Nintendo has officially revealed Metroid Ravenous, a new 2D entry in the long-running Metroid franchise, during its September 2026 Nintendo Direct. The Switch 2 exclusive is scheduled to launch on January 28, 2027, with pre-orders already available through the eShop.
Alongside the release announcement, Nintendo has revealed an estimated 20.2GB file size for Metroid Ravenous. The figure gives Switch 2 owners an early indication of how much storage they will need, although the final installation size could change before launch.
The announcement confirms the return of Samus Aran to a side-scrolling adventure, several years after Metroid Dread revived the 2D series on the original Switch.
Metroid Ravenous Is Significantly Larger Than Metroid Dread
The 20.2GB requirement makes Metroid Ravenous considerably larger than its predecessor. Metroid Dread, developed by MercurySteam and released in 2021, requires approximately 4.2GB of storage on Nintendo Switch.
The upcoming game also sits between other recent Metroid releases in terms of size. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond reportedly requires around 27.6GB on Switch 2, putting Ravenous at roughly three-quarters of that size.
Nintendo has not yet explained what accounts for the larger installation compared with Dread. However, the company has confirmed that the new adventure will introduce a major change to Samus herself, with her newly awakened Metroid instincts allowing her to devour enemies.
The game’s official description also teases powerful bosses and a survival-focused premise built around the idea that Samus must hunt or be hunted.
The announcement follows an earlier rating leak in Brazil that reportedly revealed the game’s existence before Nintendo’s Direct. The project is widely expected to be developed by MercurySteam, the studio behind Metroid Dread, although Nintendo’s announcement remains the primary source for the game’s official details.
Nintendo has also confirmed a Metroid Ravenous Special Edition and a dedicated lineup of Metroid Ravenous amiibo, both scheduled to release alongside the game on January 28, 2027.
