Metroid™ Dread for the Nintendo Switch™ home gaming system

Artwork of E.M.M.I. robot in pursuit mode.

Story

A cryptic transmission

Video footage from an unknown source indicates that the deadly X parasite—thought to have been eradicated—may still live.

The Galactic Federation dispatches a special unit consisting of seven E.M.M.I. robots to the remote planet ZDR, believed to be the source of the transmission. Soon after arriving on ZDR, the whole unit vanishes.

As the only one immune to the X parasite, intergalactic bounty hunter Samus Aran is sent in to find out what happened.

Shortly after landing, a mysterious foe traps Samus deep below the surface of this dangerous world.

Now, Samus must hunt or be hunted as she makes her way through a labyrinth of enemies to reach the surface.

Character intel

Read up on some key figures of this mysterious saga.

1/6
Samus Aran
A super-skilled bounty hunter who has single-handedly confronted and defeated multiple galactic threats. Samus was raised by the Chozo on planet Zebes after tragically losing her parents at the hands of the Space Pirates. She is said to be the strongest warrior in the galaxy.
2/6
E.M.M.I.
The Extraplanetary Multiform Mobile Identifiers (E.M.M.I.) are large, highly agile research robots equipped with the ability to extract DNA. Originally dispatched by the Galactic Federation for research purposes to planet ZDR, these extremely deadly robots are now in relentless pursuit of Samus.
3/6
The Chozo
Known to be an intelligent species capable of developing amazing technologies, such as those used by Samus. Once a powerful force intent on achieving galactic harmony, the few remaining Chozo mostly try to avoid attention. Relics of their civilization are found throughout the galaxy.
4/6
X parasite
A terrifyingly lethal parasite that could take over organic creatures, mimicking them afterward based on their genetic information.
5/6
Metroid
This enigmatic, floating lifeform was artificially created by the Chozo to destroy the dangerous X parasite found on planet SR388. Now extinct, the Metroid could attach onto other organisms and absorb their energy.
6/6
ADAM
The computer onboard Samus’ ship. While Samus ultimately calls the shots, ADAM may have helpful info to share.

Mission history

Catch up on the saga so far of Samus and the enigmatic Metroid.

Metroid

1987

Nintendo Entertainment System™

Gameplay clip showing Samus in the original Metroid game

The Galactic Federation discovers an unknown lifeform on planet SR388. Researchers name it “Metroid.”

While traveling back to Earth with the specimen, the Federation’s ship suffers an attack from Space Pirates. They steal the Metroid and take it to planet Zebes—the Space Pirate home world—with plans to weaponize the creature.

After an unsuccessful assault against the Space Pirates, the Federation turns to Samus to penetrate the planet and stop them. Her mission is a success, resulting in the defeat of Kraid, Ridley, Mother Brain, and the destruction of their base.

Metroid II: Return of Samus

1991

Game Boy™

Samus battles a Queen Metroid in Metroid II: Return of Samus

Samus is sent by the Galactic Federation to eradicate the dangerous Metroids found on planet SR388. She successfully accomplishes her mission and, unexpectedly, returns with a Metroid hatchling in tow. As Samus is the first creature the hatchling sees, the Metroid imprints onto her, believing her to be its mother.

Super Metroid

1994

Super Nintendo Entertainment System™

Gameplay clip showing Samus exploring in the Super Metroid game

Samus gives the hatchling to Federation scientists, who believe they can harness the Metroid’s powers for the betterment of the galaxy.

Space Pirates attack the Federation research station where the young Metroid is held, steal the hatchling, and kill everyone.

Samus tracks them back to planet Zebes, where Space Pirate forces resume their plans to weaponize the Metroid.

When Samus faces certain defeat at the hands of the monstrous Mother Brain, the young Metroid bravely sacrifices itself to save her. Samus then destroys Mother Brain, the Space Pirates, and planet Zebes for good.

Metroid Fusion

2002

Game Boy Advance™

Gameplay clip showing Samus exploring in the Metroid Fusion game

While assisting a field research team on planet SR388, Samus is brought into contact with an unknown parasitic lifeform—later named “X”—which causes her to lose consciousness. Infected parts of her suit are cut away, and a vaccine using a cell culture from the Metroid hatchling is quickly prepared and administered. The infection ceases instantly.

After waking, Samus learns an explosion has rocked the Biologic Space Laboratories station—where the infected suit parts are being held. The X are loose, one of which is a mimic of Samus at her full power.

Now immune to the X parasite, Samus battles through the B.S.L. station and discovers a Federation-run Metroid breeding program. In the end, Samus crashes the B.S.L. station onto the surface of SR388, eradicating the X and Metroid alike.

Now, get ready for the next mission!