April 25, 2025
Our Top Game Series: Metroid
When it comes to video games, one of the main traits I’ve always searched for is the allowance of exploration. I want to dive into a world that can keep me focused on a single goal and not hold my hand while I work to achieve that goal. And that’s where Nintendo’s Metroid franchise comes into play. First appearing on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986, Metroid is a space action-adventure series that prides itself on complex world layouts that are chock full of puzzles, secrets, and a bit of horror sprinkled on top.
Each game follows protagonist Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter who is — at least in the first entry — tasked with exterminating a parasitic alien species known as Metroids. To do this, she needs to traverse countless uncharted worlds across the galaxy, all while encountering a number of unique enemies and allies along the way. While on these journeys, Samus will acquire various power-ups, primarily modifications to her power suit, which she can use to defeat her foes in creative new ways.
Now, of course, when people think of Nintendo game franchises, they are most likely to think of heavy hitters such as Super Mario Bros., The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong. Despite it being a relatively unknown franchise to most people, Metroid is also one of gaming’s best-selling series. Since 2023, the series has sold over 21 million copies across various consoles worldwide, and it will have the opportunity to increase that number with the upcoming Metroid Prime 4, which is set to release on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in 2025.
So, is Metroid a series that might interest you? If so, then you’re in luck! Most of the series is available through Nintendo Switch Online’s NES (Nintendo Entertainment System), SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System), Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance services, or dedicated releases on the Nintendo Switch. But don’t wait too long! Samus’ mission awaits, and she can’t complete it alone.