Metroid introduced Samus Aran and gave its name to a whole genre: the Metroidvania. It's a smaller series than Mario or Zelda, which makes it easy to collect. Here is every Metroid game in release order, how the 2D games and the Prime series fit together, and where to start.
Metroid games in release order
| Year | Game | Original system |
|---|---|---|
| 1987 | Metroid | NES |
| 1991 | Metroid II: Return of Samus | Game Boy |
| 1994 | Super Metroid | Super Nintendo |
| 2002 | Metroid Fusion | Game Boy Advance |
| 2002 | Metroid Prime | GameCube |
| 2004 | Metroid: Zero Mission | Game Boy Advance |
| 2004 | Metroid Prime 2: Echoes | GameCube |
| 2005 | Metroid Prime Pinball | DS |
| 2006 | Metroid Prime Hunters | DS |
| 2007 | Metroid Prime 3: Corruption | Wii |
| 2009 | Metroid Prime Trilogy | Wii |
| 2010 | Metroid: Other M | Wii |
| 2016 | Metroid Prime: Federation Force | 3DS |
| 2017 | Metroid: Samus Returns | 3DS |
| 2021 | Metroid Dread | Switch |
| 2023 | Metroid Prime Remastered | Switch |
Years are the first North American release. Metroid: Zero Mission is a remake of the NES original, and Metroid: Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid II. Metroid Prime Trilogy collects all three Prime games on one Wii disc with pointer controls.
2D Metroid vs. Metroid Prime
The series has two branches. The 2D games (Metroid, Metroid II, Super Metroid, Fusion, Zero Mission, Samus Returns and Dread) are side-scrolling exploration games where new abilities open up new paths. The Prime games move the same idea into first person, with scanning, puzzles and atmospheric alien worlds. In story order, the Prime trilogy takes place between Metroid and Metroid II, and Metroid Dread is the latest chapter after Fusion.
The classic Metroid games worth owning
Metroid II: Return of Samus · $57.97
Samus hunts the last Metroids on SR388, on the original Game Boy.
Which Metroid should you play first?
Start with Super Metroid on the Super Nintendo if you can. It's the series at its best and still feels great today. For a gentler first game, Metroid: Zero Mission on Game Boy Advance is short and welcoming. Metroid Prime on GameCube is the place to start for 3D. On Switch, Metroid Dread is the newest 2D entry.
Metroid on original hardware
Super Metroid's atmosphere and music were built for the Super Nintendo, and the Prime games were designed around the GameCube controller (Prime) and the Wii Remote (Corruption). A GameCube with a Game Boy Player can also run the Game Boy Advance Metroids on your TV.
Nintendo Wii Console (RVL-001) · $109.97
Metroid Prime 3, Prime Trilogy and Other M. Also plays GameCube discs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first Metroid game?
Metroid, released for the NES in 1987 in North America. Its famous twist revealed that the hero, Samus Aran, is a woman.
What order should I play Metroid in?
Release order works well. For the story, play Metroid (or Zero Mission), the Prime trilogy, Metroid II (or Samus Returns), Super Metroid, Other M, Fusion and then Dread.
What is the best Metroid game?
Super Metroid and Metroid Prime are the most common picks, with Metroid Dread a modern favorite.
What does Metroidvania mean?
It's a genre named after Metroid and Castlevania: games built around one large, connected world that opens up as you find new abilities.
Which Metroid games are on GameCube?
Metroid Prime and Metroid Prime 2: Echoes. Metroid Prime also unlocks bonus content when linked with Metroid Fusion on a Game Boy Advance.
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