The best Metroid games are some of the most iconic in gaming history. There’s a reason why the franchise helped launch its own genre (Metroidvania) after all.
These games are about the quintessential Metroid experience of exploration, upgrading your character and abilities, and discovering locations formerly locked away or unreachable. The very best of the Metroid series helps define the iconic genre while offering a unique experience, resulting in an iconic hook to the game. Whether it’s the modern first-person experiences of today or the throwback sidescrollers from the past, these are the best Metroid games you can play today.
Metroid
The original NES Metroid is a perfect encapsulation of the NES era.
It’s an open-ended experience that combines action adventure with platforming but is ultimately hampered by the limitations of the NES hardware.
Having said that, it’s still far superior to some of the more recent spin-offs.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus
The follow-up to the original Metroid looks to expand upon the original’s formula but is again hampered by the Game Boy hardware.
Having said that, the game improved elsewhere: gameplay, level design, and story. Thankfully, it will get a much-needed remake, which we’ll discuss later.
Metroid Prime 4: Beyond
On a list of the best Metroid games, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sadly ranks at the bottom.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad game. Compared to the rest of 2025’s games, Metroid Prime 4 is one of the better ones. Compared to the rest of the Metroid frachise, however, it falls short.
Metroid Prime 3: Corruption
It is the only Metroid game to be released on Nintendo Wii worthy of being among the best Metroid games.
Corruption concludes the Metroid Prime trilogy with a satisfying conclusion. It improves on the storytelling elements of the series. Unfortunately, like its predecessor, it doesn’t reach the heights of the original. That’s not to say the game is bad; this is more of a testament to the franchise’s strength.
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Metroid Prime 2: Echoes
Metroid Prime 2 tries to expand on the original Metroid Prime.
While it’s a far more action-packed experience, it fails to match the beauty and majesty of its predecessor.
Again, that’s not to say Metroid Prime 2 is bad; the rest of these games are just that good.
Metroid: Samus Returns
Developed by MercurySteam, Samus Returns follows through on the original vision of Metroid 2.
Updated graphics, controls, and enhanced visuals give the game the flowers it deserves. Keeping the original game’s story and gameplay structure intact is a testament to how strong Metroid 2 was all those years ago; it just needed to be made on a more powerful piece of hardware.
Metroid: Zero Mission
Another remake, Metroid: Zero Mission brings the original Metroid story to life.
This time, however, Nintendo goes beyond giving the game a fresh coat of paint. The game adds a host of new content, including a retooled story, new bosses, and additional gameplay content.
If you’re looking for the perfect example of what a remake can achieve, look no further.
Metroid Fusion
Before Metroid Prime graced the Nintendo GameCube, Metroid Fusion marked the triumphant return of the iconic franchise.
Also known as Metroid 4 and a sequel to Super Metroid, Fusion offers the same gameplay we know and love, with excellent storytelling and an iconic, original antagonist.
Metroid Fusion proves that the best Metroid games can still stick with the original formula. Speaking of that…
Metroid Dread
Also known as Metroid 5, Metroid Dread is the triumphant return of the side-scrolling Metroidvania experience.
MercurySteam proves they can deliver a new, unique Metroid experience rather than relying on remaking classic titles from the franchise’s past.
Super Metroid
Never mind one of the best Metroid games, Super Metroid is one of the greatest games of all time.
Bringing the franchise to the Super Nintendo system proves how much the older NES or Game Boy hardware was holding the games back.
Super Metroid lays the foundation for the Metroidvania genre with superior design across the board. Yes, it still holds up today, but if you ask me, one game in the Metroid series eclipsed it.
Metroid Prime
By transforming the Metroid formula from a side-scrolling game to a first-person shooter/adventure, Metroid Prime feels like a modern gaming experience that still stays true to its roots.
It’s not quite a full-blown FPS; instead, it balances exploration, interactive storytelling, and combat. This balance works exceptionally well, thanks partly to brilliant controls and excellent level design.
The true gold standard for Metroid Prime is its presentation. Whether we’re talking about the original GameCube release or the Nintendo Switch remaster, the game is an audio and visual masterpiece.
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