GameTimeline

Release & story order

Metroid timeline

Metroid from the 1987 NES original through Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (2025)—US release dates, Nintendo's Samus chronology (Prime saga vs 2D chapters), and FAQ for remakes, Federation Force, and where to start.

Updated August 2026

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Release order Story order

Release order

When Nintendo shipped each main chapter—NES (1987) through Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (December 2025). Pinball, Metroid Prime Pinball, and mobile spin-offs are optional, not numbered entries here.

  • Newcomers → Metroid Dread (2021) or Metroid Prime Remastered (2023) depending on 2D vs first-person taste
  • Classic 2D path → Release order from NES through Super Metroid, then Dread after Fusion on Story order
  • Prime path → Prime Remastered → Prime 2 → Prime 3 → Prime 4: Beyond—Hunters is optional handheld
  • Skip Federation Force unless you want every disc—it is a spin-off, not mainline Samus
  • Prime-only path → see Metroid Prime timeline for first-person saga order
Story order tips

One Samus continuity on this page: Metroid / Zero Mission → Metroid Prime → Hunters → Prime 2 → Prime 3 → Metroid II / Samus Returns → Super Metroid → Other M → Metroid Prime 4: Beyond → Metroid Fusion → Metroid Dread. Nintendo says Prime 4 sits in another dimension but still after Super Metroid and before Fusion.

  • Strict lore: Zero Mission (or NES Metroid) → Prime trilogy block → Samus Returns → Super Metroid → Other M → Prime 4 → Fusion → Dread
  • Prime 4: Beyond is playable standalone—Nintendo targets newcomers—but Story order places it after Other M
  • Samus Returns replaces Metroid II on Story order; keep both on Release order as original vs remake entries
  • Metroid Prime Remastered is not a new story chapter—buy it instead of GameCube Prime for gameplay

Timeline

When each game was released. Click a game for platforms, dates, and where it fits in your playthrough.

Release order

  1. Metroid

    Metroid

    NESAction-adventureMainline2D

    NES Zebes debut plants Maru Mari, Metroids, and the Samus identity reveal that remakes still honor.

    Overview
    Non-linear sci-fi exploration on NES—password saves and the surprise Samus reveal. Non-linear sci-fi exploration with passwords—proto-Metroidvania on 8-bit hardware.
    In-game setting
    First chapter of Samus lore; remade as Metroid: Zero Mission (2004). Cosmic Year 20X5 opener; remade as Zero Mission (2004).
    Should you play it?
    Retro historians start here; newcomers usually pick Zero Mission or Dread instead. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US NES launch August 15, 1987.
  2. Metroid II: Return of Samus

    Metroid II: Return of Samus

    Game BoyAction-adventureMainline2D

    Metroid II: Return of Samus — SR388 extermination mission—multiple Metroid evolutions. SR388 extermination across Metroid life stages—darker handheld tone than NES Zebes.

    Overview
    Handheld sequel with amber-scale Game Boy art and a darker tone.
    In-game setting
    Sets up Super Metroid's opening—remade as Metroid: Samus Returns (2017).
    Should you play it?
    Play Samus Returns on Story order unless you want the original GB cartridge. Prefer remakes (Zero Mission, Samus Returns, Prime Remastered) when the original hardware hurts. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Game Boy launch November 1, 1991.
  3. Super Metroid

    Super Metroid

    SNESAction-adventureMainline2D

    Super Metroid — Peak 16-bit exploration—Ceres, Zebes return, and the baby Metroid.

    Overview
    Definitive 2D Metroid template—sequence breaking, atmosphere, and speedrun culture. Atmosphere, wall-jump tech, and sequence-break culture still teach designers today. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Direct sequel to Metroid II; critical bridge before Other M and Prime 4 in lore.
    Should you play it?
    Essential 2D chapter—Story order after Samus Returns / Metroid II. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US SNES launch April 18, 1994. Also on Switch Online—easiest legal replay.
  4. Metroid Fusion

    Metroid Fusion

    GBAAction-adventureMainline2D

    Metroid Fusion — X Parasite outbreak on BSL with SA-X pursuit—story-forward GBA tension.

    Overview
    More linear, story-forward GBA entry—introduces Adam Malkovich and the Fusion suit. More directed pathing and Adam’s guidance redefine post-Super 2D structure.
    In-game setting
    Story sequel to Super Metroid era events; leads into Metroid Dread years later.
    Should you play it?
    Story order after Prime 4: Beyond per Nintendo's 2025 placement comments. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US GBA launch November 17, 2002—same US day as Metroid Prime.
  5. Metroid Prime

    Metroid Prime

    GameCubeAction-adventureMainlinePrime

    Metroid Prime is Retro’s Tallon IV first-person reboot—Phazon scans and Chozo ruins invent Prime language.

    Overview
    Retro Studios reimagined 2D exploration in 3D—scan visor and isolation on GameCube. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Story set after Zero Mission; starts the Prime sub-saga before Hunters and Prime 2.
    Should you play it?
    Start via Metroid Prime Remastered on Switch. Trilogy detail: Metroid Prime. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch November 17, 2002. Remastered on Switch (2023).
  6. Metroid: Zero Mission

    Metroid: Zero Mission

    GBAAction-adventureRemake2D

    Metroid: Zero Mission — GBA remake of Metroid—expanded Zebes and stealth suit epilogue.

    Overview
    Modernizes the 1987 map with new areas and post-credits Chozo lore hooks.
    In-game setting
    Same story as NES Metroid—preferred start for 2D lore order. Same 20X5 Zebes crisis with clearer Chozo hooks into Prime-era lore.
    Should you play it?
    Buy on Wii U Virtual Console or hunt GBA cart—Story order replaces NES entry. Preferred 2D Story start—replaces NES entry for most players. Prefer remakes (Zero Mission, Samus Returns, Prime Remastered) when the original hardware hurts.
    Release date
    US GBA launch February 9, 2004.
  7. Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

    Metroid Prime 2: Echoes

    GameCubeAction-adventureMainlinePrime

    Metroid Prime 2: Echoes — Aether’s light/dark worlds and Dark Samus emergence escalate Phazon stakes.

    Overview
    Dual-world puzzles and beam ammo management on GameCube. Later entries still echo the systems or tone introduced here.
    In-game setting
    Direct Prime sequel—Story order after Hunters. Story after Hunters—see Metroid Prime for trilogy notes.
    Should you play it?
    Play after Prime Remastered; no standalone Switch port as of June 2026. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US GameCube launch November 15, 2004.
  8. Metroid Prime Hunters

    Metroid Prime Hunters

    Nintendo DSAction-adventureMainlinePrime

    Metroid Prime Hunters — DS bounty-hunter race—Sylux and the Alimbic cluster.

    Overview
    Stylus-aim multiplayer focus with a short single-player campaign. Later entries still echo the systems or tone introduced here. Series craft here still shapes how fans describe later entries.
    In-game setting
    Fits between Prime and Prime 2 in chronology—introduces rival hunter Sylux.
    Should you play it?
    Optional but lore-relevant before Prime 4; campaign is brief. Remasters and current storefront editions usually beat original hardware alone. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Nintendo DS launch March 20, 2006.
  9. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

    Metroid Prime 3: Corruption

    WiiAction-adventureMainlinePrime

    Metroid Prime 3: Corruption — Wii pointer controls—Phazon corruption across three planets. Wii Corruption spreads Phazon across Norion, Bryyo, Elysia, and Phaaze—trilogy finale.

    Overview
    First Prime on Wii with hub-ship travel and motion aiming. Motion-controlled ships and hypermode risk redefine Prime combat spectacle.
    In-game setting
    Ends the original Prime trilogy arc until Prime 4 eighteen years later. Closes Prime Phazon arc before Other M’s Bottle Ship detour.
    Should you play it?
    Finish Prime 1–3 block before jumping to 2D Super Metroid on Story order. After Echoes. Trilogy context on Metroid Prime.
    Release date
    US Wii launch August 27, 2007. Included in Metroid Prime Trilogy (Wii).
  10. Metroid: Other M

    Metroid: Other M

    WiiAction-adventureMainline3D

    Metroid: Other M — Bottle Ship third-person experiment with Adam authorization gates—divisive characterization.

    Overview
    Team Ninja co-developed cinematic action—more linear than Prime or Dread.
    In-game setting
    Story bridge after Super Metroid; controversial tone but canon placement holds. Post-Super Federation intrigue; not required to enjoy Dread’s gameplay peak.
    Should you play it?
    Story order before Prime 4 and Fusion— divisive but short. Story between Super Metroid and Prime 4/Fusion depending on guide; judge tone yourself. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Wii launch August 31, 2010.
  11. Metroid Prime: Federation Force
    Optional

    Metroid Prime: Federation Force

    Nintendo 3DSSpin-offOptionalPrime

    Metroid Prime: Federation Force — Co-op FPS spin-off—Galactic Federation marines, not solo Samus. Optional 3DS co-op Federation troopers—skip on Samus-only lore runs.

    Overview
    Multiplayer-focused side game in the Prime branding.
    In-game setting
    Optional chronology between Prime 3 and Samus Returns—Sylux plot threads for Prime 4. Not on main Story Samus chronology for most guides.
    Should you play it?
    Skip for mainline Story order—listed on Release for historians. Marked optional. Prime fans chasing 100% still treat it as side content. Prefer remakes (Zero Mission, Samus Returns, Prime Remastered) when the original hardware hurts.
    Release date
    US Nintendo 3DS launch August 19, 2016.
  12. Metroid: Samus Returns

    Metroid: Samus Returns

    Nintendo 3DSAction-adventureRemake2D

    Metroid: Samus Returns — 3DS remake of Metroid II—Melee Counter and Aeion abilities. 3DS remake of Metroid II—SR388 Metroid extermination with modern 2.5D combat.

    Overview
    MercurySteam rebuilt SR388 with modern 2.5D combat—same story as GB Metroid II.
    In-game setting
    Preferred Metroid II chapter on Story order before Super Metroid. Same mission spine as Game Boy II with MercurySteam combat sauce.
    Should you play it?
    Best way to play the SR388 arc today—physical carts still available. Preferred playable edition for the SR388 Story slot before Super Metroid.
    Release date
    US Nintendo 3DS launch September 15, 2017.
  13. Metroid Dread

    Metroid Dread

    SwitchAction-adventureMainline2D

    Metroid Dread — E.M.M.I. pursuit on ZDR—Fusion sequel decades in the making. Switch 2D peak on ZDR—E.M.M.I. hunts and Chozo twists after Fusion.

    Overview
    MercurySteam return to 2D—stealth chase rooms and fluid movement on Switch. Counter windows and chase AI modernize classic Metroid fear.
    In-game setting
    Direct story follow-up to Metroid Fusion—current 2D endpoint. Cosmic Year 20X9 ZDR finale for the 2D lane on this page.
    Should you play it?
    Best modern 2D entry point; play after Fusion on Story order. Current 2D endpoint. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US Nintendo Switch launch October 8, 2021.
  14. Metroid Prime Remastered

    Metroid Prime Remastered

    SwitchRemasterPrime

    Metroid Prime Remastered — Switch remaster of Tallon IV—Prime plot with modern visuals; buy this over GameCube discs.

    Overview
    Dual-stick controls and upgraded visuals—not a new campaign.
    In-game setting
    Same Tallon IV plot as GameCube Prime—does not replace Echoes/Corruption. See Metroid Prime.
    Should you play it?
    Buy this instead of GameCube hardware for Prime 1—Story order unchanged. Same Tallon IV plot as GameCube Prime—prefer this Switch edition. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    Digital US launch February 8, 2023; physical February 22, 2023.
  15. Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond

    SwitchSwitch 2Action-adventureMainlinePrime

    Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Retro's return—unknown planet, Sylux, and psychic abilities. Viewros dimensional leap—Prime 4: Beyond continues Samus after trilogy Phazon years.

    Overview
    First Prime since 2007—open-zone exploration and Switch 2 enhanced mode.
    In-game setting
    Nintendo places it after Super Metroid and before Fusion; standalone-friendly. Story before Fusion per 2025 placement talk—verify FAQ on this page.
    Should you play it?
    Newest Prime Release. Chronology notes: Metroid Prime. Current digital editions are usually easier than hunting original discs.
    Release date
    US launch December 4, 2025 on Switch and Switch 2.

FAQ

Release vs story order, Prime vs 2D placement, remakes, Prime 4 timeline slot, and spin-offs.

Release order

Release order is when each game launched in the US (1987–2025)—including remakes and remasters as their own entries. Story order follows Nintendo's Samus timeline: Zero Mission → Prime saga → Samus Returns → Super Metroid → Other M → Metroid Prime 4: Beyond → Fusion → Dread. Prime 4 shipped last but sits before Fusion in fiction. Use Release for franchise history; use Story for lore sequence.

2D action → Metroid Dread (then Fusion if you want backstory). First-person exploration → Metroid Prime Remastered on Switch. Jump into the newest Prime → Metroid Prime 4: Beyond (Nintendo designed it for newcomers). Lore marathon → Story tab from Zero Mission—long but complete.

Story & canon

On Nintendo's chronology, the Prime trilogy (plus Hunters) happens after Zero Mission and before Metroid II / Samus Returns. Super Metroid comes after Samus Returns, then Other M, then Prime 4, then Fusion and Dread. Release order interleaves 2002 Fusion and Prime on the same day—that is why Story order matters. For Prime-only play order see the Metroid Prime timeline.

Nintendo told Famitsu (December 2025) that Prime 4 sits after Super Metroid and before Metroid Fusion—even though it takes place in another dimension with a mostly original setting. On this page: Other M → Prime 4 → Fusion → Dread. You can play Prime 4 standalone, but Story order keeps Fusion and Dread after it.

Remasters & remakes

Optional & spin-offs

Spin-offs (optional)

Other timelines

This page — complete Samus chronology: 2D classics, Prime chapters, remakes, Fusion, Dread, and Prime 4 placement on the full Story tab. Best for lore marathon and release history.

Metroid Prime — first-person Prime saga only (Prime through Corruption, Hunters, Remastered, Prime 4). Best if you only want the 3D exploration line.

Pinball and arcade spin-offs — no separate pages; see Spin-offs (optional) below.

More timelines

Other release-order and story-order guides on this site.