If you’re new to Metroid, start with Metroid Prime Remastered for first-person 3D exploration or Metroid Dread for modern 2D action. Neither is presented as a required starting point for the whole series: choose the style you want, then explore other entries if it clicks.
Which Metroid game should you play first?
Pick by perspective and pace rather than trying to follow a mandatory series order. Nintendo describes Metroid Prime Remastered as the first game in the Prime series, while Metroid Dread is a modern side-scrolling adventure. Both are listed in Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog for the Switch family.
| # | 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 |
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| Starting point | What it plays like | Access | Helpful context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metroid Prime Remastered | First-person 3D exploration | Standalone Switch game | The first Prime game, remastered with HD visuals, enhanced sound, and modern dual-stick controls. |
| Metroid Dread | 2D side-scrolling action and exploration | Standalone Switch game; Nintendo offers a demo on its US product page | Includes Rookie Mode and ability-based backtracking. |
| Classic Metroid games | Older 2D entries across several Nintendo systems | Selected games in Nintendo Classics for Nintendo Switch Online members; catalog and terms vary by region and tier | Useful if you specifically want to begin with an older entry, but check the local catalog first. |
Choose first-person 3D: Metroid Prime Remastered
Choose Metroid Prime Remastered if you want to explore the world from a first-person perspective. It remasters the original GameCube game for Switch and adds updated presentation and dual-stick controls, which let you move and aim with separate sticks. Nintendo announced its physical edition for retail stores on 22 February 2023; check current retailer listings and stock if you want a cartridge.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Because it is the first entry in the Prime series, it is a natural place to begin that branch. It is not evidence that every Metroid game must be played in a fixed order.
#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.
Choose modern 2D action: Metroid Dread
Metroid Dread is a side-scrolling adventure built around exploring areas, finding abilities, and returning to earlier places to uncover routes and upgrades. Nintendo describes the loop as: “Gain abilities and return to previous areas to find new areas and hidden upgrades in classic Metroid™ gameplay.” The official US product page also offers a free demo and lists Rookie Mode.
What Rookie Mode changes
Rookie Mode increases the health restored by items and reduces damage from bosses, according to Nintendo. It can make the game more approachable if you want to focus on exploration while easing some combat pressure.
Rank #2
- 10009824
Want to try a classic first?
Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog lists selected older games in Nintendo Classics: Metroid (NES), Metroid II: Return of Samus (Game Boy), Super Metroid (SNES), Metroid: Zero Mission (GBA), and Metroid Fusion (GBA). Nintendo says members can play selected classics through Nintendo Switch Online, but the available games and membership requirements depend on region and subscription tier. Check your local Nintendo Classics catalog before subscribing or choosing an entry.
What about the newest announced games?
Nintendo’s January 2026 UK catalog lists Metroid Prime 4: Beyond alongside Prime Remastered and Dread for the Switch family. For a local listing, see Nintendo UK’s January 2026 catalog; Nintendo’s US Metroid franchise store also lists current games and Nintendo Classics. Availability can differ by region.
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.
Nintendo announced Metroid Ravenous as a 2D action adventure exclusive to Switch 2 in its 9 September 2026 Direct announcement. That announcement does not state a release date, so treat it as announced rather than currently playable based on that source.
Quick Recap
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
A simple way to decide
- Want first-person exploration and modern dual-stick controls? Start with Metroid Prime Remastered.
- Want 2D side-scrolling exploration with a lower-pressure difficulty option? Start with Metroid Dread and consider Rookie Mode.
- Want to sample older entries? Check which games are in Nintendo Classics for your region and membership tier.
- Interested in Ravenous? Keep it on your watch list, but the cited announcement gives no release date.
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.
