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Metroid Ravenous and Kirby and the World Beyond Lead Nintendo’s Early 2027 Switch 2 Plans
Nintendo’s September 9, 2026 Direct added two major Switch 2 exclusives for early 2027: Metroid Ravenous launches January 28, while Kirby and the World Beyond follows in spring. Metroid Ravenous is a new 2D Samus action adventure, while Kirby and the World Beyond promises expansive, freely explorable 3D environments...
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Key takeaways
- Nintendo’s September 9, 2026 Direct added two major Switch 2 exclusives for early 2027: Metroid Ravenous launches January 28, while Kirby and the World Beyond follows in spring.
- Metroid Ravenous is a new 2D Samus action adventure, while Kirby and the World Beyond promises expansive, freely explorable 3D environments built around Kirby’s Copy Abilities.
- The two announcements give Nintendo dated, new first party Switch 2 releases in the first half of 2027, though Kirby still has only a seasonal release window.
Studio GlobalMetroid Ravenous and Kirby and the World Beyond Lead Nintendo’s Early 2027 Switch 2 PlansNintendo’s September 9, 2026 Direct added two major Switch 2 exclusives for early 2027: Metroid Ravenous launches January 28, while Kirby and the World Beyond follows in spring.
Nintendo used its September 9, 2026 Direct to reveal two new first-party games headed exclusively to Nintendo Switch 2: Metroid Ravenous, due January 28, 2027, and Kirby and the World Beyond, planned for spring 2027. 5
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Despite descriptions of “back-to-back” presentations, Nintendo’s official U.S. announcement describes a single September 9 Direct. 6
Metroid Ravenous arrives January 28, 2027
Metroid Ravenous is an intense new 2D action adventure starring Samus Aran and is exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2. Nintendo has confirmed its January 28, 2027 release date. 5
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The reveal points to a more aggressive survival premise than the opening hours of Metroid Dread: reporting on the presentation describes Samus stranded after an attack and absorbing energy from creatures to survive, with that mechanic feeding into new combat abilities. 2 Nintendo’s “eat or be eaten” framing suggests Samus is often the hunter rather than the vulnerable target, but any direct comparison with Dread’s tone is interpretation—not a stated Nintendo design goal.
Editions and pricing
Nintendo’s store confirms that the Metroid Ravenous: Special Edition includes:
- A physical copy of the game
- A SteelBook case
- A Samus (Metroid Suit) — Metroid Ravenous Series amiibo
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Pricing reported from the game’s listings puts the digital edition at $59.99, the standard physical edition at $69.99, and the Special Edition at $119.99. 19
31 Buyers should check Nintendo’s regional store before ordering, since availability and pricing can vary by market.
Two additional amiibo—Samus and a Chozo Statue—were also reported to launch separately alongside the game. 31
Is MercurySteam making Metroid Ravenous?
Nintendo’s supplied announcement materials identify Metroid Ravenous as a new 2D adventure but do not name a development studio. 5
6 Its side-scrolling format and apparent mechanical continuity with Metroid Dread have prompted speculation about a MercurySteam return, but that has not been established by Nintendo. Until the company formally credits a developer, it is best treated as unconfirmed.
That distinction matters because MercurySteam’s past work on Metroid Dread came with documented crediting controversy. Former staff said they had been omitted from the game’s credits, while the studio said its policy generally required staff to have worked on at least 25% of a project’s development time, with exceptions for exceptional contributions. 47 Later reporting included allegations from current and former employees of mandated crunch, intimidation and retaliation; those are allegations, not legal findings.
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Kirby and the World Beyond brings freer 3D exploration
Nintendo also announced Kirby and the World Beyond, a new 3D adventure coming exclusively to Switch 2 in spring 2027. Nintendo says players will be able to freely explore expansive environments and use Kirby’s Copy Abilities creatively. 57
The trailer and Nintendo’s description indicate a broader exploration-led approach than a conventional sequence of linear stages. That makes it a notable follow-up to Kirby and the Forgotten Land, though Nintendo has not yet confirmed a precise release date. 5
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The release year also coincides with Kirby’s 35th anniversary. 57
What these reveals mean for Switch 2 in 2027
The announcements give Nintendo two clearly identified, all-new Switch 2 first-party releases for the opening half of 2027:
| Game | Platform | Release timing | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| Metroid Ravenous | Nintendo Switch 2 | January 28, 2027 | 2D action adventure |
| Kirby and the World Beyond | Nintendo Switch 2 | Spring 2027 | Freely explorable 3D adventure |
That is meaningful calendar clarity, especially because Metroid Ravenous has a firm date. But the broader 2027 slate remains less defined: Nintendo has shown additional Switch 2 material, while the two headline new games have the clearest announced windows from this presentation. 4
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For now, the practical takeaway is simple: Switch 2 owners have a new 2D Samus adventure locked in for January and an ambitious new 3D Kirby game to follow in spring. The games offer very different takes on Nintendo’s established franchises, but together they give early 2027 a stronger first-party foundation. 5
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What is the short answer to "Metroid Ravenous and Kirby and the World Beyond Lead Nintendo’s Early 2027 Switch 2 Plans"?
Nintendo’s September 9, 2026 Direct added two major Switch 2 exclusives for early 2027: Metroid Ravenous launches January 28, while Kirby and the World Beyond follows in spring.
What are the key points to validate first?
Nintendo’s September 9, 2026 Direct added two major Switch 2 exclusives for early 2027: Metroid Ravenous launches January 28, while Kirby and the World Beyond follows in spring. Metroid Ravenous is a new 2D Samus action adventure, while Kirby and the World Beyond promises expansive, freely explorable 3D environments built around Kirby’s Copy Abilities.
What should I do next in practice?
The two announcements give Nintendo dated, new first party Switch 2 releases in the first half of 2027, though Kirby still has only a seasonal release window.