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{{short description|Video game series}}
{{About|the video game series|the first game in the series|Metroid (video game){{!}}''Metroid'' (video game)|the fictional species|Metroid (fictional species)}}
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{{Infobox video game series
| title = Metroid
| collapsible = no
| state = 
| image = [[File:Metroid Logo 2017.svg|frameless|class=skin-invert]]
| caption = Logo since 2017
| platforms = {{hlist
  | [[Famicom Disk System]]
  | [[NES]]
  | [[Game Boy]]
  | [[SNES]]
  | [[Game Boy Advance]]
  | [[GameCube]]
  | [[Nintendo DS]]
  | [[Wii]]
  | [[Nintendo 3DS]]
  | [[Nintendo Switch]]
  | [[Nintendo Switch 2]]
  }}
| developer = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[Nintendo R&D1]] {{resize|83%|(1986–2004)}}
  | [[Intelligent Systems]] {{resize|83%|(1986–1994)}}<ref>{{cite news |last1=Olivares |first1=Vladimir |title=Metroid: The Unsung Hero of Nintendo's Trinity |url=https://www.cbr.com/metroid-nintendo-unsung-hero/ |access-date=June 26, 2021 |work=CBR |date=September 15, 2020 |archive-date=September 21, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165659/https://www.cbr.com/metroid-nintendo-unsung-hero/ |url-status=live}}</ref>
  | [[Retro Studios]] {{resize|83%|(2002–present)}}
  | [[Fuse Games]] {{resize|83%|(2005)}}
  | [[Nintendo Software Technology]] {{resize|83%|(2006)}}
  | [[Team Ninja]] {{resize|83%|(2010)}}
  | [[Nintendo SPD]] {{resize|83%|(2010)}}
  | [[Next Level Games]] {{resize|83%|(2016)}}
  | [[MercurySteam]] {{resize|83%|(2017–present)}}
  | [[Nintendo EPD]] {{resize|83%|(2017–present)}}
  }}
| publisher = [[Nintendo]]
| genre = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[Action-adventure]]
  | [[Platform game|Platform]]
  | [[First-person shooter]]
  | [[Pinball]]}}
| creator = {{Unbulleted list
  | [[Satoru Okada]]
  | [[Gunpei Yokoi]]
  | [[Hiroji Kiyotake]]
  | [[Yoshio Sakamoto]]
  }}
| artist = 
| writer = 
| composer = 
| first release version = ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]''
| first release date = August 6, 1986
| latest release version = ''[[Metroid Prime Remastered]]''
| latest release date = February 9, 2023
}}

{{Nihongo foot|'''''Metroid'''''|メトロイド|Metoroido|lead=yes|group=lower-alpha}} is an [[action-adventure game]] franchise created by [[Nintendo]]. The player controls the bounty hunter [[Samus Aran]], who protects the galaxy from [[Space Pirate (Metroid)|Space Pirates]] and their attempts to harness the power of the parasitic [[Metroid (creature)|Metroid]] creatures. ''Metroid'' combines the [[Platform game|platforming]] of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' and the [[Exploration game|exploration]] of ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' with a [[science fiction]] setting and an emphasis on [[nonlinear gameplay]]. Most ''Metroid'' games are [[side-scrolling]], while the 3D games use a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]]. Players battle hostile alien enemies and obtain [[power-ups]] as they progress through the game world, with few [[non-player character]]s.

The first ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'' was developed by [[Nintendo R&D1]] and released on the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in 1986. ''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'' was released for the handheld [[Game Boy]] in 1991. ''[[Super Metroid]]'' (1994), released for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]], drastically expanded the ''Metroid'' formula, with numerous new power-ups and a richer story. After a hiatus, the first 3D ''Metroid'' game, ''[[Metroid Prime]],'' developed by [[Retro Studios]], was released for the [[GameCube]] in 2002 alongside the [[Game Boy Advance]] game ''[[Metroid Fusion]].'' They were followed by ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'' (2004) and the [[Wii]] game ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'' (2007).

''[[Metroid: Other M]]'' (2010), developed by [[Team Ninja]] for the Wii, received weaker reviews. After another hiatus, [[MercurySteam]] developed a remake of ''Metroid II: Return of Samus'', ''[[Metroid: Samus Returns]]'' (2017) for the handheld [[Nintendo 3DS]], followed by ''[[Metroid Dread]]'' (2021) for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. ''[[Metroid Prime 4: Beyond]]'' is scheduled for 2025.

As of 2012, the ''Metroid'' series had sold more than over 17.44 million copies. It has been named among the best game franchises by several publications, and several ''Metroid'' games are named among the greatest games. The series has been represented in other Nintendo media, including the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series. [[List of Metroid media|Additional media]] includes soundtracks, comic books, and manga. Along with the 1997 [[Konami]] game ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]'', the early ''Metroid'' games defined the [[Metroidvania]] subgenre, inspiring other games with continuous explorable side-scrolling levels. Samus was one of the first prominent female video game characters.

==Gameplay==
The ''Metroid'' series contains elements from shooter, [[platformer]], adventure, survival and first-person games.<ref name="history" /> The series is notable for its non-linear progression and solitary exploration format where the player only controls [[Samus Aran]], with few or no other characters to interact with. The player gains items and [[power-up]]s for Samus's cybernetic suit primarily through exploration, and occasionally by defeating alien creatures through real-time combat with the suit's arm cannon. Many such upgrades enable further avenues of exploration.<ref name="history" /><ref name="pro" /> A recurring upgrade is the Morph Ball, which allows Samus to curl into a ball, roll into tight places and plant bombs.<ref name="history" />

The classic series consists of [[Side-scrolling video game|2D side-scroller]]s, while the ''Metroid Prime'' series uses a [[first person (video games)|first-person perspective]], and [[first-person shooter]] mechanics. The 2010 game ''[[Other M]]'' uses the [[third-person shooter]] format.{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}}

The original ''Metroid'' was influenced by two other major [[Nintendo]] franchises: ''[[Mario (franchise)|Mario]]'', from which it borrowed extensive areas of platform jumping, and ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'', from which it borrowed non-linear exploration.<ref name="history" /> ''Metroid'' differed in its atmosphere of solitude and foreboding.<ref name="history" /> ''Metroid'' was also one of the first video games to feature an exploration to the left as well as the right, and backtracking to already explored areas to search for secret items and paths.<ref name="trailers" /> Since the late 1990s, the term "[[Metroidvania]]" has been applied to this format.<ref>{{cite web |title=Castlevania: Symphony of the Night: How it created the Metroidvania and changed 2D gaming forever |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/castlevania-symphony-of-the-night-how-it-created-the-metroidvania-and-changed-2d-gaming-forever/ |website=GamesRadar+ |language=en |date=29 October 2018}}</ref> According to ''Edge'', ''Metroid'' is "the thinking man's shooter", in which weapons are "more a means of progression than weapon", with the environments posing larger obstacles than enemies.<ref name="edge">{{cite magazine |date=September 2, 2009 |title=Review: Metroid Prime – Trilogy |url=http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/review-metroid-prime-trilogy |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426181909/http://www.edge-online.com/reviews/review-metroid-prime-trilogy |archive-date=April 26, 2012 |access-date=August 10, 2010 |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |publisher=[[Future plc]]}}</ref>

===Audio===
The ''Metroid'' series has been noted and praised for its unique style of [[video game music]].<ref name="history" /><ref name="original" /><ref name="xxx" /> [[Hirokazu "Hip" Tanaka]], composer of the original ''Metroid'', has said he wanted to make a score that made players feel like they were encountering a "living creature" and had no distinction between music and sound effects.<ref name="original" /><ref name="shoothip" /> The only time the main ''Metroid'' theme was heard was after Mother Brain is defeated; this is intended to give the player a [[catharsis]].<ref name="shoothip" /> The composer of ''[[Super Metroid]]'', [[Kenji Yamamoto (composer born 1964)|Kenji Yamamoto]], came up with some themes by humming to himself while riding his motorcycle to work. He was asked to compose the music for ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' to reinforce the series continuity.<ref name="awesome" /> ''Metroid Prime''{{'}}s [[Dolby Pro Logic|Dolby Pro Logic II]] surround sound was mixed by a member of [[Dolby]].<ref name="primed" />

Developers from [[Retro Studios]] noted how the 6 [[Megabyte|MB]] memory budget for all sound effects of a level in ''Metroid Prime'' was crucial in producing a quality soundtrack, as each sound had to be of high quality to be included.<ref name="awesome" /> Yamamoto used heavy drums, piano, voiced chants, clangs of pipes, and electric guitar.<ref name="primed" /> ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'' took advantage of the increased [[RAM]] in the [[Wii]], allowing for higher-quality audio samples.<ref name="awesome" /> Kenji Yamamoto, who composed the music for ''Super Metroid'' and the ''Prime'' trilogy, copied the musical design of the original ''Metroid'' in ''Metroid Prime 3'', by keeping the music and themes dark and scary until the very end, when uplifting music is played during the credits.<ref name="awesome" />

==Plot==
===Setting===
The ''Metroid'' franchise takes place in a [[science fiction]] setting where [[human]]ity is shown to be a part of a spacefaring sovereignty known as the Galactic Federation. Other races are both a part of the Federation as well as close allies, the most prolific being the Chozo, an [[avian]] species possessing advanced technology and skills in bioengineering. The mutual nemesis of the Federation and the Chozo are the Space Pirates, a villainous interstellar cabal comprising multiple alien races of disreputable nature that all refuse to abide to the Galactic Federation's rule. They are led by the [[dragon]]-like warlord [[Ridley (Metroid)|Ridley]], and plot to develop weapons of mass destruction from hazardous life forms and materials to destroy the Federation and secure galactic dominance.

The eponymous [[Metroids]] are a species of predatory, [[jellyfish]]-like organisms that feed on an undetectable [[life energy]] found in all living creatures. The Chozo engineered the Metroids as a biological weapon to eradicate a parasitic, [[shapeshift]]ing virus known as the "X" that threatened their civilization. While the Metroids succeeded in stopping the X, they became a danger to the Chozo themselves when they developed the ability to evolve into different and far deadlier forms. Most of the games center around the efforts of various organizations, including the Space Pirates, the Galactic Federation, and rogue members of the Chozo race, to weaponize the Metroids and the subsequent conflicts they cause.

===Story===
{{See also|Characters of the Metroid series}}
{{Metroid chronology}}
''Metroid'' follows the adventures of the bounty hunter [[Samus Aran]], who battles the Space Pirates and the Metroids.<ref name="timelines" /> Samus was raised by the Chozo after her parents were killed by a Space Pirate raid led by Ridley. She serves in the military of the Galactic Federation before departing and beginning work as a bounty hunter,<ref name="Gates-2019" /> while facing the forces of Ridley and [[Mother Brain]].<ref name="1up-girl3" /><ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-04-04|title=Funny Pages from 1UP.com|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3135108|access-date=2023-01-01|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404050848/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=0&cId=3135108 |archive-date=2015-04-04}}</ref>

In the original ''Metroid'', Samus travels to the planet Zebes to stop the Space Pirates from using the Metroids to create biological weapons.<ref name="The History of Metroid, at GameSpot" /> She defeats the cybernetic lifeform Mother Brain, as well as Ridley and his fellow Space Pirate leader, Kraid.<ref name="timelines" />

The ''[[Metroid Prime]]'' series is set between ''Metroid'' and ''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'', and chronicles Samus' conflicts with a malignant, radioactive substance named Phazon.<ref name="Gates-2019" /> In ''Metroid Prime'', Samus travels to Tallon IV to stop the Space Pirates from exploiting a Phazon-infused meteor that has poisoned the local ecosystem.<ref name="timelines" /> After battling a cybernetically enhanced Ridley and clearing out the Space Pirate presence on the planet, Samus purges the Phazon from Tallon IV by defeating the titular enemy, a Phazon-infected Metroid. ''Metroid Prime: Hunters'', which is unconnected to the Phazon storyline, sees Samus respond to a distress call to the Alimbic Cluster. Other bounty hunters respond to the call, and after conflicting amongst themselves, they all ultimately band together to fight against a creature named Gorea.<ref name="Gates-2019" /> In ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'', Samus explores the planet Aether, which is suffering from a Phazon outbreak. The Phazon has split the world into "light" and "dark" dimensions, leading to the rise of the evil Ing race. While liberating Aether from the Ing, Samus encounters Dark Samus, a revitalized Metroid Prime that has partially copied her physical appearance. In ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'', Samus and three other bounty hunters are recruited by the Federation to stop Dark Samus from infecting the galaxy with Phazon. While fighting to avoid being slowly corrupted by Phazon herself, Samus eradicates Phazon and her double.<ref name="timelines" /> ''Metroid Prime: Federation Force'', the only game in which players do not control Samus, sees Samus mind-controlled by Space Pirates; the Federation Force, an elite squadron of marines equipped with powerful exosuits, battles to rescue her and destroy the Space Pirates.<ref name="Gates-2019" />

In ''Metroid II'', the Galactic Federation calls for the extermination of the Metroid species and contracts Samus to travel to the species' homeworld, SR388, to carry out their extinction. She succeeds in wiping out the planet's Metroid population, but saves a single hatchling Metroid that bonds to her and delivers it to the Ceres research station for study.<ref name="timelines" /> In ''Super Metroid'', Ridley steals the hatchling and takes it to Zebes, where the Space Pirates are attempting to clone the Metroids. After killing Ridley, Samus herself is nearly killed by the revived Mother Brain, but is rescued by the now grown Metroid which sacrifices itself. Samus destroys Mother Brain in retaliation and escapes as Zebes explodes, beating her old enemies for good.<ref name="Gates-2019" />

In ''Metroid: Other M'', set after ''Super Metroid'', Samus investigates the Bottle Ship, a derelict scientific research station, with a Galactic Federation platoon led by her former commanding officer, Adam Malkovich.<ref name="timelines" /> They team up against many bioweapons created by a Federation science group, including clones of creatures Samus faced on Zebes like Ridley and the Metroids. A revived Mother Brain, now occupying a humanoid body supplied to her by the Federation, takes control of the Metroids and attempts to unleash them upon the Federation, but is stopped by Samus at the cost of Adam's life. Afterward, Samus encounters and kills the ethereal entity Phantoon and sets the Bottle Ship to self-destruct.<ref name="Gates-2019" /> In ''Metroid Fusion'', Samus accompanies a team of scientists to SR388, where she has her first encounter with the X parasites when the species reappears in the absence of the Metroids. The X overruns a scientific research station in the planet's orbit, assimilating and imitating many creatures being studied on board.<ref name="timelines" /> Samus is infected by one but is saved using a vaccine made from the baby Metroid's cells. She discovers that the Federation has been cloning Metroids in secret, and sets the space station on a collision with SR388 to destroy the X parasites.<ref name="Gates-2019" /> ''Metroid Dread'' continues where ''Fusion'' left off, with the Federation dispatching a squadron of advanced automatons known as E.M.M.I. to investigate the planet ZDR, where X parasites have been sighted. Samus is sent to the planet herself after contact is lost, coming into conflict with the X and a Chozo war criminal named Raven Beak, stopping both from invading the rest of the galaxy.

== Development and history ==
{{Timeline of release years
| subtitle = Main entries in '''bold'''
| summary = A timeline of releases in the Metroid game series, from the first in 1986 to present.
| range1_color = #fb8c00 #ffe0b2
| range1 = 1986 –
| 1986 = '''''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'''''
| 1991 = '''''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'''''
| 1994 = '''''[[Super Metroid]]'''''
| 2002a = '''''[[Metroid Fusion]]'''''
| 2002b = '''''[[Metroid Prime]]'''''
| 2004a = '''''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]'''''
| 2004b = '''''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'''''
| 2005 = ''[[Metroid Prime Pinball]]''
| 2006 = ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]''
| 2007 = '''''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'''''
| 2009 = ''[[Metroid Prime: Trilogy]]''
| 2010 = '''''[[Metroid: Other M]]'''''
| 2016 = ''[[Metroid Prime: Federation Force]]''
| 2017 = '''''[[Metroid: Samus Returns]]'''''
| 2021 = '''''[[Metroid Dread]]'''''
| 2023 = ''[[Metroid Prime Remastered]]''
| 2025 = '''''[[Metroid Prime 4: Beyond]]'''''
}}

=== 1986–1991: Origins ===
[[File:NES Metroid.png|thumb|left|In ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'' (the first game in the series), released in 1986  for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]], the player controls [[Samus Aran]] who fights alien monsters on the fictional planet Zebes.|alt=A video game screenshot. A person in a powered exoskeleton travels through a cave, while winged monsters hang from the ceiling.]]

The central figures in the production and development of the ''Metroid'' series are [[Satoru Okada]], who directed ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'' and created the series; [[Yoshio Sakamoto]], who was a character designer for the first game and has directed or supervised most of the sequels; [[Gunpei Yokoi]], who headed the R&D1 division and produced the first two games; [[Makoto Kano (video game designer)|Makoto Kano]], who wrote the scenario for ''Metroid'', co-designed the second game, and produced the third; and [[Hiroji Kiyotake]], who designed characters for the original.<ref name="history" />

The original ''Metroid'', an [[action game]] for the [[Family Computer Disk System]], was developed by Nintendo's [[Nintendo Research & Development 1|Research & Development 1]] (R&D1) and released in Japan on August 6, 1986.<ref name="trailers" /> It was published for the [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] in August 1987 in North America and on January 15, 1988, in Europe.<ref name="metroidnes" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/metroid/related/platform/nes/ |title=Metroid Related Games |work=[[GameSpot]] |publisher=[[CBS Interactive Inc]] |access-date=2011-07-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103083417/http://www.gamespot.com/metroid/related/platform/nes/ |archive-date=2012-11-03}}</ref> It was directed by [[Satoru Okada]].<ref name="history" />

''Metroid'' was designed to be a shooting game that combined the platform jumping of ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' with the non-linear exploration of ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' and a darker aesthetic. The name of the game is a [[portmanteau]] of the words "metro" (as in [[rapid transit]]) and android, and was meant to allude to the mainly underground setting of the first game as well as its robot-like protagonist.<ref>{{cite web|title=Game Center CX (Fuji TV show)|url=http://www.selectbutton.net/archive/topic/5865|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150518090556/http://www.selectbutton.net/archive/topic/5865|archive-date=2015-05-18|access-date=2011-10-08|publisher=Selectbutton.net}}</ref>{{Unreliable source?|date=November 2025|certain=y|reason=Listed as unreliable in WP:VG/S}} Halfway through development of the original ''Metroid'', one of the staff said to his fellow developers "Hey, wouldn't that be kind of cool if it turned out that this person inside the suit was a woman?", and the idea was accepted.<ref name="history" /><ref>{{cite web|date=2004-01-30|title=Metroid: Zero Mission director roundtable|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/30/metroid-zero-mission-director-roundtable?page=3|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416000042/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/01/30/metroid-zero-mission-director-roundtable?page=3|archive-date=2013-04-16|access-date=2008-02-20|website=IGN}}</ref> [[Ridley Scott]]'s 1979 science-fiction horror film ''[[Alien (film)|Alien]]'' was described by Sakamoto as a "huge influence" after the world of the first ''Metroid'' had been created. In recognition of this, an antagonist was given the name [[Ridley (Metroid)|Ridley]], after the director. The development staff were also influenced by the work of the film's creature designer [[H. R. Giger]], finding his style to be fitting for the ''Metroid'' universe.<ref>{{cite journal|date=July 2009|title=The Making of Super Metroid|journal=[[Retro Gamer]]|publisher=[[Imagine Publishing Ltd.]]|issue=65|page=60}}</ref>

=== 1991–2002: Sequels and first hiatus ===
''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'' was released for the [[Game Boy]] in 1991 in North America and in 1992 in Japan and Europe. It further established [[Samus]]' visual design, with the bulky Varia Suit upgrade and different arm cannons.<ref name="trailers" />

As R&D1 were committed to making another game, Nintendo brought in [[Intelligent Systems]] to develop ''[[Super Metroid]]'' for the 16-bit [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] (SNES).<ref name="super" /> Development began in late 1991.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-super-metroid/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170925084427/https://www.nintendo.com/super-nes-classic/interview-super-metroid/ | archive-date=2017-09-25 | title=Super Metroid Developer Interview - Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition - Official Site}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://warrenleigh85.medium.com/game-retrospective-super-metroid-edcef70f34da | title=Game Retrospective: Super Metroid | date=8 April 2020}}</ref> Released in 1994, ''Super Metroid'' drastically expanded the ''Metroid'' formula, with numerous new power-ups<ref>{{Citation|title=Super Metroid Review - IGN|date=21 August 2007|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/21/super-metroid-review|language=en|access-date=2021-01-17|archive-date=2021-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225135951/https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/21/super-metroid-review|url-status=live}}</ref> and a richer story.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Dan|date=2007-10-25|title=The History of Metroid|url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-history-of-metroid-article|access-date=2021-01-17|website=Eurogamer|language=en|archive-date=2021-09-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210921165659/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/the-history-of-metroid-article|url-status=live}}</ref> It received acclaim and is considered one of the best SNES games.<ref name="history" /> It was directed by [[Yoshio Sakamoto]], the character designer for the first ''Metroid''; Sakamoto has directed or produced most of the 2D ''Metroid'' games since.<ref name="history" />

After ''Super Metroid'', no new ''Metroid'' games were released for eight years. Nintendo could not generate firm ideas for a ''Metroid'' for their new console, the [[Nintendo 64]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/15/metroid-prime-roundtable-qa?page=2 |title=Metroid Prime Roundtable QA |website=IGN |date=2002-11-15 |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121212170301/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/15/metroid-prime-roundtable-qa?page=2 |archive-date=2012-12-12}}</ref> Sakamoto said he could not imagine how the [[Nintendo 64 controller]] could be used to move Samus.<ref name="Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association-2020" /> An unidentified company declined an offer from Nintendo to develop a ''Metroid'' game for the Nintendo 64, as they were not confident they could create a successor to ''Super Metroid''.<ref name="Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association-2020" /> The [[Virtual Boy]] game ''[[Galactic Pinball]]'' (1995) featured a segment in which the player controls Samus' gunship,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/06/galactic_pinball_retro |title=Galactic Pinball Review (VB) |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |last=Frear |first=Dave |date=June 16, 2009 |access-date=May 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171202143924/http://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/2009/06/galactic_pinball_retro |archive-date=December 2, 2017}}</ref> and Samus was a playable character in the Nintendo 64 fighting game ''[[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]'' (1999).<ref name="Spot" />

=== 2002–2009: ''Metroid Fusion'' and ''Metroid Prime'' series ===
[[File:Metroidprime10101.jpg|left|thumb|upright=1|''[[Metroid Prime]]'', released in 2002 for the [[GameCube]], introduced [[3D graphics]] and [[first-person shooter]] gameplay to the series.|alt=A video game screenshot. A weapon points outwards towards a snowy landscape.]]

In 2000, the Nintendo producer [[Shigeru Miyamoto]] visited the new Nintendo subsidiary [[Retro Studios]] in [[Austin, Texas]]. He did not like any of the projects they had in development, but spent time playing ''Action Adventure'', a third-person science-fiction action game with a female protagonist. Miyamoto tasked Retro with developing a ''Metroid'' game for the new Nintendo console, the [[GameCube]]. The team terminated ''Action Adventure'' and moved to ''Metroid''.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Hester|first=Blake|date=2018-05-29|title=The rocky story of Retro Studios before Metroid Prime|url=https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/29/17386066/the-rocky-story-of-retro-studios-before-metroid-prime|access-date=2021-01-09|website=www.polygon.com|language=en|archive-date=2018-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181209123534/https://www.polygon.com/2018/5/29/17386066/the-rocky-story-of-retro-studios-before-metroid-prime|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/18/a-retrospective-the-story-of-retro-studios |title=A Retrospective: The Story of Retro Studios |first=Kenneth Kyle |last=Wade |date=December 17, 2004 |website=[[IGN]] |access-date=December 7, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181108105347/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/18/a-retrospective-the-story-of-retro-studios |archive-date=November 8, 2018 |url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Metroid Prime]]'', the first 3D ''Metroid'' game, released in 2002, moved the nonlinear structure of ''Super Metroid'' to a [[First-person (video games)|first-person perspective]].<ref name="Parish-2019" /> Nintendo stressed that it was not a [[first-person shooter]] but a "first-person adventure".<ref name="history" /> ''Metroid Prime'' received acclaim.<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |title=Metroid Prime reviews |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121132248/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/metroid-prime |archive-date=November 21, 2010 |access-date=September 8, 2006 |publisher=[[Metacritic]]}}</ref> It sold 2.84 million copies worldwide<ref name="Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association-2020">{{Cite book |title=2020CESAゲーム白書 (2020 CESA Games White Papers) |publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |year=2020 |isbn=978-4-902346-42-8 |page=241}}</ref> and was the best-selling ''Metroid'' game until ''[[Metroid Dread]]'' (2021).<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lane |first=Gavin |date=2022-05-10 |title=It's Official, Metroid Dread Is The Best-Selling Game In The Metroid Series |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110044/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series |archive-date=2022-05-10 |access-date=2022-12-19 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |language=en-GB}}</ref>

In the same year, Nintendo released ''[[Metroid Fusion]]'', a 2D game for the [[Game Boy Advance]] (GBA).<ref name="history" /> It was developed by R&D1 and written and directed by Sakamoto.<ref name="Credits" /> Its gameplay is similar to ''Super Metroid'',<ref name="ign-handson" /> but with a more mission-based structure that gives more guidance to the player.<ref>{{cite web |author=Lake, Max |date=August 26, 2002 |title=Preview |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3435 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231160419/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/preview/3435/metroid-fusion-game-boy-advance |archive-date=December 31, 2014 |access-date=January 4, 2009 |publisher=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> The team's next GBA project was ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]'' (2004), a remake of the original ''Metroid''.<ref name="history" /> Both GBA games received acclaim.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Metroid Fusion |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210607164326/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/metroid-fusion |archive-date=2021-06-07 |access-date=2021-01-20 |website=Metacritic |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Metroid: Zero Mission |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-zero-mission/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913044109/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/metroid-zero-mission |archive-date=2020-09-13 |access-date=2021-01-20 |website=Metacritic |language=en}}</ref> A Nintendo restructure merged R&D1 with R&D2 in 2003, shortly ahead of the release of ''Zero Mission''.<ref>{{Cite magazine |last1=Kohler |first1=Chris |title=Nintendo Consolidates Its Game Development Teams |url=https://www.wired.com/2015/09/nintendo-ead-spd-merge/ |url-status=live |magazine=Wired |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150915010920/http://www.wired.com/2015/09/nintendo-ead-spd-merge/ |archive-date=2015-09-15 |access-date=2021-01-08}}</ref>

In 2004, Nintendo also released ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'', which has Samus switching between parallel light and dark worlds and introduced greater difficulty.<ref name="Parish-2019" /> In 2005, Nintendo released ''[[Metroid Prime Pinball]]'', a pinball spin-off for the DS developed by [[Fuse Games]].<ref name="Craig Harris-2005" /> ''[[Metroid Prime Hunters]]'', a [[Multiplayer video game|multiplayer game]] developed by [[Nintendo Software Technology]], was released for the DS in 2006.<ref name="history" /> ''[[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]'', released for the [[Wii]] in 2007, added [[motion controls]]<ref name="history" /> and has Samus exploring separate planets.<ref name="Parish-2019" /> By the late 2000s, Nintendo was focusing more on casual gamers; with its backtracking and complex gameplay, ''Metroid'' was incompatible with this strategy and ''Metroid Prime 3'' received minimal marketing.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Casamassina |first1=Matt |date=8 August 2007 |title=Metroid Prime 3: The Anti-Hype |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/metroid-prime-3-the-anti-hype |website=[[IGN]] |language=en}}</ref><ref name="Joystiq">{{cite podcast |host= Chris Grant, Ludwig Kietzmann|date= 2009-06-19|title= 99.5 Get Off Our Lawn Edition|url= https://archive.org/details/JoystiqPodcastComplete|work= The Joystiq Podcast|publisher= |time= 36:30|access-date=}}</ref>

The ''Prime'' games were rereleased for the Wii in the compilation ''[[Metroid Prime: Trilogy]]''.<ref>{{Citation|title=Metroid Prime Trilogy Review - IGN|date=21 August 2009|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/08/21/metroid-prime-trilogy-review|language=en|access-date=2021-01-08|archive-date=2021-01-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210128023452/https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/08/21/metroid-prime-trilogy-review|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Trilogy'' was only available in limited quantities as Nintendo ceased production of the discs in January 2010- only months after launch, and instead suggested users seek out second-hand copies.<ref>{{cite web|first=Gavin|last=Ogden|url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/231126/metroid-prime-trilogy-no-longer-being-shipped/|title=Metroid Prime: Trilogy "no longer being shipped"|date=January 10, 2010|work=[[Computer and Video Games]]|publisher=[[Future plc]]|access-date=August 2, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025170040/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/231126/metroid-prime-trilogy-no-longer-being-shipped/|archive-date=October 25, 2012}}</ref> In the late 2000s, [[Next Level Games]] built a ''Metroid'' prototype for the upcoming [[Nintendo 3DS]] handheld as a pitch to Nintendo in the late 2000s, but it was not picked up. Instead, Next Level developed ''[[Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.destructoid.com/next-level-games-was-working-on-a-metroid-title-280783.phtml |title=Next Level Games was working on a Metroid title |date=2014-09-06 |access-date=2014-09-08 |author=Holmes, Jonathan |website=Destructoid |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140909235426/http://www.destructoid.com/next-level-games-was-working-on-a-metroid-title-280783.phtml |archive-date=2014-09-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Clark |first1=Willie |title=Video Game Review: Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon (3DS) |url=https://www.roccitymag.com/arts-entertainment/video-game-review-luigis-mansion-dark-moon-3ds-2203531 |website=CITY Magazine |date=21 March 2013 |language=en}}</ref>

=== 2010–2016: ''Other M'' and second hiatus ===
With Nintendo focusing on a more casual audience during the Wii's lifespan, the next ''Metroid'' moved away from the more complex gameplay of the ''Prime'' series.<ref name= Joystiq/> ''[[Metroid: Other M]]'' was developed with the Japanese studio [[Team Ninja]] and directed by Sakamoto. He pursued a simpler control scheme, hoping it to be as simple as a NES game.<ref>{{cite web |title=Iwata Asks - Metroid: Other M |url=https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Metroid-Other-M/Vol-1-The-Collaboration/1-A-NES-Game-with-the-Latest-Technology-/1-A-NES-Game-with-the-Latest-Technology--224960.html |website=Nintendo of Europe SE}}</ref> It was released for Wii in 2010.<ref name="mompreview" /> It featured a third-person perspective and placed a greater focus on story and action. ''Other M'' received weaker reviews, with criticism for its characterization of Samus as timid and emotional and its reduced emphasis on exploration.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Millsap|first=Zack|date=2020-08-23|title=Why Metroid: Other M Is STILL Controversial, a Decade Later|url=https://www.cbr.com/metroid-other-m-controversial-decade-later/|access-date=2021-01-08|website=CBR|language=en-US|archive-date=2021-01-10|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210110141542/https://www.cbr.com/metroid-other-m-controversial-decade-later/|url-status=live}}</ref>

''[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]'' described ''Other M'' as "such a massive misfire and a flop with fans that it practically killed the series".<ref name="Parish-2019" /> ''[[Joystiq]]'' noted that even with the revised approach the game was "anathema" to the casual focus of Nintendo in that era, as Nintendo was simply no longer making games of that type.<ref name= Joystiq/> There was no major ''Metroid'' game for seven years.<ref name="Orland-2017" />

A ''Metroid'' [[minigame]], "Metroid Blast", appeared in the [[Wii U]] game ''[[Nintendo Land]]'' (2012), which had a mixed reception.<ref name="NintendoLand" /> Using the [[Wii U GamePad]], the player controls Samus's gunship, while up to four players with [[Wii Remote]]s and Nunchuks control [[Mii]] characters on foot, wearing Varia Suits. Miyamoto said this reflected his ideas for future ''Metroid'' games.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/43591/metroid-wii-u-ideas-shared-by-miyamoto/ |title=Miyamoto shares ideas for Metroid Wii U |work=Official Nintendo Magazine |date=2013-11-05 |author=Skrebels, Joe |access-date=2013-11-22 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130719135218/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/43591/metroid-wii-u-ideas-shared-by-miyamoto/ |archive-date=2013-07-19}}</ref> In 2016, Nintendo released ''[[Metroid Prime: Federation Force]]'', developed by Next Level. It received criticism for its multiplayer focus, soccer minigame and frivolous tone. After it was unveiled at [[E3 2015]], an online fan petition to have it cancelled drew thousands of signatures.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Pearson |first1=Dan |title=Over 12,000 sign petition to cancel Metroid Prime: Federation Force |url=https://www.gamesindustry.biz/over-12-000-sign-petition-to-cancel-metroid-prime-federation-force |website=GamesIndustry.biz |language=en |date=18 June 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pcauthority.com.au/news/fans-really-dont-want-metroid-prime-federation-force-405317|title=Fans really don't want Metroid Prime: Federation Force|website=PC & Tech Authority|access-date=2019-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180909221929/https://www.pcauthority.com.au/news/fans-really-dont-want-metroid-prime-federation-force-405317|archive-date=2018-09-09|url-status=dead}}</ref> ''Federation Force'' was absent from Nintendo's presence at [[E3 2016]] months before launch.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Goldfarb |first1=Andrew |last2=Sliva |first2=Marty |title=11 Big Missing Games of E3 2016 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/06/22/11-big-missing-games-of-e3-2016 |website=IGN |language=en |date=22 June 2016}}</ref> It debuted at 15th place on the 3DS sales chart and was considered a commercial failure.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Casey |first1=Brandon |title=Super Metroid's Legacy Has Come Full Circle After 30 Years |work=KeenGamer |date=12 April 2023 |url=https://www.keengamer.com/articles/features/others/after-30-years-super-metroids-legacy-has-come-full-circle/ |access-date=3 July 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Metroid Prime: Federation Force flops |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/metroid-prime-federation-force-flops |website=Eurogamer.net |language=en |date=5 September 2016}}</ref>

=== 2017–present: ''Samus Returns'', ''Dread'' and ''Prime 4: Beyond'' ===
[[File:Metroid Samus Returns gameplay.jpg|right|thumb|upright=1|''[[Metroid: Samus Returns]]'', released in 2017 for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]]]

In the mid 2010s, the Spanish studio [[MercurySteam]] proposed remaking ''Fusion''. Sakamoto was impressed by their work on ''[[Castlevania: Lords of Shadow – Mirror of Fate]]'' (2013) and instead asked them to remake ''Metroid II''.<ref>{{cite web |title=Interview: Metroid Co-Creator Details Fusion Remake Pitch, Skipping Switch and Series' Future |url=https://gamerant.com/metroid-samus-returns-producer-yoshi-sakamoto-interview/ |website=Game Rant |language=en |date=3 October 2017}}</ref> ''[[Metroid: Samus Returns]]'' (2017) retains the sidescrolling gameplay of the original and adds 3D graphics and a melee counterattack, suggested by MercurySteam after their use of a similar mechanic in ''Castlevania''.<ref name="businessinsider_announce"/><ref name="polygon_announce" /><ref name="verge_preview" /> The first major ''Metroid'' game in seven years and the first sidescrolling ''Metroid'' game in 13 years, it received positive reviews.<ref name="Orland-2017">{{cite web |last1=Orland |first1=Kyle |date=12 September 2017 |title=Metroid: Samus Returns is a return to form for 2D adventuring |url=https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2017/09/metroid-samus-returns-is-a-return-to-form-for-2d-adventuring/ |website=Ars Technica |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Feldman |first1=Brian |date=15 September 2017 |title=Metroid: Samus Returns Is a Perfect Nintendo Game for the Subway |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2017/09/metroid-samus-returns-review-a-perfect-game-for-the-subway.html |website=Intelligencer |language=en}}</ref>

MercurySteam's next project was ''[[Metroid Dread]]'' for the [[Nintendo Switch]] (2021), a realization of a cancelled [[Nintendo DS]] project.<ref name="Polygon-2021">{{Cite web |date=17 June 2021 |title=Metroid co-creator on why ''Metroid Dread'' is all about scary robots |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/22537280/metroid-dread-interview-yoshio-sakamoto-nintendo-switch |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210617153950/https://www.polygon.com/features/22537280/metroid-dread-interview-yoshio-sakamoto-nintendo-switch |archive-date=17 June 2021 |access-date=17 June 2021 |website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-15 |title=Metroid: Dread brings the franchise to Switch |url=https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/15/metroid-dread-brings-the-franchise-to-switch/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210615162433/https://venturebeat.com/2021/06/15/metroid-dread-brings-the-franchise-to-switch/ |archive-date=2021-06-15 |access-date=2021-06-15 |website=VentureBeat |language=en-US}}</ref> It had sold more than 2.9 million copies worldwide by May 2022, making it the best-selling ''Metroid'' game.<ref name="Metroid Dread sales" /> In February 2023, Nintendo released ''[[Metroid Prime Remastered]]'', a [[High-definition video|high-definition]] [[Remaster (video games)|remaster]] of ''Metroid Prime'' for the Switch.<ref>{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=February 8, 2023 |title=Metroid Prime: Switch Remaster Getting Shadow Drop on Nintendo eShop |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-remaster-switch-revealed |access-date=February 8, 2023 |website=[[IGN]] |archive-date=February 8, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230208223954/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-remaster-switch-revealed |url-status=live}}</ref> It was developed by Retro Studios with assistance from developers including [[Iron Galaxy Studios]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=2023-02-10 |title=Retro Studios Wasn't The Only Dev Working On Metroid Prime Remastered |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/retro-studios-wasnt-the-only-dev-working-on-metroid-prime-remastered |access-date=2023-02-12 |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-02-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212145955/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2023/02/retro-studios-wasnt-the-only-dev-working-on-metroid-prime-remastered |url-status=live}}</ref>

At [[E3 2017]], Nintendo announced ''Metroid Prime 4'' for the Switch.<ref>{{cite web|last=McFerran|first=Damien|date=June 13, 2017|title=Metroid Prime 4 Confirmed For Nintendo Switch, But Retro Studios Isn't Involved|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180615052437/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/06/metroid_prime_4_confirmed_for_nintendo_switch_but_retro_studios_isnt_involved|archive-date=June 15, 2018|access-date=January 25, 2019|work=[[Nintendo Life]]|publisher=Nlife Media}}</ref> ''[[Eurogamer]]'' reported that it was being developed by [[Bandai Namco Studios]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=February 9, 2018 |title=Yes, Bandai Namco is working on Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181119082756/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-02-08-yes-namco-bandai-is-working-on-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=November 19, 2018 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=[[Eurogamer]] |publisher=[[Gamer Network]]}}</ref> Unsatisfied with the progress, Nintendo announced in January 2019 that it had restarted the development under Retro Studios, the developer of the previous ''Metroid Prime'' games.<ref>{{cite magazine |last=Kato |first=Matthew |date=January 25, 2019 |title=Nintendo Restarting The Development Of Metroid Prime 4 |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |url-status=live |magazine=[[Game Informer]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190218002520/https://www.gameinformer.com/2019/01/25/nintendo-restarting-the-development-of-metroid-prime-4 |archive-date=February 18, 2019 |access-date=January 25, 2019 |df=mdy-all}}</ref> In June 2024, Nintendo revealed a trailer and the title ''[[Metroid Prime 4: Beyond]]'', with a release year of 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lyles |first=Taylor |date=2024-06-18 |title=''Metroid Prime 4: Beyond'' Gameplay Finally Revealed |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |access-date=2024-06-18 |website=[[IGN]] |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142711/https://www.ign.com/articles/metroid-prime-4-gameplay-revealed |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Reception==
{{Video game series reviews
| gr = yes
| sales  = yes

| game0 = '''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'''
| sales0 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''NES:''' {{Nowrap|2.73 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper">{{Cite book |title=2014 CESAゲーム白書 |publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |year=2014 |isbn=978-4-902346-30-5 |location=Japan |publication-date=July 2014 |language=ja |trans-title=2014 CESA Games White Paper}}</ref>
  | '''GBA:''' {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
  | '''GBA (''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]''):''' {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
  }} 
| mc0 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''NES:''' —
  | '''GBA:''' 62%<ref name="Metroid GameRankings" />
  | '''GBA (''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]''):''' 89<ref name="zeromc" />
  }} 
| gr0 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''NES:''' —
  | '''GBA:''' 58<ref name="Metroid Metacritic" />
  | '''GBA (''[[Metroid: Zero Mission|Zero Mission]]''):''' 90%<ref name="zerogr" />
  }}

| game1 = '''[[Metroid II: Return of Samus]]'''
| sales1 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GB:''' {{Nowrap|1.72 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
  | '''3DS:''' {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
  }}
| mc1 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GB:''' —
  | '''3DS:''' 85<ref name="srmc" />
  }}
| gr1 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GB:''' 79%<ref name="metroid2gr" />
  | '''3DS:''' 87%<ref name="srgr" />
  }}

| game2 = '''[[Super Metroid]]'''
| sales2 = {{Nowrap|1.42 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
| gr2 = 96%<ref name="supergr" />
| mc2 = —

| game3 = '''[[Metroid Fusion]]'''
| sales3 = {{Nowrap|1.39 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
| mc3 = 92<ref name="fusionmc" />
| gr3 = 91%<ref name="fusiongr" />

| game4 = [[Metroid Prime]]
| sales4 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GCN:''' {{Nowrap|2.84 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
  | '''NS:''' {{Nowrap|1.09 million}}<ref>{{cite web |title=Financial Results Explanatory Material |url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf |website=Nintendo |access-date=9 May 2023 |archive-date=9 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230509154008/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2023/230509_3e.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref>
  }}
| mc4 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GCN:''' 97<ref name="primemc" />
  | '''NS:''' 94<ref name="mprmc" />
  }}
| gr4 = {{Unbulleted list center
  | '''GCN:''' 96%<ref name="primegr" />
  | '''NS:''' —
  }}

| game7 = [[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]
| sales7 = {{Nowrap|1.10 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
| mc7 = 92<ref name="echoesmc" />
| gr7 = 92%<ref name="echoesgr" />

| game8 = [[Metroid Prime Pinball]]
| sales8 = {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
| mc8 = 79<ref name="pinballmc" />
| gr8 = 80%<ref name="pinballgr" />

| game9 = [[Metroid Prime Hunters]]
| sales9 = {{Nowrap|1.08 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
| mc9 = 85<ref name="huntersmc" />
| gr9 = 84%<ref name="huntersgr" />

| game10 = [[Metroid Prime 3: Corruption]]
| sales10 = {{Nowrap|1.41 million}}<ref name="2014 CESA Games White Paper" />
| mc10 = 90<ref name="corruptionmc" />
| gr10 = 90%<ref name="corruptiongr" />

| game11 = [[Metroid Prime: Trilogy]]
| sales11 = {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
| mc11 = 91<ref name="trilogymc" />
| gr11 = 92%<ref name="trilogygr" />

| game12 = [[Metroid: Other M]]
| sales12 = {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
| mc12 = 79<ref name="ommc" />
| gr12 = 79%<ref name="omgr" />

| game13 = [[Metroid Prime: Federation Force]]
| sales13 = {{Nowrap|< 1.00 million}}
| mc13 = 64<ref name="ffmc" />
| gr13 = 65%<ref name="ffgr" />

| game15 = '''[[Metroid Dread]]'''
| sales15 = {{Nowrap|3.07 million}}<ref name="2023 CESA Games White Paper">{{Cite book |title=2023 CESAゲーム白書 |publisher=[[Computer Entertainment Supplier's Association]] |year=2023 |isbn=978-4-902346-47-3 |location=Japan |publication-date=July 2023 |language=ja |trans-title=2023 CESA Games White Paper}}</ref>
| mc15 = 88<ref name="dreadmc" />
| gr15 = —
}}

''Metroid'' ranked the 70th top game (collectively) by ''[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]'' in 1996<ref>''Next Generation'' 21 (September 1996), p.47.</ref> and the 6th in 1999,<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Top 50 Games of All Time |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]]|issue=50 |publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=February 1999|page=80}}</ref> and as the eighth best game franchise by ''[[IGN]]'' in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2006/12/05/the-top-25-videogame-franchises |title=The Top 25 Videogame Franchises |date=2006-12-04 |website=IGN |access-date=2021-10-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080226223358/http://ps3.ign.com/articles/749/749069p4.html |archive-date=2008-02-26}}</ref> In 2001, ''[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]]'' named ''Super Metroid'' the best game ever.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp|title=Electronic Gaming Monthly's 100 Best Games of All Time |author=EGM staff |magazine=[[Electronic Gaming Monthly]] |year=2001 |access-date=2006-11-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030611191341/http://gamers.com/feature/egmtop100/index.jsp |archive-date=2003-06-11}}</ref> All the ''Metroid'' games released by 2005 were included in a ''[[Nintendo Power]]'' top 200 Nintendo games list,<ref name="NP Top 200" /> ''Prime'' in the ''IGN'' top 100,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uk.top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_30.html |title=IGN Top 100 Games 2007 |work=[[IGN]] |publisher=[[Ziff Davis]] |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071201122718/http://uk.top100.ign.com/2007/ign_top_game_30.html |archive-date=2007-12-01}}</ref> ''Metroid'', ''Super Metroid'', ''Prime'' and ''Echoes'' in a list by [[GameFAQs]] users;<ref>{{cite web|title=Fall 2005: 10-Year Anniversary Contest – The 10 Best Games Ever |url=http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10 |website=[[GameFAQs]] |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150716111618/http://www.gamefaqs.com/features/contest/top10 |archive-date=2015-07-16}}</ref> ''Metroid'' and ''Super Metroid'' in ''[[Game Informer]]''{{'}}s list;<ref>{{cite magazine | title=Top 100 Games of All Time | magazine=[[Game Informer]] | volume=100 | date=August 2001 | page=34}}</ref> and ''Prime'' and ''Super Metroid'' in ''[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]]''{{'}}s list.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time/ |title=Edge's Top 100 games |magazine=[[Edge (magazine)|Edge]] |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130121231340/http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time/ |archive-date=2013-01-21}}</ref> The series has influenced games including ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]''.<ref name="pro" />

Samus Aran was recognized by ''[[Guinness World Records]]'' as "enduringly popular"<ref name="GWR2013" /> and as the "first playable human female character in a mainstream video game", although Toby Masuyo ("Kissy") from [[Namco]]'s ''[[Alien Sector]]'' predates her by one year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/namcoxcapcom/namcoxcapcom2.htm#tobymasuyo |title=Obscure Namco characters |publisher=Hardcore Gaming 101 |access-date=6 October 2013 |author=Kurt Kalata |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130926182846/http://www.hardcoregaming101.net/namcoxcapcom/namcoxcapcom2.htm |archive-date=26 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/nintendo_download_13_14_october_2009_japan |title=Nintendo Download: 13-14 October 2009 (Japan) |publisher=nintendolife.com |access-date=6 October 2013 |author=Sean Aaron |date=9 October 2009 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006174808/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2009/10/nintendo_download_13_14_october_2009_japan |archive-date=6 October 2013}}</ref> Ridley was the second-most requested Nintendo character by ''IGN'' and number one by the fans to be added as a playable character to the ''[[Super Smash Bros.]]'' series<ref name="metroidrid" /> and Mother Brain is often named among the best video game bosses.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Ryan Stewart |author2=Mitch Krpata |name-list-style=amp |date=October 13, 2006 |url=http://thephoenix.com/Boston/recroom/24907-20-greatest-bosses-in-video-game-history-4-/ |title=The 20 Greatest Bosses in Video Game History - #4: Mother Brain |newspaper=[[The Phoenix (newspaper)|The Phoenix]] |access-date=2008-02-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090114100926/http://thephoenix.com/Boston/RecRoom/24907-20-Greatest-Bosses-in-Video-Game-History-4-/ |archive-date=January 14, 2009}}</ref>

The original ''Metroid'' has been described as boosted by its "eerie" music, adding a "sense of mystery and exploration" to the game by making the game "moody and atmospheric".<ref name="history" /><ref name="original" /> ''IGN'' praised the well-timed music that helped add suspense.<ref name="xxx" /> ''[[GameSpot]]'' described ''Super Metroid'' as better than the original "in literally every conceivable way",<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/super-metroid/reviews/super-metroid-review-6177708/ |title=Super Metroid review |last=Provo |first=Frank |website=[[GameSpot]] |date=2007-08-27 |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120419213453/http://www.gamespot.com/super-metroid/reviews/super-metroid-review-6177708/ |archive-date=2012-04-19}}</ref> ''Metroid Fusion'' was noted for its "understated score" which fit the mood of the adventure and its excellent stereo sound effects, making it an uncommonly good Game Boy Advance sound experience.<ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/12/metroid-fusion?page=2 |title=Metroid Fusion |website=IGN |date=2002-11-12 |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023234558/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/12/metroid-fusion?page=2 |archive-date=2012-10-23}}</ref> ''Metroid Prime'' won multiple [[List of Game of the Year awards|Game of the Year]] awards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general2.html |title=GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002: Game of the Year |website=[[GameSpot]] |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030207154432/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general2.html |archive-date=2003-02-07}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://archive.gamespy.com/goty2002/overall/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111094349/http://archive.gamespy.com/goty2002/overall/ |archive-date=2012-01-11 |title=Game of the Year 2002 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |access-date=2008-02-20 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/07/igda-names-metroid-game-of-the-year|title=IGDA Names Metroid Game of the Year |website=IGN |date=2003-03-07 |access-date=2008-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070212235339/http://cube.ign.com/articles/388/388472p1.html |archive-date=2007-02-12}}</ref> ''IGN'' called the aural experience with ''Metroid Prime 2: Echoes'' "mesmerizing".<ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/02/the-ultimate-metroid-prime-2-echoes-experience |title=The Ultimate Metroid Prime 2 Echoes Experience |website=IGN |date=2004-11-02 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025162927/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/11/02/the-ultimate-metroid-prime-2-echoes-experience |archive-date=2012-10-25}}</ref> Music from ''Metroid'' has been frequently re-released as part of "best of" video game music releases.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/06/game-centrals-best-of-the-best-cd |title=Game Central's Best of the Best CD |website=IGN |date=2007-06-06 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618123933/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/06/06/game-centrals-best-of-the-best-cd |archive-date=2013-06-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/12/japan-gets-famicom-music |title=Japan Gets Famicom Music |website=IGN |date=2004-03-12 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025162937/http://www.ign.com/articles/2004/03/12/japan-gets-famicom-music |archive-date=2012-10-25}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Carle, Chris |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/18/ign-interviews-8-bit-weapon-2 |title=IGN Interviews 8-Bit Weapon |website=IGN |date=2005-11-18 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618124144/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/11/18/ign-interviews-8-bit-weapon-2 |archive-date=2013-06-18}}</ref> ''Metroid Prime''{{'}}s soundtrack was called the best sound design on the GameCube. The sound effects were also noted for a high degree of accuracy and blending with the soundtrack.<ref name="primed" />

===Sales===
Each ''Metroid'' game, excluding spin-offs and remakes, has sold more than one million copies.<ref name="super" /><ref name="US platinum" /><ref name="sales" /> By September 2012, the series had sold over 17.44 million copies worldwide.<ref name="GWR2013" /> ''Metroid'' sales in Japan have typically been lower than in the United States.<ref name="gr-history" /> In its debut week in Japan, ''Metroid Prime 3: Corruption'' sold 32,388 units, ranking it behind ''[[Ryū ga Gotoku Kenzan!]]'', ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'', ''[[Wii Fit]]'', and ''[[Gundam Musou Special]]''.<ref name="media sale" /> ''Metroid: Other M'' was the third-bestselling video game in Japan during its week of release with 45,398 copies sold, ranking it behind ''[[Wii Party]]'' and ''[[Monster Hunter Diary: Poka Poka Airu Village]]''.<ref name="andriasang metroid sales" /> It sold an additional 11,239 copies the following week.<ref name="japanese charts" />

==Legacy==
Along with the 1997 [[Konami]] game ''[[Castlevania: Symphony of the Night]]'', the early ''Metroid'' games defined a subgenre known as [[Metroidvania]]. Tom Happ, developer of the 2015 Metroidvania game ''[[Axiom Verge]]'', defined Metroidvania games as side-scrolling adventures with continuous maps, rather than discrete [[Level (video games)|levels]], that require the player to collect items and backtrack. Other notable Metroidvania games include ''[[Cave Story]]'' (2004), ''[[Shadow Complex]]'' (2009), ''[[Ori and the Blind Forest]]'' (2014), ''[[Hollow Knight]]'' (2017), and ''[[Chasm (video game)|Chasm]]'' (2018).<ref name="metroidvania" /> ''Metroid'' is therefore among a handful of game series to have genres named after them, along with ''[[Dark Souls]]'' ([[Soulslike]]) and ''[[Rogue (video game)|Rogue]]'' ([[Roguelike]]).<ref>{{cite web | url=https://gamerant.com/games-created-genres/#demon-39-s-souls-ndash-souls-like | title=8 Games That Started New Genres | date=6 May 2022 | access-date=13 March 2023 | archive-date=13 March 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230313095838/https://gamerant.com/games-created-genres/#demon-39-s-souls-ndash-souls-like | url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2016, ''[[AM2R]]'', a [[Fangame|fan-made]] remake of ''[[Metroid II]]'' was released. Nintendo issued [[takedown notice]]s to halt its distribution, citing the potential damage to its intellectual property.<ref name="fan remake" /> ''AM2R'' was nominated for the [[The Game Awards 2016|Game Awards 2016]], but was removed as it had not been cleared by Nintendo for inclusion.<ref name="game awards" />

===Crossovers===
====''Super Smash Bros.'' franchise====
{{Main|Super Smash Bros.}}

Samus is a playable character in all five ''Super Smash Bros.'' games.<ref>{{cite web |author=Peer Schneider |date=1999-04-27 |title=Super Smash Bros. |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/28/super-smash-bros |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227014836/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/04/28/super-smash-bros |archive-date=2012-12-27 |access-date=2008-02-17 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=Fran Mirabella III |date=2001-12-03 |title=Super Smash Bros. Melee |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/03/super-smash-bros-melee |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120915062546/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/12/03/super-smash-bros-melee |archive-date=2012-09-15 |access-date=2008-02-17 |website=IGN}}</ref> Games from ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' onward also feature Zero Suit Samus, a version of the heroine using the blue form-fitting suit seen in ''Zero Mission'' and the ''Prime'' series.<ref>{{cite web |author1=Lucas M. Thomas |author2=Matt Casamassina |name-list-style=amp |date=2007-01-01 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl FAQ&nbsp;— Veterans |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/super-smash-bros-brawl-faq?page=9 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103131442/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/super-smash-bros-brawl-faq?page=9 |archive-date=2012-11-03 |access-date=2008-02-17 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Lucas M. Thomas |author2=Matt Casamassina |name-list-style=amp |date=2007-01-01 |title=Super Smash Bros. Brawl FAQ&nbsp;— Newcomers |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/super-smash-bros-brawl-faq?page=12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105054215/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/04/04/super-smash-bros-brawl-faq?page=12 |archive-date=2012-11-05 |access-date=2008-02-17 |website=IGN}}</ref> Ridley makes cameos in ''[[Super Smash Bros. (video game)|Super Smash Bros.]]'', where he can be seen flying through the level Zebes, and in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]'' both as an unlockable trophy and in the game's opening, where he is fighting Samus at Ceres Space Station.<ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=July 31, 2001 |title=Smash Profile: Captain Falcon |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/31/smash-profile-captain-falcon |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025162920/http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/07/31/smash-profile-captain-falcon |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=2008-02-26 |website=IGN}}</ref> In ''Super Smash Bros. Brawl'', Ridley appears as a boss character in both normal and Meta Ridley forms.<ref name="metroidrid" /> Ridley's clone from ''[[Metroid: Other M]]'' appears as a boss on the Pyroshpere stage in [[Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U|''Super Smash Bros. for Wii U'']], where he will join a fighter's side if they manage to knock him out.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Bryant |first=Paul |date=2014-10-24 |title=Super Smash Bros. Wii U gets 8-player mode, Mewtwo, custom stage creator |url=https://gaming-age.com/2014/10/super-smash-bros-wii-u-gets-8-player-mode-mewtwo-custom-stage-creator/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=Gaming Age |language=en-US |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142732/https://gaming-age.com/2014/10/super-smash-bros-wii-u-gets-8-player-mode-mewtwo-custom-stage-creator/ |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last1=James |last2=Simms |first2=Brandon |last3=Graeber |first3=Brendan |last4=Moreupdated |first4=+49 8k |date=2014-04-15 |title=Stage Hazards and Boss Characters - Super Smash Bros. for Wii U / 3DS Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds/Stage_Hazards_and_Boss_Characters |access-date=2024-07-07 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=2024-08-17 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142737/https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-wii-u-3ds/Stage_Hazards_and_Boss_Characters |url-status=live}}</ref> Due to demand from fans, Ridley was made a playable fighter in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''. Kraid also appeared in ''Super Smash Bros. Melee'' as a stage hazard in Brinstar Depths and unlockable trophy. Various other characters such as Metroids, Mother Brain and Dark Samus appear as either trophies or stickers in the ''Super Smash Bros.'' series as well. Dark Samus would later debut as a fighter in ''Super Smash Bros. Ultimate'', sharing a moveset similar to Samus. A number of locations from the ''Metroid'' franchise have appeared in ''Super Smash Bros.'' games as battle stages.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 December 2018 |title=Super Smash Bros Ultimate Stages - All New Super Smash Bros Ultimate Stages |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-12-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-stages-guide |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210214045434/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/10-12-2018-super-smash-bros-ultimate-stages-guide |archive-date=14 February 2021 |access-date=18 June 2021}}</ref>

====Other games====
Samus has appeared in other Nintendo games such as ''[[Super Mario RPG]]'', the NES version of ''[[Tetris]]'', ''[[Tetris DS]]'', ''[[Galactic Pinball]]'', ''[[Kirby Super Star]]'', ''[[Kirby's Dream Land 3]]'' and ''[[WarioWare]]''.<ref name="trailers" /><ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=1999-03-18 |title=One Ticket to Zebes, Please |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/19/one-ticket-to-zebes-please |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109210209/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/03/19/one-ticket-to-zebes-please |archive-date=2012-11-09 |access-date=2008-02-17 |website=IGN}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author=IGN Staff |date=2003-03-21 |title=Wario Ware Is Insane |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/21/wario-ware-is-insane |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023234553/http://www.ign.com/articles/2003/03/21/wario-ware-is-insane |archive-date=2012-10-23 |access-date=2008-02-26 |website=IGN}}</ref>

A Metroid-lookalike enemy, called the Komayto, appears in ''[[Kid Icarus]]'' for the [[NES]]; the characters allude to the similarities between the two in ''[[Kid Icarus: Uprising]]''.<ref name="trailers" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 January 2012 |title=Kid Icarus: Uprising is a Gaudy, Goofy, Surprisingly Hardcore Shoot-'Em-Up<!-- Bot generated title --> |url=https://kotaku.com/kid-icarus-uprising-is-a-gaudy-goofy-surprisingly-ha-5877434 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211020204520/https://kotaku.com/kid-icarus-uprising-is-a-gaudy-goofy-surprisingly-ha-5877434 |archive-date=2021-10-20 |access-date=2021-10-20}}</ref> In ''[[Dead or Alive: Dimensions]]'', a [[fighting game]] developed by Team Ninja for the [[3DS]], one stage is a replica of the arena in which Samus fights Ridley in ''Metroid: Other M'' and features both as non-playable characters.<ref>{{cite web |last=Drake |first=Audrey |date=2011-05-23 |title=Dead or Alive Dimensions -- Metroid Secrets |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/24/dead-or-alive-dimensions-metroid-secrets |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102062815/http://ie.ign.com/articles/2011/05/24/dead-or-alive-dimensions-metroid-secrets |archive-date=2016-01-02 |access-date=2021-10-16 |website=IGN}}</ref> When asked why Samus is not playable in ''Dimensions'',<ref name="non-playable" /> Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi said in an interview that "it would be better to let her focus on her job rather than kicking everyone's butt in [''Dead or Alive: Dimensions'']".<ref name="yosuke hayashi" /> The [[Wii U]] launch game ''[[Nintendo Land]]'' has a minigame based on the series called "Metroid Blast".<ref name="NintendoLand" /> A Samus [[amiibo]] figure can be used to unlock a Mii costume based on her appearance in ''[[Mario Kart 8]]'' and a Samus costume in ''[[Super Mario Maker]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Super Mario Maker Amiibo Support |url=https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/games/detail/super-mario-maker-wii-u/ |website=Nintendo.com |access-date=2023-01-29 |archive-date=2022-01-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128234620/https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/games/detail/super-mario-maker-wii-u/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2020, Nintendo and [[Epic Games]] began negotiations to include Samus in ''[[Fortnite]]'' as a skin. The plans came to light when internal Epic documents were released as part of the ''[[Epic Games v. Apple]]'' case in 2021. Other characters from the batch in the document such as [[Kratos (God of War)|Kratos]] and [[Master Chief (Halo)|Master Chief]] were added to the game in late 2020, but Samus was not.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Brandom |first1=Russell |title=Fortnite is planning skins for LeBron James and The Rock, documents show |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22417523/fortnite-party-royale-lebron-james-zion-the-rock-epic-apple |website=The Verge |language=en |date=3 May 2021 |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=25 April 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240425151010/https://www.theverge.com/2021/5/3/22417523/fortnite-party-royale-lebron-james-zion-the-rock-epic-apple |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, former Epic creative director [[Chair Entertainment|Donald Mustard]] revealed that Nintendo had requested [[Nintendo Switch]] exclusivity for the Samus skin, which was against Epic's policy of maintaining feature parity for ''Fortnite'' across all platforms, and so the character was never included.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Welsh |first1=Oli |title=Nintendo wouldn't let Samus be in Fortnite |url=https://www.polygon.com/24138083/samus-fortnite-skin-nintendo-refused |website=Polygon |date=23 April 2024 |access-date=25 April 2024 |archive-date=17 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240817142733/https://www.polygon.com/24138083/samus-fortnite-skin-nintendo-refused |url-status=live}}</ref>

===In other media===
{{See also|List of Metroid media}}

====Television====
A ''Metroid'' animated series was considered for the ''Super Mario Bros. Power Hour'', a cancelled animation block that would have aired in the 1980s. Concept art was produced for the series, which notably featured a male incarnation of Samus. ''Power Hour'' never moved forward in the intended format, instead being replaced by ''[[The Super Mario Bros. Super Show!]]'' which aired in 1989.<ref name="cartoon" /> Mother Brain was the primary villain in the ''[[Captain N: The Game Master]]'' TV show.<ref name="captain N" />

====Manga====
Various magazines have published [[Comic book|comics]] and [[manga]] based on ''[[Metroid (video game)|Metroid]]'',<ref name="diesgaudii" /> ''[[Super Metroid]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/?g=sm&p=comics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080306073357/http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/?g=sm&p=comics |archive-date=2008-03-06|title=Comics & Manga |access-date=2008-02-20 |date=2006-01-01 |publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> ''[[Metroid Prime]]'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/index.php?g=mp&p=comics|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320015327/http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/index.php?g=mp&p=comics|archive-date=2008-03-20|title= Comics |access-date=2008-02-20|date=2002-01-01|publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> ''[[Metroid Prime 2: Echoes]]'',<ref>{{cite web |url=http://metroid-database.com/manga/?vid=10&cid=35 |title=Manga |access-date=2008-12-23 |date=2002-01-01 |publisher=[[GameSpy]] |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111008061101/http://metroid-database.com/manga/?vid=10&cid=35 |archive-date=2011-10-08}}</ref> and ''[[Metroid: Zero Mission]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/index.php?g=mzm&p=manga|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080320015332/http://mdb.classicgaming.gamespy.com/index.php?g=mzm&p=manga|archive-date=2008-03-20|title= Manga |access-date=2008-02-20|date=2004-01-01|publisher=[[GameSpy]]}}</ref> in both the United States and Japan. Samus Aran and other ''Metroid'' characters also featured in the ''Captain N: The Game Master'' comic books by [[Valiant Comics]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Webster Swenson |url=http://cnn.captainn.net/com_cn1_wtvl.html |title=Captain N Volume 1 |access-date=2008-02-20 |date=1990-01-01 |publisher=Valiant Comics |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080305212018/http://cnn.captainn.net/com_cn1_wtvl.html |archive-date=2008-03-05}}</ref> In Japan, a ''Metroid'' manga series was published in [[Kodansha]]'s ''[[Monthly Magazine Z]]'' beginning in November 2003, and ran for 16 chapters which were later collected into two [[Tankōbon]] volumes. The series chronicled Samus' life up through the events of the original game, and went on to influence the plots of subsequent games in the franchise.<ref name="trailers" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/22715304/metroid-dread-fusion-recap-story-lore-samus-aran-chozo|title=Everything you need to know before you play Metroid Dread|first=Maddy|last=Myers|website=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|date=October 8, 2021|access-date=October 14, 2021|archive-date=October 12, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211012213559/https://www.polygon.com/22715304/metroid-dread-fusion-recap-story-lore-samus-aran-chozo|url-status=live}}</ref> Also in Japan, ''[[Comic Bom Bom]]'' published a three-volume manga starring Samus, {{nihongo foot|[[w:ja:メトロイド サムス&ジョイ|''Metroid: Samus and Joey'']].|メトロイド サムス&ジョイ|Metoroido Samusu& joi|group=lower-alpha}}<ref>{{cite web|title=English Translation Of Metroid EX: Samus & Joey Manga Finally Complete |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/english_translation_of_metroid_ex_samus_and_joey_manga_finally_complete |work=[[Nintendo Life]] |publisher=Gamer Network |first=Damien |last=McFerren |date=2015-11-07 |access-date=2016-01-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151210065605/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2015/10/english_translation_of_metroid_ex_samus_and_joey_manga_finally_complete |archive-date=2015-12-10}}</ref>

====Proposed film====
In 2003, two producers optioned the rights to create a live-action film based on ''Metroid'', but the rights expired.<ref name="trailers" /> The director [[John Woo]] acquired the rights a few years later,<ref name="movie" /> and his studio Lion Rock Productions was to produce and release the film before 2006.<ref name="Crave Online-2004" /> The writers included [[David Greenwalt]], who had worked on ''[[Buffy the Vampire Slayer]]'', ''[[Angel (1999 TV series)|Angel]]'', and ''[[Grimm (TV series)|Grimm]]''.<ref name="Crave Online-2004" /> Producer Brad Froxhoven stated that the film would have explored Samus' [[origin story]], describing her as an "exceptionally talented", but a "flawed" character seeking redemption, and that the film would have been faithful to the original games.<ref name="IGNMetroid" />

According to Foxhoven, Nintendo was protective due to the failure of the 1993 [[Super Mario Bros. (film)|''Super Mario Bros.'']] film.<ref name="IGNMetroid" /> Nintendo had no answers to the team's questions about Samus' personal life, relationships, and other personal characteristics, and was uncomfortable with the film team "being the ones to propose those answers".<ref name="IGNMetroid" /> Foxhoven said Nintendo left the discussions appreciating that they needed to develop the franchise further if it were to become a Hollywood film.<ref name="IGNMetroid" /> In 2013, Sakamoto said he could support a film directed by Ryuji Kitaura, the director of the CG scenes in ''Other M'', if the concept and methodologies were good enough.<ref name="gamestm" /> In 2025, the filmmaker [[Chris Stuckmann]] said it was "his dream" to direct a ''Metroid'' film.<ref>{{Cite web |last=London |first=Rob |last2=Nemiroff |first2=Perri |date=2025-09-25 |title=YouTuber Turned Director Wants to Adapt One of the Greatest Nintendo Franchises Ever [Exclusive] |url=https://collider.com/metroid-movie-adaptation-chris-stuckmann-director-shelby-oaks-debut/ |access-date=2025-09-28 |website=Collider |language=en}}</ref>

==Notes==
{{Notelist}}

==References==
{{Reflist|refs=
<ref name="fan remake">{{Cite web|last=Whitehead|first=Thomas|date=2016-08-08|title=Nintendo Issues Takedown Notices for Impressive Fan-Made Metroid II Remake, AM2R|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/08/nintendo_issues_takedown_notices_for_impressive_fan-made_metroid_ii_remake_am2r|access-date=2021-01-06|website=Nintendo Life|language=en-GB|archive-date=2020-11-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108093508/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/08/nintendo_issues_takedown_notices_for_impressive_fan-made_metroid_ii_remake_am2r|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="game awards">{{cite web|last=Imms|first=Jason|date=November 28, 2016|title=Pokémon Uranium and AM2R: Why They Were Pulled from The Game Awards|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-uranium-and-am2r-why-they-were-pulled-from/1100-6445792/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20161202040241/http://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokemon-uranium-and-am2r-why-they-were-pulled-from/1100-6445792/|archive-date=December 2, 2016|access-date=October 15, 2018|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

<ref name="Metroid Metacritic">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid (Classic NES Series) |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125234857/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/classic-nes-series-metroid |archive-date=2010-11-25}}</ref>

<ref name="sales">{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf#page=6 |title=Financial Results Briefing for the Nine-Month Period Ending December 2007 |publisher=[[Nintendo]] |date=2008-01-25 |access-date=2008-01-25 |page=6 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080216091258/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2008/080125e.pdf |archive-date=2008-02-16}}</ref>

<ref name="US platinum">{{cite web|date=2007-12-27 |url=http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |title=US Platinum Videogame Chart |publisher=The Magic Box |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070421003854/http://www.the-magicbox.com/Chart-USPlatinum.shtml |archive-date=2007-04-21}}</ref>

<!-- <ref name="Metroid Prime sales">{{Cite web|last=Montreal|first=Mathew Kumar, Leigh Alexander|title=MIGS 2007: Retro Studios On The Journey Of Metroid Prime|url=https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389|access-date=2020-06-12|website=www.gamasutra.com|language=en|archive-date=2020-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200228002311/https://www.gamasutra.com/php-bin/news_index.php?story=16389|url-status=dead}}</ref> -->

<ref name="media sale">{{cite journal |title=Software Sales for 3/3 – 3/9, 2008 |journal=Media Create |date=2008-03-09}}</ref>

<ref name="japanese charts">{{cite web|title=Manga Based Fighter Tops Japanese Charts, Other M Sales Decline |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121228/Manga_Based_Fighter_Tops_Japanese_Charts_Other_M_Sales_Decline.php |website=Gamasutra |date=16 September 2010 |access-date=2011-03-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120511025126/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/121228/Manga_Based_Fighter_Tops_Japanese_Charts_Other_M_Sales_Decline.php |archive-date=2012-05-11}}</ref>

<ref name="Metroid GameRankings">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/921926-classic-nes-series-metroid/ |title=Classic NES Series: Metroid — GBA |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054158/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/921926-classic-nes-series-metroid/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="metroidnes">{{cite web|access-date=2011-07-03 |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/wii/metroid-other-m/0/0 |title=Iwata Asks: Metroid: Other M – Vol. 1: An NES Game with the Latest Technology |publisher=[[Nintendo|Nintendo of America Inc]] |date=2013-04-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150725233103/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ |archive-date=2015-07-25}}</ref>

<ref name="metroidvania">{{Cite web|last=Nutt|first=Christian|title=The undying allure of the Metroidvania|url=https://www.gamedeveloper.com/design/the-undying-allure-of-the-metroidvania|access-date=2021-01-16|website=www.gamasutra.com|date=13 February 2015|language=en|archive-date=2020-01-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200129040154/https://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/236410/The_undying_allure_of_the_Metroidvania.php|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="metroidrid">{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/08/smash-bros-wish-list-all-nintendo-edition |author1=Phil Pirrello |author2=Richard George |name-list-style=amp |title=Smash Bros. Wish-List: All Nintendo Edition |website=IGN |date=8 February 2008 |access-date=2008-02-26 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024085009/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/02/08/smash-bros-wish-list-all-nintendo-edition |archive-date=2012-10-24}}</ref>

<ref name="captain N">{{cite web|author=Michael Drucker |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/01/captain-n-the-game-master-the-complete-series |title=Captain N The Game Master – The Complete Series |access-date=June 19, 2021 |date=February 1, 2007 |website=IGN |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130618070159/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/02/01/captain-n-the-game-master-the-complete-series |archive-date=2013-06-18}}</ref>

<ref name="super">{{cite web |date=2007-01-01 |url=http://www.n-sider.com/gameview.php?gameid=112&view=dev |title=Super Metroid |publisher=N-Sider |access-date=2008-03-19 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080404152718/http://www.n-sider.com/gameview.php?gameid=112&view=dev |archive-date=2008-04-04}}</ref>

<ref name="xxx">{{cite web |author=Tim Jones |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/15/metroid-2-return-of-samus |title=Metroid 2: Return of Samus |website=IGN |date=1999-06-14 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150711214501/http://www.ign.com/articles/1999/06/15/metroid-2-return-of-samus |archive-date=2015-07-11}}</ref>

<ref name="diesgaudii">{{cite web |first1=George |last1=Caragonne |first2=James |last2=Brock |first3=Bob |last3=Layton |author4=Jade |first5=Kathryn |last5=Bolinger |url=http://diesgaudii.genvid.com/site/metroid/comic/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120708181426/http://diesgaudii.genvid.com/site/metroid/comic/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 8, 2012 |title=Metroid |access-date=2008-02-20 |date=1987-01-01 |publisher=[[Nintendo Power]]}}</ref>

<ref name="GWR2013">{{cite book | title=Guinness World Records 2013: Gamer's Edition | publisher=Guinness World Records Ltd. | year=2012 | page=154 | isbn=9781904994954}}</ref>

<ref name="NP Top 200">{{Cite magazine|date=February 2006| title=NP Top 200|magazine=[[Nintendo Power]]|volume=200|pages=58–66}}</ref>

<ref name=gr-history>{{cite web |access-date=2013-01-03 |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/the-history-of-metroid/ |title=The History of Metroid |publisher=GamesRadar |date=2007-10-23 |author=Robinson, Andy |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150525045327/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-history-of-metroid/ |archive-date=2015-05-25}}</ref>

<ref name="Crave Online-2004">{{cite web|url=http://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=4202 |title=John Woo Bringing Metroid to the Big Screen |access-date=2007-10-18 |date=2004-04-07 |publisher=Crave Online |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071011115815/http://www.comingsoon.net/news.php?id=4202 |archive-date=2007-10-11}}</ref>

<ref name="huntersgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920760-metroid-prime-hunters/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters — DS |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054351/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/920760-metroid-prime-hunters/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="omgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/960554-metroid-other-m/index.html |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid: Other M — WII |access-date=2010-09-01 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831162233/http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/960554-metroid-other-m/index.html |archive-date=2010-08-31}}</ref>

<ref name="awesome">{{cite web|author=M4G Staff|url=http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080315081014/http://www.music4games.net/Features_Display.aspx?id=174|archive-date=2008-03-15|title=Interview with Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Sound Team at Retro Studios and Composer Kenji Yamamoto|publisher=music4games|date=2007-10-05|access-date=2008-03-19}}</ref>

<ref name="non-playable">{{cite web|first=Wesley |last=Yin-Poole |website=[[Eurogamer]] |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-24-samus-not-playable-in-dead-or-alive-3ds |title=Samus Not Playable in Dead or Alive 3DS |date=2011-01-24 |access-date=2012-11-03 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109153806/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2011-01-24-samus-not-playable-in-dead-or-alive-3ds |archive-date=2012-11-09}}</ref>

<ref name="Credits">{{cite video game|title=Metroid Fusion|developer=Nintendo R&D1|publisher=Nintendo|date=November 17, 2002|platform=[[Game Boy Advance]]|scene=Staff credits}}</ref>

<ref name="supergr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588741-super-metroid/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Super Metroid — SNES |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054213/http://www.gamerankings.com/snes/588741-super-metroid/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="ommc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid: Other M |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-other-m/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |access-date=2010-08-31 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100827113603/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/metroid-other-m |archive-date=2010-08-27}}</ref>

<ref name="pinballmc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Prime Pinball |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-pinball/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100831085305/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/metroid-prime-pinball |archive-date=2010-08-31}}</ref>

<ref name="trilogygr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/960329-metroid-prime-trilogy/index.html |title=Reviews of Metroid Prime: Trilogy |work=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=2009-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090828113034/http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/960329-metroid-prime-trilogy/index.html |archive-date=2009-08-28}}</ref>

<ref name="andriasang metroid sales">{{cite web|author=Gantayat, Anoop |date=September 9, 2010 |title=Monster Hunter Beats Metroid and Bleach for Top Sales Spot |url=http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/09/monhan_tops_charts |publisher=Andriasang |access-date=2011-03-23 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911075926/http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2010/09/09/monhan_tops_charts |archive-date=September 11, 2010}}</ref>

<ref name="Metroid Dread sales">{{cite web |last1=Lane |first1=Gavin |title=It's Official, Metroid Dread Is The Best-Selling Game In The Metroid Series |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series |website=[[Nintendo Life]] |access-date=May 10, 2022 |date=May 10, 2022|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220510110044/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2022/05/its-official-metroid-dread-is-the-best-selling-game-in-the-metroid-series|archive-date=May 10, 2022}}</ref>

<ref name="trilogymc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-trilogy/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |work=[[Metacritic]] |title=Reviews of Metroid Prime: Trilogy |access-date=2009-08-22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819083042/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/metroid-prime-trilogy |archive-date=2010-08-19}}</ref>

<ref name="corruptiongr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/928517-metroid-prime-3-corruption/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption — WII |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054358/http://www.gamerankings.com/wii/928517-metroid-prime-3-corruption/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="corruptionmc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Prime 3: Corruption |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-3-corruption/critic-reviews/?platform=wii |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121227084414/http://www.metacritic.com/game/wii/metroid-prime-3-corruption |archive-date=2012-12-27}}</ref>

<ref name="gamestm">{{cite web|date=2010-09-14|title=Yoshio Sakamoto discusses Metroid 64, Metroid Dread and the 3DS|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unwritten-future-of-the-warioware-series/3/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131213115652/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/features/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unwritten-future-of-the-warioware-series/3/|archive-date=2013-12-13|access-date=2011-03-18|work=[[GamesTM]]}}</ref>

<ref name="trailers">{{cite web|url=http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/90j5yi/gt-retrospectives-metroid-retrospective--part-1 |title=The Metroid Retrospective Video Game, Part 1 &#124; Video Clip &#124; Game Trailers & Videos |publisher=GameTrailers.com |date=2007-07-25 |access-date=2011-10-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410190209/http://www.gametrailers.com/full-episodes/90j5yi/gt-retrospectives-metroid-retrospective--part-1 |archive-date=2014-04-10}}</ref>

<ref name="ign-handson">{{cite web|author=Harris, Craig|date=August 22, 2002|title=Metroid Fusion Hands-on|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2002/08/22/metroid-fusion-hands-on|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071117061819/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/368/368710p1.html|archive-date=November 17, 2007|access-date=October 16, 2021|publisher=IGN}}</ref>

<ref name="primed">{{cite web|author=Fran Mirabella III |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/11/metroid-prime |title=Metroid Prime |date=2002-11-11 |website=IGN |access-date=2008-02-27 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121207014156/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/11/11/metroid-prime |archive-date=2012-12-07}}</ref>

<ref name="fusionmc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Fusion |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-fusion/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101123194019/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/metroid-fusion |archive-date=2010-11-23}}</ref>

<!-- <ref>{{Cite web|date=14 September 2010|title=Yoshio Sakamoto discusses Metroid 64, Metroid Dread and the 3DS|url=http://www.gamestm.co.uk/interviews/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unw|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101115161357/http://www.gamestm.co.uk/interviews/yoshio-sakamoto-discusses-metroid-64-metroid-dread-and-the-unwritten-future-of-the-warioware-series|archive-date=15 November 2010|website=[[GamesTM]]}}</ref> -->

<ref name="The History of Metroid, at GameSpot">{{cite web|last=Shoemaker|first=Brad|title=The History of Metroid|url=http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_metroid/p2_01.html|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003050311/http://www.gamespot.com/gamespot/features/video/hist_metroid/p2_01.html|archive-date=October 3, 2013|access-date=April 8, 2014|website=GameSpot|page=Metroid}}</ref>

<ref name="huntersmc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Prime: Hunters |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-hunters/critic-reviews/?platform=ds |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100817191246/http://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/metroid-prime-hunters |archive-date=2010-08-17}}</ref>

<ref name="pinballgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/928291-metroid-prime-pinball/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Prime Pinball — DS |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054336/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/928291-metroid-prime-pinball/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="zeromc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid: Zero Mission |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-zero-mission/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110402214825/http://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/metroid-zero-mission |archive-date=2011-04-02}}</ref>

<ref name="echoesgr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/589573-metroid-prime-2-echoes/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Prime 2: Echoes — GC |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014010557/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/589573-metroid-prime-2-echoes/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="movie">{{cite web|date=2004-04-07 |author=Justin Calvert |title=John Woo options Metroid movie |website=[[GameSpot]] |url=http://www.gamespot.com/news/6093071.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090612010607/http://www.gamespot.com/news/6093071.html |archive-date=2009-06-12}}</ref>

<ref name="shoothip">{{cite web|author=Alexander Brandon |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2947/shooting_from_the_hip_an_.php |title=Shooting from the Hip: an Interview with Hip Tanaka |website=Gamasutra |date=2002-09-25 |access-date=2011-07-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605105634/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/2947/shooting_from_the_hip_an_.php |archive-date=2011-06-05}}</ref>

<ref name="original">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/top-ten-tuesday-best-8-bit-soundtracks |title=Top Ten Tuesday: Best 8-Bit Soundtracks |website=IGN |date=2007-08-08 |access-date=2008-02-19 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121012233104/http://www.ign.com/articles/2007/08/08/top-ten-tuesday-best-8-bit-soundtracks |archive-date=2012-10-12}}</ref>

<ref name="timelines">{{cite web|author=IGN Staff|date=October 18, 2002|title=Metroid Time Line|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/18/metroid-time-line|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121022185501/http://www.ign.com/articles/2002/10/18/metroid-time-line|archive-date=October 22, 2012|access-date=2008-02-26|website=IGN}}</ref>

<ref name="cartoon">{{cite news |last1=McWhertor |first1=Michael |title=The Super Mario Bros. Super Show people once tried to make bizarre Metroid and Castlevania cartoons |url=https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/8/18536769/super-mario-bros-power-hour-metroid-castlevania-cartoons-dic |access-date=June 19, 2021 |website=www.polygon.com |date=May 8, 2019 |language=en |archive-date=June 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624200411/https://www.polygon.com/2019/5/8/18536769/super-mario-bros-power-hour-metroid-castlevania-cartoons-dic |url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Craig Harris-2005">{{cite web|author=Craig Harris|date=October 21, 2005|title=Metroid Prime Pinball|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/21/metroid-prime-pinball|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020183148/http://www.ign.com/articles/2005/10/21/metroid-prime-pinball|archive-date=October 20, 2012|access-date=2008-02-27|website=IGN}}</ref>

<ref name="echoesmc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Prime 2: Echoes |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-2-echoes/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101126094747/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/metroid-prime-2-echoes |archive-date=2010-11-26}}</ref>

<ref name="1up-girl3">{{cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=August 7, 2006|title=One Girl vs. the Galaxy|url=http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3152658|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404101405/http://www.1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3152658|archive-date=April 4, 2015|access-date=February 24, 2009|publisher=1UP.com|page=3}}</ref>

<ref name="metroid2gr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/585799-metroid-ii-return-of-samus/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid II: Return of Samus — GB |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020051144/http://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/585799-metroid-ii-return-of-samus/ |archive-date=2012-10-20}}</ref>

<ref name="zerogr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914982-metroid-zero-mission/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid: Zero Mission — GBA |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054319/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/914982-metroid-zero-mission/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="primegr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/447244-metroid-prime/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Prime — GC |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014005944/http://www.gamerankings.com/gamecube/447244-metroid-prime/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="Gates-2019">{{Cite web|last=Gates|first=Christopher|date=March 8, 2019|title=The Entire ''Metroid'' Timeline Explained|url=https://www.svg.com/147316/the-entire-metroid-timeline-explained/|access-date=January 26, 2020|website=SVG|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124024953/https://www.svg.com/147316/the-entire-metroid-timeline-explained/|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="Parish-2019">{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2019-03-19|title=The complete ranking of the Metroid series|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/19/18196756/the-best-metroid-games-ranked|access-date=2021-01-08|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=2020-11-07|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107235127/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/3/19/18196756/the-best-metroid-games-ranked|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="pro">{{cite magazine|url=http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/71888/the-10-best-video-game-franchises/|date=2006-07-11|author=GamePro Staff|title=Feature: The 10-Best Video-Game Franchises|magazine=[[GamePro]]|access-date=2008-02-26|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100114063237/http://www.gamepro.com/article/features/71888/the-10-best-video-game-franchises/|archive-date=2010-01-14}}</ref>

<ref name="businessinsider_announce">{{cite web|last=Weinberger|first=Matt|date=13 June 2017|title=After 26 years, Nintendo is bringing back a forgotten classic 'Metroid' game for a gorgeous remake|url=https://www.businessinsider.com/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-2017-6|url-status=live|archive-url=https://archive.today/20170808170501/http://uk.businessinsider.com/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-2017-6|archive-date=8 August 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[Business Insider]]|publisher=[[Axel Springer SE]]}}</ref>

<ref name="polygon_announce">{{cite web|last=Frank|first=Allegra|date=13 June 2017|title=Metroid: Samus Returns comes to Nintendo 3DS this year (update)|url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/13/15793854/metroid-samus-returns-release-date-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613194514/https://www.polygon.com/2017/6/13/15793854/metroid-samus-returns-release-date-nintendo-3ds-e3-2017|archive-date=13 June 2017|access-date=13 June 2017|work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref>

<ref name="history">{{cite web|author=Rus McLaughlin |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid |title=IGN Presents The History of Metroid |website=IGN |date=2007-08-24 |access-date=2008-02-17 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160322232835/http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/08/15/ign-presents-the-history-of-metroid |archive-date=2016-03-22}}</ref>

<ref name="NintendoLand">{{cite web|url=http://www.shacknews.com/article/75739/nintendo-debuts-metroid-blast-in-nintendo-land |title=Nintendo debuts 'Metroid Blast' in Nintendo Land |publisher=[[Shacknews]] |first=Steve |last=Watts |date=2012-09-13 |access-date=2012-09-21 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120916223453/http://www.shacknews.com/article/75739/nintendo-debuts-metroid-blast-in-nintendo-land |archive-date=2012-09-16}}</ref>

<ref name="mompreview">{{cite web|title=Metroid Other M Preview for the Wii|date=2009-06-03|url=http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3174587&p=44|access-date=2009-06-03|archive-date=2011-11-19|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111119010758/http://www.1up.com/do/previewPage?pager.offset=0&cId=3174587&p=44|url-status=dead}}</ref>

<ref name="fusiongr">{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/516709-metroid-fusion/ |publisher=[[GameRankings]] |title=Metroid Fusion&nbsp;— GBA |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014054220/http://www.gamerankings.com/gba/516709-metroid-fusion/ |archive-date=2012-10-14}}</ref>

<ref name="primemc">{{cite web|website=[[Metacritic]] |title=Metroid Prime |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime/critic-reviews/?platform=gamecube |access-date=2008-02-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101121132248/http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/metroid-prime |archive-date=2010-11-21}}</ref>

<ref name="yosuke hayashi">{{cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2011/05/12/dead-or-alive-dimensions-interview-with-team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi |title=Dead or Alive Dimensions Interview with Team Ninja's Yosuke Hayashi |first=Audrey |last=Drake |website=IGN |date=2011-05-12 |access-date=2021-10-16 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160102062818/http://ie.ign.com/articles/2011/05/12/dead-or-alive-dimensions-interview-with-team-ninjas-yosuke-hayashi |archive-date=2016-01-02}}</ref>

<ref name="Spot">{{cite web|last=Gerstmann|first=Jeff|date=February 18, 1999|title=Super Smash Bros. Review|url=http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/supersmashbros/review.html|access-date=April 26, 2008|website=[[GameSpot]]|publisher=|archive-date=July 25, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080725200955/http://www.gamespot.com/n64/action/supersmashbros/review.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

<ref name="verge_preview">{{cite web|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=14 June 2017|title=Samus Returns is a confident throwback to Metroid's roots|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/14/15797610/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-preview-interview-e3-2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170614150423/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/14/15797610/metroid-samus-returns-nintendo-3ds-preview-interview-e3-2017|archive-date=14 June 2017|access-date=14 June 2017|work=[[The Verge]]|publisher=[[Vox Media]]}}</ref>

<ref name="IGNMetroid">{{cite web|last=Schneider|first=Peer|date=2012-12-28|title=Whatever Happened to the Metroid Movie? Former producer talks about the ill-fated John Woo/Nintendo co-production|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/12/28/whatever-happened-to-the-metroid-movie|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121231131210/http://www.ign.com/articles/2012/12/28/whatever-happened-to-the-metroid-movie|archive-date=2012-12-31|access-date=2012-12-31|work=[[IGN]]|publisher=[[News Corporation]]}}</ref>

<ref name="ffmc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-federation-force/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Metroid Prime: Federation Force |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2016-07-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200222082315/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/metroid-prime-federation-force |archive-date=2020-02-22}}</ref>

<ref name="ffgr">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/168673-metroid-prime-federation-force/index.html |title=Metroid Prime: Federation Force — 3DS |website=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=2016-07-18 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209011336/http://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/168673-metroid-prime-federation-force/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09}}</ref>

<ref name="srmc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-samus-returns/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds |title=Metroid: Samus Returns |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2017-09-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171021050436/http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/metroid-samus-returns |archive-date=2017-10-21}}</ref>

<ref name="srgr">{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/211393-metroid-samus-returns/index.html |title=Metroid: Samus Returns — 3DS |website=[[GameRankings]] |access-date=2017-09-12 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209015734/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/211393-metroid-samus-returns/index.html |archive-date=2019-12-09}}</ref>

<ref name="dreadmc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-dread/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Metroid Dread |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2021-12-08 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208112520/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/metroid-dread |archive-date=2021-12-08}}</ref>

<ref name="mprmc">{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/metroid-prime-remastered/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Metroid Prime Remastered |website=[[Metacritic]] |access-date=2023-02-11 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211208112520/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/metroid-dread |archive-date=2021-12-08}}</ref>
}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}
* {{Official website|http://www.metroid.com/}}

{{Metroid series}}
{{Main franchises by Nintendo}}
{{Portal bar|Video games|Japan}}

[[Category:Metroid| ]]
[[Category:Metroidvania games]]
[[Category:Nintendo franchises]]
[[Category:Science fiction video games]]
[[Category:Space opera]]
[[Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1986]]
[[Category:Video games adapted into comics]]
[[Category:Video games featuring female protagonists]]