In a revealing twist following the Nintendo Direct event on 9th September 2026, MercurySteam has confirmed its involvement in the development of the upcoming game Metroid Ravenous. This announcement comes after speculation spurred by the absence of MercurySteam’s name during the game’s initial showcase.
Despite the visual correlation between Metroid Dread and Metroid Ravenous, MercurySteam’s participation wasn’t officially mentioned in the event, leading many to question the game’s development origins. Neither Nintendo nor MercurySteam commented on the situation immediately following inquiries. This reticence is not uncommon for Nintendo, which typically withholds information about developers until a title is nearing its release.
Studio Silence Broken
MercurySteam, known for its work on Metroid Dread, put an end to the uncertainty by sharing the Metroid Ravenous trailer on social media alongside cryptic ninja and heart emojis, suggesting their covert involvement. The trailer was also highlighted on the company’s LinkedIn shortly thereafter.
A New Chapter for Metroid
Metroid Ravenous builds on the foundation of Metroid Dread, maintaining the signature side-scrolling Metroid gameplay with innovative perspective shifts. Although, unlike its predecessor, Ravenous presents a more vibrant and lighter atmosphere while preserving the dynamic gameplay that made it a centerpiece of the Nintendo showcase.
MercurySteam’s Recent Journey
MercurySteam, which gained acclaim for Metroid Dread in 2021 as it earned a prestigious Essential badge from Eurogamer, faced challenges following their original game, Blades of Fire. While garnering favourable reviews, it unfortunately failed to meet sales expectations, leading to structural changes within the company earlier this year.
Fans of the series can look forward to experiencing Metroid Ravenous on the Switch 2, with a release date set for 28th January 2027.
Reporting based on coverage first published by eurogamer.net.