Nintendo has pulled back the curtain on Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D Metroid adventure bringing Samus Aran to Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027. Revealed during the September 9 Nintendo Direct, Ravenous throws Samus into a hostile new fight with mysterious attackers, familiar Metroid exploration and a striking new ability that appears to let her drain energy from enemies.
It’s eat or be eaten when Metroid Ravenous, the latest game in the 2D Metroid series, arrives on Nintendo Switch 2 Jan 28! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/3yOE6L5X1R
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) September 9, 2026
For Metroid fans, this is more than another Switch 2 release. Ravenous marks a new side-scrolling adventure following Metroid Dread, and Nintendo’s first footage suggests Samus’ new power could sit at the heart of both its combat and survival-focused story.
Release date: January 28, 2027
Platform: Nintendo Switch 2
Style: 2D Metroid action-adventure
Hero: Samus Aran
New power: Apparent energy absorption
Release: Physical and Nintendo eShop
Extras: Amiibo and Special Edition
Samus is thrown into a brutal new fight
Ravenous wastes little time putting Samus under pressure. The reveal shows a mysterious group attacking the bounty hunter, while Nintendo deliberately keeps the identity and motives of her new enemies secret.
The darker setup feeds directly into the game’s survival theme. Nintendo’s Yoshiaki Koizumi highlighted the mysterious attack and an ability that appears to drain energy before offering a short tease for what players should expect: “It’s eat or be eaten.”
That line could prove important. Ravenous appears to be positioning Samus not simply as a hunter exploring another alien environment, but as someone forced to use a dangerous new ability to survive it.
Samus’ new power could change combat
The standout addition is Samus’ apparent ability to absorb or drain energy from enemies.
Nintendo has not yet revealed exactly how the mechanic works. It remains unclear whether drained energy restores health, powers attacks, unlocks upgrades or interacts with exploration in another way.
That’s an important distinction because the trailer confirms the ability exists without explaining its complete gameplay system. If Nintendo integrates it into Ravenous’ traditional ability-gated exploration, however, it could become much more than a flashy combat move.
Classic 2D Metroid meets Switch 2
Ravenous remains firmly rooted in the 2D Metroid formula. Gameplay takes place from a side-on perspective while using detailed 3D environments, characters and cinematic sequences.
The footage shows quick movement and aggressive encounters, while familiar mechanics remain visible. Samus’ Morph Ball returns, and the action shown so far includes parrying alongside the new absorption ability.
That makes Ravenous look closer to an evolution of Metroid Dread than a reinvention of Metroid as a first-person game. Dread’s emphasis on speed, counters and cinematic action appears to have provided a foundation, but Nintendo is giving Ravenous its own identity through the new survival mechanic.
The game also adds another major first-party release to Nintendo’s growing lineup following the latest Nintendo Switch 2 hardware and pricing developments.
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Você será a caça ou o caçador? Metroid Ravenous, o mais novo jogo em 2D da série Metroid, chega ao Nintendo Switch 2 em 28/1! #NintendoDirect pic.twitter.com/NIS6k1QqrO
— Nintendo Brasil (@NintendoBrasil) September 9, 2026
Metroid Ravenous launches January 28
Metroid Ravenous will release worldwide on January 28, 2027 for Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo says players will be able to buy it physically or download it through the Nintendo eShop.
No original Switch edition was announced, so Switch 2 is currently the confirmed platform.
The January launch gives Nintendo an important early-2027 game for its newer console. Players following its wider release calendar can also see the latest Nintendo Direct and Switch 2 game announcements.
Amiibo and Special Edition are coming too
Nintendo isn’t stopping at the game. A Metroid Ravenous amiibo collection is planned for launch, including individual Samus and Chozo Statue figures.
There’s also a third figure, Samus (Metroid Suit), included with the Metroid Ravenous Special Edition. That package also contains the game and a SteelBook case.
Nintendo has not yet detailed the amiibo’s in-game functionality or all regional pricing and preorder information. Buyers should check Nintendo’s official website for confirmed regional listings rather than relying on early retailer information.
Metroid Ravenous was hiding in plain sight
The Ravenous name isn’t completely new. A registration carrying the Metroid Ravenous name surfaced in Brazil in July 2026 before being removed, sparking questions about an unannounced Metroid project.
Nintendo’s September Direct has now answered the biggest question: Ravenous is a full new 2D Metroid adventure.
Nintendo is still keeping its biggest secrets
There is plenty Nintendo hasn’t shown. The identity of Samus’ attackers, the wider setting, the exact mechanics behind energy absorption, progression changes and amiibo functionality remain undisclosed.
That’s where Ravenous has its strongest hook. Samus still has familiar tools such as the Morph Ball, but Nintendo is surrounding them with a new survival premise and an unexplained power. With a firm January 28, 2027 launch date, the next gameplay reveal should tell players just how far Ravenous is willing to push the modern 2D Metroid formula.
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