Metroid Ravenous special edition is sold out, but Nintendo hints at a possible restock

The update comes as Metroid Ravenous continues to draw attention following its reveal in a recent Nintendo Direct. It is a new 2D Metroid game, which immediately stood out as one of the event’s biggest announcements for many players. The game had also leaked ahead of the presentation, but the official confirmation still generated plenty of excitement.

What happened

Metroid Ravenous is being positioned as a new step for the long-running Metroid formula. Based on the information available so far, the game builds on the classic Metroidvania structure that made the series famous, while also adding new gameplay mechanics. One of the most notable additions is that Samus can “devour” enemies in this game.

That mix of familiar structure and new mechanics feels very much in line with how earlier entries have evolved the series over time. In coverage of the game, Ravenous is even described as an evolution of Metroid Dread, the recent 2D entry that showed Nintendo still sees room for tight side-scrolling action within the franchise.

The game is exclusive to Switch 2. That means Nintendo is continuing to support its new hardware with a major first-party release, while Metroid Ravenous also clearly leans back into the series’ 2D roots. For fans, that combination of familiarity and fresh ideas is often a major selling point.

Players who are not interested in the Special Edition can still choose from the regular versions of Metroid Ravenous. That follows Nintendo’s new pricing approach, where the digital version is cheaper than the physical version.

The digital edition costs $59.99, while the physical edition is priced at $69.99. That gap fits into the broader debate around modern game pricing on new hardware. The physical release sits at the $70 tier seen in many other major launches, while the digital version comes in $10 lower.

That pricing structure may matter to players if Metroid Ravenous ends up being similar in length to earlier 2D entries in the series. No exact playtime has been announced, but previous Metroid games are often relatively compact. For some players, that could make the higher physical price harder to justify, while others will likely see the series’ usual quality as the deciding factor.

The official update is still fairly limited, but clear enough. Nintendo has confirmed that the Special Edition is sold out and has asked fans to check again in case the bundle returns. That means a restock is possible, but not guaranteed.

Also confirmed is that Metroid Ravenous will launch on January 28, 2027 and that the game is aiming for a classic 2D Metroid experience with new additions. At the time of writing, the release is still less than five months away, which suggests the marketing push is likely in a relatively late but active phase.

Nintendo has also not shared any extra details about a separate amiibo release or the contents of the unlockable bonus items. That remains an important open question for collectors, especially since the amiibo currently appears to be tied to the Special Edition.

For fans who want the full bundle, the sold-out status of the Special Edition is mainly a matter of waiting for a possible stock update. Nintendo’s advice to check back later suggests the company does not see the situation as final.

For players who mainly want to play the game, the standard editions are the most direct option right now. The digital version is cheaper, while the physical version offers the traditional boxed release without the Special Edition extras. Which choice makes the most sense depends on whether you value collectability, physical media, or price.

Metroid Ravenous seems to be doing exactly what a new Metroid game should do: get people talking with a mix of nostalgia, new ideas, and scarcity around special editions. The next few months should make it clearer whether Nintendo will make the Special Edition available again before the game arrives in January 2027.

Timeline

• 2025: Metroid Ravenous appears in rumors and early leaks before its official reveal.

• 2026, during Nintendo Direct: Nintendo officially confirms a new 2D Metroid game for Switch 2 and shows the first trailer for Metroid Ravenous.

• 2026, after the reveal: The Special Edition goes up for pre-order and sells out shortly afterward.

• January 28, 2027: Metroid Ravenous is scheduled to launch on Switch 2.

Background

The Special Edition of Metroid Ravenous sold out shortly after the announcement. Nintendo has since said fans should check again later, which suggests a restock is possible. No firm confirmation has been given yet on whether or when that stock might return.

The Special Edition costs $119.99 and includes several extras on top of the standard game. According to the product listing, it comes with a physical copy of the game, a steelbook case, and a Samus (Metroid Suit) amiibo figure. That makes the bundle especially appealing to collectors and to players who want physical bonus items alongside the game itself.

One important detail is that it has not yet been clarified whether the amiibo figure will also be sold separately. For now, the Special Edition appears to be the only confirmed way to get it. The amiibo is also said to unlock in-game extras, but Nintendo has not revealed what those bonuses actually are.

The reference to Metroid Dread matters because it is the most recent benchmark for a modern 2D Metroid experience for many players. Ravenous is being described as a spiritual continuation rather than a direct story sequel, but one that carries forward the same tradition of refined action, exploration, and progression.

The series has always balanced returning mechanics with new twists. In Metroid Ravenous, the focus is on introducing a striking new system built around Samus’ ability to devour enemies, while the core gameplay remains firmly rooted in the Metroidvania model. That usually means players unlock new routes, collect abilities, and revisit earlier areas with fresh options.

For Nintendo, this is also a strategically important release. The Metroid series has a loyal fanbase, but it appears less often than some of Nintendo’s other major franchises. A new 2D title on Switch 2 can therefore serve both as a content-rich release for early adopters and as a sign that the franchise still has a place in Nintendo’s broader lineup.