Nintendo is preparing to take the Metroid franchise into its next chapter with Metroid Ravenous, a direct sequel to the critically acclaimed Metroid Dread. However, the upcoming adventure comes with disappointing news for owners of the original Nintendo Switch.
Metroid Ravenous will launch exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2 on January 28, 2027. This means players still using Nintendo’s original hybrid console will need to upgrade before continuing Samus Aran’s story.
Metroid Ravenous Continues the Story of Metroid Dread
Metroid Ravenous picks up immediately after the events of Metroid Dread, continuing the story rather than introducing an unrelated adventure.
The upcoming game retains the popular parrying mechanic from its predecessor. This combat feature allows players to counter enemy attacks with precise timing, adding another layer of strategy to the traditional Metroid formula.
While Nintendo has yet to reveal every gameplay detail, the announcement has already attracted considerable attention.
The reveal trailer also reportedly caused a noticeable increase in Metroid Dread sales on the Nintendo eShop. It appears that returning fans and newcomers want to experience the previous adventure before the sequel arrives.
Nintendo Switch Owners Are Being Left Behind
The decision to make Metroid Ravenous exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2 highlights Nintendo’s ongoing transition toward its newer hardware.
For years, the original Switch offered an impressive selection of Metroid adventures. Players could revisit several classic entries through Nintendo Switch Online, while Metroid Prime Remastered introduced the original first-person adventure to a new generation.
Metroid Dread also became one of the platform’s standout 2D action games.
However, Nintendo appears increasingly focused on developing major releases exclusively for Switch 2.
With Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Rhythm Heaven Groove among the final Nintendo-published releases for the original system, the company’s priorities are shifting.
Unfortunately, this transition creates a problem for players who cannot afford to upgrade.
The Nintendo Switch 2 carries a higher price tag than its predecessor, making the move to newer hardware a significant investment for some households.
For those who purchased Metroid Dread on the original Switch, being unable to play its direct sequel without buying another console may be particularly frustrating.
Metroid’s History Remains Accessible
Despite the hardware transition, Nintendo Switch 2 players can still experience much of the franchise’s history.
Several classic 2D Metroid adventures remain available through Nintendo’s subscription services, including entries originally released on the NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance.
However, there are still noticeable gaps in the collection.
Metroid: Samus Returns, the Nintendo 3DS remake of Metroid II, has not received a modern Switch release. Meanwhile, Metroid Prime 2 and Metroid Prime 3 remain without dedicated remasters for Nintendo’s newer systems.
Several Nintendo DS and 3DS entries are also missing.
For a franchise with such an interconnected history, these missing releases make experiencing the complete Metroid timeline more complicated than necessary.
Should Players Finish Metroid Dread Before Ravenous?
Players interested in Metroid Ravenous should consider completing Metroid Dread before January 2027.
Since the sequel continues directly from its predecessor, understanding the previous game’s ending will likely become important.
Those unfamiliar with the franchise may also benefit from exploring earlier 2D adventures. These games establish Samus Aran’s history and introduce several important story elements.
Fortunately, there is still time to catch up before the sequel arrives.
A New Chapter for Metroid, but Not Everyone Can Join
Metroid Ravenous represents another major step forward for Nintendo’s long-running science-fiction franchise.
A direct continuation of Metroid Dread gives fans a reason to return, especially after the previous game’s successful revival of traditional 2D Metroid gameplay.
However, its exclusivity also demonstrates the growing divide between Nintendo’s two console generations.
For Switch 2 owners, January 28, 2027, marks the beginning of another adventure with Samus Aran.
For original Switch owners, it may instead become another reminder that their console is slowly being left behind.
