Brazilian Ratings Board Leak Hints at a New Metroid Game Coming Soon
Metroid has always been one of Nintendo’s most recognizable sci-fi action brands, but right now the franchise finds itself in a slightly awkward position. The series remains widely loved, and Metroid Prime 4 was met with a relatively positive reception when it was shown, yet it didn’t deliver the kind of sales numbers you’d normally expect from a major first-party Switch launch. That gap in performance naturally triggered concerns that Nintendo might pause the franchise and let it sit for a while. However, recent hints suggest that might not be what’s happening.
A New Metroid Game May Have Leaked
Earlier today, a Twitter user named Necrolipe claimed that a Brazilian ratings board may have accidentally exposed details for a new 2D Metroid project. The listing was reportedly tied to Nintendo Switch 2 and included the game’s name, which appeared to be Metroid Ravenous. That rating entry has since been taken down, but screenshots reportedly circulated in the meantime, giving people enough to identify the title.
There’s also an important implication in the wording being shared: it suggests that a reboot of Metroid Prime 4 was not on the table.
Alongside the title, the listing claims the game is planned for release at some point in 2026. Given that this would be the first time the public is truly hearing about the project—and considering how little footage has been shown for the Ocarina of Time remake so far—one reasonable assumption is that Nintendo will likely hold another Nintendo Direct later this year. September is mentioned as a possible window.
Why This Matters for Players
If the leak holds up, it’s a clear signal that Nintendo is continuing to invest in Metroid in more than one direction. The most immediate player-facing impact is the return of a 2D entry, which would follow a long stretch without one. The last mainline 2D Metroid release was Metroid Dread in 2021, so a new follow-up would land after several years of waiting.
- A new 2D Metroid release would break the multi-year gap since Metroid Dread.
- The claimed 2026 timing suggests Nintendo is spacing out announcements rather than rushing details out immediately.
- If Nintendo is planning a Direct later in the year (potentially September), it would fit the idea of a staged reveal schedule.
What We Should Expect From an Announcement
The most likely moment for an official confirmation would be a Nintendo Direct, assuming Metroid Ravenous is real. While the leaked material is described as fairly compelling—and while it’s been several years since the last 2D entry—none of this should be treated as final confirmation yet. Until Nintendo itself shows the game, the safest approach is to keep expectations grounded.
Still, if the schedule being referenced is accurate and the release is truly meant to happen this year, that would point to an announcement sooner rather than later.
