Summary
- Metroid Dread vanished from major retailers like GameStop for reasons unknown.
- Digital copies of the game remain available, but physical copies are scarce.
- Fans speculate Nintendo may have printed fewer copies due to lack of demand compared to other franchises.
Some fans have noticed that copies of Metroid Dread seem to have disappeared from various stores. Many of the Nintendo Switch's games are a huge anomaly. With a catalog of titles worth seven years old, some of Nintendo's flagship titles are still being sold at full price in many retail chains. Metroid Dread was only released in October 2021, which makes the news even more shocking.
Nintendo had previously revealed that Metroid Dread is the bestselling game in the whole series. With it being on the Switch and expanding on the formula that the franchise popularized, many fans have given high praise and support to Metroid Dread. It has been a solid addition to the series, and this is why recent discoveries have caused concern regarding its current status.
Metroid Dread Dev Is Working on Two Unannounced Games
MercurySteam, the developer behind the famous Metroid Dread for Nintendo Switch, seems to be currently working on two unannounced titles.
Nintendeal on Twitter noted that Metroid Dread seems to have been removed from GameStop, Best Buy, and Target. The account also noted that the title is still available at Walmart, although for a hefty $49.95 price point. There have been many speculations as to why this is the case, with some pointing out that it may not have reached the target sales Nintendo expected it to have. While Metroid Dread has broken franchise sales records, it's also possible that it is behind other IPs in terms of sales.
The Probable Reason for Metroid Dread's Disappearance From Various Storefronts
Previous reports have noted which were the top 10 bestselling Nintendo Switch games, and it's mostly a mix of Mario, Pokemon, Animal Crossing, The Legend of Zelda, and Super Smash Bros. With other franchises dominating these charts, many fans have assumed that Nintendo may have printed fewer copies of Metroid Dread and instead focused on the more popular Switch games. Some have noted that most copies available on the market are pre-owned. However, one thing to note is that only the physical copy of the game is scarce. Digital copies are still available online for those who wish to purchase.
Still, with this bit of information, diehard Metroid fans are wondering how this would affect the next side-scrolling Metroid adventure. While Metroid Prime 4: Beyond is scheduled to come out some time in the future, most fans are still hoping that a new entry using the classic Metroidvania formula will be made. Metroid Prime is a different kind of game with first-person style shooter mechanics. The only modern entries using the classic Metroidvania formula are Metroid Dread and Metroid: Samus Returns, the remake of Metroid 2. Hopefully, Nintendo shows its love for the franchise by making more games in that style.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 87 /100 Critics Rec: 95%
- Released
- October 8, 2021
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Animated Blood, Fantasy Violence
- Developer(s)
- MercurySteam
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Mercury Engine
- Franchise
- Metroid
WHERE TO PLAY
Join bounty hunter Samus Aran as she tries to escape a deadly alien world in the critically-acclaimed Metroid Dread. Upon investigating a mysterious transmission on Planet ZDR, Samus faces a mysterious foe that traps her in this dangerous world. The remote planet has been overrun by vicious alien lifeforms and murderous robots called E.M.M.I. Hunt or be hunted as you make your way through a labyrinth of enemies in Samus’ most intense side-scrolling adventure yet.
Samus is more agile and capable than ever. Guide Samus Aran, an intergalactic bounty hunter raised by an ancient tribe, and traverse the many environments of a dangerous world. Parkour over obstacles, slide through tight spaces, counter enemies, and battle your way through the planet. Through her countless missions, Samus has never experienced a threat like the dread of ZDR.
Power up and find more ways to explore and secrets to uncover
