Nintendo confirmed the next chapter in its iconic sci-fi franchise during today's Nintendo Direct livestream, announcing Metroid Ravenous. The title returns the series to its 2D roots, with a scheduled release date of January 28 for the Nintendo Switch 2. Two promotional trailers were debuted during the presentation, showcasing the game's side-scrolling mechanics and atmosphere.
This announcement arrives as the latest expansion of the franchise following the 2021 release of Metroid Dread, which served as the first original 2D entry in the series in nearly two decades. The franchise has seen significant activity recently, including the December 2025 launch of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on both the Switch and Switch 2, marking a major milestone after the title's lengthy development cycle at Retro Studios.
While the 2D entries have historically focused on tight platforming and exploration, the shift to the Switch 2 hardware suggests potential for enhanced visual fidelity and performance. With the recent release of the Prime series' latest installment, it remains to be seen how Metroid Ravenous will further evolve the classic 2D formula established by its predecessor.
