Metroid Ravenous Revealed as First New 2D Metroid Since Dread

Nintendo has revealed Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D adventure for Nintendo Switch 2 launching on January 28, 2027.

The game is the first new side-scrolling Metroid since Metroid Dread in 2021. Samus is stranded beneath the surface of an unfamiliar moon after an ambush, while a new combat mechanic lets her use her Metroid powers to drain energy directly from stunned enemies.

Metroid Ravenous begins with Samus crash-landing on a moon before being attacked by a mysterious group of assassins. The assault leaves her badly wounded and sends her deep underground, where she must find a route back to the surface.

Nintendo says five Space Ninjas responsible for the attack are spread throughout the underground world. Samus will eventually face them in one-on-one battles, with each assassin carrying powerful weaponry.

The reveal showed Samus exploring subterranean environments, fighting enemies and bosses, and gaining new abilities as she searches for a route back to the surface.

In Ravenous, she can regain energy by feeding on enemies. Nintendo says players first need to counter an incoming attack and stun the target. That creates a brief opening for Samus to drain its energy.

The system gives successful counters another purpose beyond creating an opportunity to attack. A well-timed defensive move can now lead directly into healing, tying Samus' survival to how effectively players read enemy attacks.

Nintendo is presenting that ability as one of the defining mechanics of Ravenous, repeatedly describing the new adventure with the phrase "eat or be eaten."

The five Space Ninjas serve as major one-on-one encounters throughout Ravenous, but their battles also change how the action is presented. Nintendo says the camera shifts to an angled position behind Samus as she fights the assassins through more complex spaces.

Each Space Ninja uses powerful weaponry, giving Samus a series of direct confrontations with the same group responsible for the ambush that left her stranded underground.

Metroid Ravenous launches exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027.