Nintendo had a few surprises at this year's E3 Direct presentation. Rumoured to have been in development for years now, Nintendo showed footage of Metroid 5, better known as Metroid Dread.
Marking the first new 2D Metroid game in 19 years, they've also revealed new gameplay footage, a release date, amiibos and more. We may get news in the next Nintendo Direct, but in the meantime, here's what you need to know about this upcoming entry.
Read More: When Is The Next Nintendo Direct?
Latest News
September 22 - Metroid Dread's Amiibo Two-Pack Gets Delayed Across Europe
Nintendo has confirmed that Metroid Dread's amiibo double pack is being delayed in Europe. Initially planned to launch alongside Dread on October 8th, that's now been held back until November 5th, due to issues at retail.
August 30 - New Abilities Shown
Nintendo posted details about some of Samus' abilities on its official Twitter account.
One of them is brand-new: Flash Shift. This one does what the label says and lets Samus instantly shift forward or backward, making it handy for dodging enemy attacks or reaching difficult areas.
The other one isn't quite so new if you've played Metroid Samus Returns. The Aeion Pulse Radar is back, revealing hidden areas and secrets otherwise invisibly - or discoverable only if you shoot and/or bomb everything in sight.
August 27 - New Trailer
Nintendo released a new Metroid Dread trailer, but before you go any further, take heed. It's got a fair few spoilers for some of the enemies you'll encounter in Samus' final (not final) journey.
Metroid Dread - Gameplay
Samus has a new look, changed after her previous adventures in Metroid 1-4 and the Metroid Prime series. Dread will have a more of suspense feel to it while capturing the exploration, upgrades, and 2D platforming that fans of the series know and love.
Marking the final story in this current arc, Dread also contains some new features the surprise and delight players. Dread's newest enemy, the E.M.M.I, can detect sounds Samus makes, tracking her throughout levels. Staying silent in its presence is imperative.
Samus can also use the new Optical Camouflage so the E.M.M.I. cannot scan for her. A slide has been added, allowing Samus to slide between the legs of larger enemies, and under tight spaces without needed to change into the Morph Ball. The new Spider Magnet lets her climb certain walls, offering much more freedom in how players explore their environment.
Metroid Dread - Release Date
Metroid Dread releases on October 8, 2021, for the Nintendo Switch.
Metroid Dread - Amiibo
On that same release date, a two-pack of Amiibos for the game featuring Samus and the robot E.M.M.I. They'll provide a permanent upgrade to Samus' health and missile capacity. In Europe, this release has been delayed until November 5th.
Metroid Dread Special Edition
Also arriving on October 8, 2021, is a Special Edition of Metroid Dread. That includes a steel case, artbook, and art cards featuring original artwork from the previous four Metroid titles in the main series.
When Does Nintendo Direct Start?
That airs on September 23rd, 2021, starting at 3pm PT / 6pm ET / 11pm BST / Midnight CEST. You can watch it below.
Explore new topics and discover content that's right for you!