A new entry in the Metroid series, tentatively titled Metroid Ravenous, may have been inadvertently revealed through a rating submitted to Brazil's Ministry of Justice and Public Security. The leak, first noted on the Famiboards forum, suggests that a Metroid title is on the horizon, though its inclusion in the ratings system has also hinted at a potential 2026 release window.
The rating details, reportedly based on approximately 41 minutes of gameplay, indicate a 12+ age recommendation due to depictions of violence, including weapons, blood, and death, alongside mild sexual content. Given Nintendo's recent release of the 3D Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in 2025 and the typical development cycles for the series, speculation points towards Metroid Ravenous being a 2D installment, potentially a direct follow-up to the horror-themed Metroid Dread, which launched nearly five years ago. The subtitle "Ravenous" could allude to the parasitic Metroids, a new threat, or even a thematic connection to protagonist Samus Aran herself following the events of Dread.
This potential leak emerges amidst ongoing discussions about Nintendo's commitment to the Metroid franchise, which experienced an 11-year gap between Metroid: Other M and Metroid Dread. It also follows reports of workplace controversies at MercurySteam, the studio that developed Dread, including allegations of demanding work hours and dismissals of employees taking scheduled leave. The studio recently implemented layoffs after its title Blades of Fire underperformed.
Further fueling Metroid speculation are long-standing rumors of a Super Metroid remake in development. This comes as Nintendo has already announced a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for release this year. If Metroid Ravenous is indeed slated for 2026, it would add another significant title to Nintendo's future release schedule, which is already facing a densely packed calendar due to major releases like Grand Theft Auto 6 in late 2024. Nintendo has not yet commented on Metroid Ravenous, and the company has been contacted for a statement.