Metroid Dread Announced For Switch

Samus returns with another 2D experience in Metroid Dread.

Metroid Dread, also informally introduced as Metroid 5 was announced during E3 2021 Nintendo Direct, and we got a chance to see Samus in action in the reveal trailer.

In the game, a focus appeared to be on Samus’ flight away from a large multipedal robotic nemesis, name E.M.M.I., who chases her through the tunnels and pits of the game world. In addition to an increased focus on the fear element implied by the title, the video showed a number of different moves from Samus, from sliding underneath low overhangs, to melee uppercuts against enemies, a wall-climbing ability, and even a black camouflage that hides her from the robot’s scanners. We also saw a variety of big and scary monsters to fight.

The reveal of Metroid Dread is notable on a number of counts. For several years, Nintendo has seemed reticent to put a brand-new, mainline entry in the series on its flagship home console, but Metroid Dread seems to reverse that trend, bringing us the first brand-new story based in a 2D game in approximately 19 years, and it’s being built for the Switch.

Metroid Dread itself, as a title for a sequel, has been rumored for many years. According to a concurrent press release, Metroid Dread “concludes the five-part saga focusing on the strange, interconnected fates of bounty hunter Samus and the Metroids.” In short, it’s a game title that has been long anticipated, and with a significant legacy behind its arrival. 

Metroid Dread is targeting a release on Switch on October 8. 

Nintendo