The captivating and long-standing Nintendo-exclusive franchise, Metroid, has enthralled gamers worldwide with its 17 action-packed Metroidvania games. Considered one of the most popular video game series, Metroid offers unique experiences ranging from side-scrolling platformers to intense first-person battles. As you delve into each Metroid game, you’ll step into the shoes of the fearless bounty hunter, Samus Aran, on a mission to thwart the nefarious plans of Space Pirates and other threats. Each title in the series contributes subtly different lore elements, making it all the more enticing for fans to play the games in chronological order.
While following the release dates is an excellent choice, taking a story-centric approach can provide an even more satisfying experience. Whether you’re revisiting the Metroid series from the beginning or venturing into the galactic adventures for the first time, we’ve compiled a list of all the Metroid games in order of their release dates and story chronology.
Metroid Games in Release Order
Metroid (Classic Main Entry)
- Release Date: Aug. 15, 1987 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Developer: Nintendo, Intelligent Systems
The original Metroid, launched in the 1980s, introduced fans to the addictive Metroidvania sub-genre for the first time. Though it may lack the graphical prowess of newer titles, it remains an iconic starting point for the series.
Metroid II: Return of Samus (Classic Main Entry)
- Release Date: Nov. 5, 1991
- Platform: Game Boy
- Developer: Nintendo
A delightful 2D platformer, Return of Samus is the sequel to the 1986 game. Join Samus as she embarks on a mission to eradicate all Metroids before the rogue Space Pirates can harness their dangerous potential.
Super Metroid (Classic Main Entry)
- Release Date: April 18, 1994 (North America)
- Platform: Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
- Developer: Nintendo, Intelligent Systems
With its emotional storyline and vast exploration-worthy map, Super Metroid remains a timeless classic. Released almost three decades ago, it continues to rank among the best Metroid games of all time.
Metroid Fusion (Classic Main Entry)
- Release Date: Nov. 18, 2002 (North America)
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Developer: Nintendo
In this fourth installment of the classic Metroid collection, Fusion brings an interesting twist to the lore. Samus faces fatal injuries at the hands of a new X organism, leading to a DNA Fusion with a Metroid. Experience the story through engaging objectives and missions.
Metroid Prime (3D Main Entry)
- Release Date: Nov. 18, 2002 (North America)
- Platform: GameCube, Wii (Trilogy)
- Developer: Nintendo, Retro Studios
Released alongside Fusion, the first Metroid Prime game marks the franchise’s transition into 3D. It introduces immersive first-person gameplay and improved graphics, offering a fresh perspective on the series.
Metroid: Zero Mission (Remake)
- Release Date: Feb. 9, 2004 (North America)
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Developer: Nintendo
Zero Mission is a remake of the original 1986 Metroid game, bringing enhanced gameplay and visuals to the table.
Metroid Prime 2: Echoes (3D Main Entry)
- Release Date: Nov. 15, 2004 (North America)
- Platform: GameCube, Wii (Trilogy)
- Developer: Nintendo, Retro Studios
As the sequel to the 2002 Prime title, Echoes introduces a multiplayer mode and offers a gripping story. It features a host of explorative elements for single-player enthusiasts as well.
Metroid Prime Pinball (Spin-off)
- Release Date: Oct. 24, 2005 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Developer: Nintendo, Fuse Games
This Metroid-themed pinball game combines elements from Metroid Prime with the classic ball-propelling tabletop game. Prime Pinball stands independently from the main Metroid lore.
Metroid Prime Hunters (Spin-off)
- Release Date: March 20, 2006 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Developer: Nintendo
Hunters sets its storyline between the events of Metroid Prime and Echoes, offering both single-player and multiplayer first-person shooter experiences.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (3D Main Entry)
- Release Date: Aug. 27, 2007 (North America)
- Platform: Wii
- Developer: Nintendo, Retro Studios
In this third installment of the Prime series, Corruption showcases Samus’ encounter with her look-alike Dark Samus. The antagonist unleashes a newly developed potent organism, leading to thrilling battles. Corruption continues to captivate fans, maintaining the series’ legacy.
Metroid: Other M (Main Entry)
- Release Date: Aug. 31, 2010 (North America)
- Platform: Wii
- Developer: Nintendo, Team Ninja
Taking place in the classic Metroid timeline, Other M didn’t garner the same approval as its predecessors. Players criticized its lackluster storyline and unpredictable difficulty, making it a divisive entry in the series.
Metroid Prime: Federation Force (Spin-off)
- Release Date: Aug. 19, 2016 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Developer: Nintendo, Next Level Games
Federation Force presents a first-person shooter experience, offering both single-player and multiplayer modes. This spin-off allows players to assume the role of Marines instead of the popular protagonist, Samus Aran.
Metroid: Samus Returns (Remake)
- Release Date: Sept. 15, 2017 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Developer: Nintendo, MercurySteam
Samus Returns is a modernized remake of the 1991 title, Return of Samus. Embark on an enhanced journey on the Nintendo 3DS as you relive the classic adventure.
Metroid Dread (Classic Main/Final Entry)
- Release Date: Oct. 8, 2021 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Nintendo, MercurySteam
Metroid Dread, the first Metroid game on Nintendo Switch, concludes the five-part classic collection from Metroid (1986) to Metroid Fusion (2002). It offers an original 2D side-scrolling experience, winning the hearts of fans and becoming the best-selling Metroid game to date.
Metroid Prime Remastered (Remake)
- Release Date: Feb. 8, 2023 (North America)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Developer: Nintendo, Retro Studios
The latest addition to the series, Metroid Prime Remastered, is an intriguing remaster of the iconic Metroid Prime. It astounds players with exceptional graphical improvements while preserving the series’ beloved elements. Released in 2023 as a surprise drop from Nintendo, it quickly climbed the selling charts.
Please note that a fourth iteration in the Metroid Prime series is currently under development for the Switch platform, but Nintendo has yet to announce its release date.
While the Metroid series offers an enthralling interconnection of lore throughout its main entries, players won’t miss out on much if they choose to deviate from the chronological order. However, for an immersive and richer experience, we suggest the following order:
- Metroid/Metroid: Zero Mission
- Metroid Prime
- Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
- Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
- Metroid II: Return of Samus/Metroid: Samus Returns
- Super Metroid
- Metroid: Other M
- Metroid Fusion
- Metroid Dread
How to Play the Metroid Games in 2023?
If you don’t own older Nintendo consoles like the 3DS or Wii, fret not! Four iconic Metroid experiences, including the 1986 Metroid, as well as two modern Metroid titles, are available on the Nintendo Switch.
Metroid, Metroid II, and Super Metroid can be accessed through the basic Nintendo Switch subscription ($19.99 annual fee). For Metroid Fusion, players need to purchase the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack ($49.99 annual fee). Both Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered are available directly on the Nintendo Switch.
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Metroid series, immersing yourself in the captivating storylines and thrilling gameplay that have captivated gamers for decades.
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