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If you’re new to Metroid, start with Metroid Prime Remastered for first-person 3D exploration or Metroid Dread for modern side-scrolling action. Both are listed by Nintendo for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2; neither is established as a required starting point for the whole series. Choose the style you want to play, then check Nintendo’s local catalog for availability.
Which Metroid game should you play first?
There is no required series order in the Nintendo information cited here. These two modern games offer distinct introductions: Prime Remastered is the first game in the Metroid Prime subseries, while Dread is a standalone-feeling entry point into the franchise’s 2D exploration style. Pick based on whether you want to explore from a first-person perspective or move through a side-scrolling world.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Metroid Prime Remastered - Compatible with Nintendo Switch | $47.75 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
NIN Metroid Prime Remastered 12 | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Metroid™ Ravenous | Buy on Amazon | |
| 4 |
|
Final Fantasy VII and Final Fantasy VIII Remastered - Twin Pack (Nintendo Switch) | $34.29 | Buy on Amazon |
| Game or route | Experience | How you play | Difficulty support | Availability status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Metroid Prime Remastered | First-person 3D exploration | Buy the Nintendo Switch game; Nintendo announced a physical retail edition. | Not stated on Nintendo’s cited page. | Listed in Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog for Switch 2 and Switch. |
| Metroid Dread | Modern 2D side-scrolling action and exploration | Buy the game; a free demo is described on Nintendo’s US page. | Rookie Mode increases health gained from items and reduces boss damage. | Listed in Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog for Switch 2 and Switch. |
| Nintendo Classics | Selected classic 2D entries | Access is through Nintendo Switch Online; verify the local catalog and membership tier. | Not stated for these classics in the cited catalog pages. | Selected titles are listed, but catalog and membership terms vary by region. |
| Metroid Prime 4: Beyond | Newer Prime-series game | Check Nintendo’s regional catalog for current purchase details. | Not stated in the cited catalog. | Listed in Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog for Switch 2 and Switch. |
| Metroid Ravenous | Announced 2D action adventure | No current play route is established by the cited announcement. | Not stated. | Announced as a Switch 2 exclusive on 9 September 2026; the announcement cited here gives no release date. |
Choose your first game by play style
Pick Metroid Prime Remastered for first-person exploration
Prime Remastered updates the original GameCube game with HD visuals, enhanced sound and modern dual-stick controls. Nintendo identifies it as the first game in the Prime series, making it the natural choice if you want to begin that subseries at its start. Nintendo announced its physical Switch edition for retail stores on 22 February 2023; that announcement does not establish current stock, so check present-day retailer listings.
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Pick Metroid Dread for 2D action and exploration
Dread is a side-scrolling adventure built around exploring areas, gaining abilities and returning to earlier locations to reach new places and find hidden upgrades. Nintendo describes it as “classic Metroid™ gameplay.” If you want to try it before buying, Nintendo’s US product page describes a free demo. Rookie Mode is the gentler option: it increases the health gained from items and reduces damage from bosses.
#1 Best Overall
- Become intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran and explore an alien planet in this critically-acclaimed first-person adventure.
- Use and upgrade abilities like the Morph Ball, Missiles, and an array of beams to survive the harsh environments and lethal creatures of the planet Tallon IV.
- Gain abilities and revisit areas to uncover the different routes and secrets hiding in a beautiful-yet-threatening interconnected world.
- Scan your surroundings to gather information about the planet’s history and the creatures that call it home or to reveal enemies’ weak points.
- Choose from multiple control options and experience revamped graphics, sound, and unlockable art in this remastered classic.
Use Nintendo Classics if you want to begin with older games
Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog lists selected earlier entries in Nintendo Classics: Metroid (NES), Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA), Super Metroid (SNES), Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy) and Metroid Fusion (GBA). Nintendo says Switch Online members can play a number of classics, and its US franchise page specifically mentions the original Metroid, Metroid II and Super Metroid. The pages do not establish that every title is available in every region or with every membership tier; check Nintendo’s local catalog and subscription terms before relying on access.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What’s available on Switch 2 and Switch?
Nintendo’s UK catalog, dated 19 January 2026, lists Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, Metroid Prime Remastered and Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Nintendo also says Dread is supported on Switch 2 with behavior consistent with its Switch version. These catalog listings are a useful starting point, but regional catalogs and current purchase options can differ.
Rank #2
- 10009824
Nintendo announced Metroid Ravenous as a Switch 2-exclusive 2D action adventure in its 9 September 2026 Direct. The cited announcement does not give a launch date, so it should be treated as announced, not as a currently playable starting option.
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Rank #4
- Final Fantasy VI - The following extra features are included:
- 3X speed mode
- ability to turn battle encounters off
- battle enhancement mode
- final FANTASY VIII remastered - The following extra features are included.battle assist options (HP, ATB gauge, and limit break boosts).game speed boost (X3.no random encounters
Rank #3
- It’s eat or be eaten! Survive against vicious assailants to escape labyrinthine ruins
- Take control of Samus Aran, a renowned bounty hunter ambushed by unknown attackers and marooned on an unfamiliar moon.
- Strike quickly and aggressively with beams, missiles, and more—lest you become the enemy’s next meal.
A simple first-play plan
- Choose the format. Go with Prime Remastered for first-person 3D or Dread for side-scrolling 2D.
- Check your platform and region. Confirm the game appears in the Nintendo eShop or catalog for your country and console before buying.
- Try Dread’s demo if you are undecided. Nintendo’s US page describes a free demo; availability details may depend on your region.
- Set the difficulty approach. In Dread, use Rookie Mode if you want more health from items and less damage from bosses. No equivalent difficulty setting is established for Prime Remastered by the cited product information.
- Start playing without worrying about a franchise-wide order. If Prime Remastered clicks, you have started the Prime subseries at its first game. If Dread suits you better, its exploration loop works as a modern 2D introduction.
Sources and regional availability
- Nintendo UK’s Metroid catalog, 19 January 2026 lists current games and selected Nintendo Classics titles.
- Nintendo US’s Metroid franchise store describes current offerings and selected classics for Switch Online members.
- Nintendo’s Metroid Dread page describes the game, Rookie Mode, demo and Switch 2 support.
- Nintendo’s Metroid Prime Remastered page identifies it as the first Prime game and describes its remaster features and physical release announcement.
- Nintendo Direct, 9 September 2026 announces Metroid Ravenous for Switch 2.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
