Metroid: where to start and what to buy

Metroid Ravenous launches 28 January 2027 on Nintendo Switch 2 as a sequel to Metroid Dread (2021). If you are curious before that date, here is where to start, what order to follow, and which version to buy (or what you get with Nintendo Switch Online) without trying to clear the whole library.

In August 2026 the series turned 40: it began in 1986 with the game that named it and has since picked up remakes, remasters, and spin-offs. Metroid and Castlevania almost accidentally named the “metroidvania” genre: you explore, unlock abilities, and return to areas you could not reach before. We will talk Castlevania another day; today is Samus.

What Metroid is about (no spoilers)

Samus Aran is a bounty hunter in sci-fi power armor who, when she needs to, curls up to the size of a football (we will not ask where her vital organs go) to slip through tunnels and solve puzzles. She also explores hostile planets, beats bosses, collects upgrades, and wipes out space parasites (and worse).

Two branches of the series

2D arc (toward Dread and Ravenous)

The main story plays in side view. You explore areas, gain powers, and open shortcuts along the way.

Dread and Ravenous use 3D environments with a side-view camera (2.5D); control stays 2D. They are not first-person games like Prime. You can play Dread (and then Ravenous) without the rest; Ravenous will assume you know how Dread ends.

What you can play on Nintendo Switch today (Ravenous on Switch 2 when it launches):

* The remake Metroid: Samus Returns (2017) is the modern take on II, but only on Nintendo 3DS; it is not in this table because you cannot play it on Switch.

More on the service in our guide Nintendo Switch Online: plans and Expansion Pack.

3D arc (Prime, first person)

First-person exploration and puzzles in 3D worlds. Metroid Prime Remastered and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025) are on Switch 1 and 2. Prime 2 and Prime 3 have no Switch eShop release as of 2026; the usual route is the Metroid Prime Trilogy disc (Wii) or a copy you already own on Wii U.

Nintendo has not confirmed standalone Switch ports of 2 and 3; a Trilogy-style pack on hybrid hardware is possible, but that is speculation for now.

Chronological order

The order below is a reference, not homework. You might prefer side-view games and skip 3D, or the opposite. Play your way; if you later care about timeline, keep this table.

The series in pictures

2D arc

Prime arc

Where to start and what to buy

If you only want to try the series in 2026, start with Metroid Dread on Switch. If exploration hooks you, Metroid Prime Remastered or Prime 4: Beyond are the natural next step in first person (a different story thread from the 2D arc).

If you are aiming at the 2D arc through Ravenous, play Dread first; then Fusion and Super Metroid on NSO, and further back Zero Mission and II on Game Boy (or Samus Returns on 3DS if you have one). For Prime only, Remastered → 2 and 3 on Trilogy (Wii) if you can → Beyond. For full timeline, follow the table above: Prime between Super and Fusion.

Dread with no prior games: yes. Ravenous without Dread: better not.

Purchases: Dread, Prime Remastered, and Beyond digital or retail on Switch; classics on NSO; Samus Returns only on 3DS; Prime 2 and 3 via Trilogy on Wii, not Switch eShop. Ravenous: standard Switch 2 eShop unless you want the collector’s edition.

Closing

There is months of play here. My advice: start with something modern (Dread or Prime Remastered / Beyond) and work backward if you are hooked. NSO classics demand more patience than Zero Mission or Samus Returns, but they are worth it if you want to see where it all came from.

Ravenous announcement: 9 September 2026 Nintendo Direct recap. Prices and dates can change: check releases before you buy.