 2D-style Metroid adventure is scheduled to launch on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027. The presentation also offered a first look at its 2.5D gameplay, a story that appears to follow Metroid Dread, and a more vocal version of Samus Aran.
What happened during the reveal
Metroid Ravenous was one of the major announcements in Nintendo's September presentation, confirming a title that had been circulating in reports before its official unveiling. The trailer places Samus in immediate danger as mysterious attackers strike and she appears trapped within a planet.
The footage combines the side-scrolling action associated with Metroid Dread with a more cinematic presentation. Samus runs, fires, uses her parry ability, and fights large enemies, including a giant snake-like creature. The trailer also highlights her Metroid DNA. She is shown absorbing enemies in dramatic sequences and seemingly transforming into a Metroid-based form capable of delivering a powerful finishing attack.
Nintendo further confirmed that Samus will be fully voiced, suggesting that dialogue will play a more prominent role in this chapter than in many previous 2D entries.
Why Metroid Ravenous matters
The announcement arrives during an important period for the franchise. Metroid reached its 40th anniversary on August 6, 2026, and the series has remained visible following the release of Metroid Prime 4 last year. Ravenous now gives Nintendo another way to build on that momentum while returning to the 2D format that established the franchise.
Metroid Dread continued that side-scrolling legacy in 2021 after a long development period. Ravenous is positioned as the next chapter roughly five years later, with the trailer suggesting that its story follows the events of Dread. That makes the new game particularly relevant for fans who have been waiting to see how Samus's Metroid abilities and the aftermath of the previous adventure develop.
The source material identifies MercurySteam as the likely developer based on the earlier leak, although Nintendo did not explicitly confirm the studio during the Direct. The team previously worked on Metroid Dread, making its possible return a logical fit. Series producer Yoshio Sakamoto is also expected to be involved, but that detail remains unconfirmed.
What to watch next
The immediate milestone is the January 28, 2027 launch on Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has not provided further details in the available announcement about the game's full structure, progression systems, or additional characters, so the revealed gameplay leaves several questions open.
Players should pay close attention to how Samus's Metroid-based abilities affect exploration and combat. The trailer suggests that absorption, transformation, and finishing attacks will be central features rather than brief story moments. It will also be worth watching how the game balances Dread's established movement and parry mechanics with the new cinematic elements and voiced performance.
For MercurySteam, Ravenous could represent an important opportunity if the studio is returning to the project. Its previous game, Blades of Fire, struggled to find an audience in 2025, a performance that was followed by layoffs and higher-than-expected write-offs.
Key takeaways
- Metroid Ravenous launches on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027.
- The game uses 2.5D-style side-scrolling gameplay inspired by Metroid Dread.
- The story appears to continue after the events of Metroid Dread.
- Samus will be fully voiced and uses abilities linked to her Metroid DNA.
- MercurySteam's involvement is suggested by the leak but was not officially confirmed.
Expert View
Metroid Ravenous looks important because it extends the modern 2D formula without abandoning the fundamentals that made Dread effective. The trailer's emphasis on Samus's Metroid abilities and a more expressive performance gives the sequel a clear identity, while the Switch 2 release provides Nintendo with another high-profile reason for fans of the franchise to remain engaged with the platform. The biggest unanswered question is whether the new cinematic and transformation-focused ideas will deepen exploration or simply add spectacle. Either way, the January 2027 launch gives Nintendo a strong early-year release and gives MercurySteam, if involved, a meaningful chance to rebuild momentum.
