Sixteen years after it was first rumored, Metroid Dread has finally been announced. But the latest 2D Metroid game won't simply be adding another chapter to the saga of Samus Aran; producer Yoshio Sakamoto has stated the game will bring an end to a significant part of the Metroid story.
As such, it stands to reason that many out there might want to catch up on the story so far leading up to Metroid Dread's October release. The only problem is that not every 2D Metroid game is particularly easy to play, as they were initially released across multiple generations of consoles, and have since seen no remasters, along with only limited re-releases. One can only hope that Nintendo will make playing the 2D Metroid saga an easier affair at some point in the future, but until then, players will likely have to hop between a few different platforms to get caught up before Dread.
Metroid and Zero Mission
Unless one has a working NES, a functioning copy of the game, and a television compatible with the NES, playing Metroid on its original hardware probably isn't the best route to go. Fortunately, the game that started it all is easily accessible via both the 3DS and Wii U's Virtual Consoles. Metroid is also a part of the library of retro games included with a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online service.
However, it is worth noting that the original Metroid was later remade for the Game Boy Advance with Metroid: Zero Mission, which is a vastly superior game thanks to the steps it took to modernize the antiquated first entry. One might be inclined to play this take on Metroid over the 1987 release, but unfortunately, it's a little harder to do that. Outside of its Game Boy Advance release, it was only ever re-released for the Wii U's Virtual Console.
Metroid 2: Return of Samus and Samus Returns
The successor to Metroid was released for the Game Boy in 1991 and has only ever ventured to one other platform: the 3DS' Virtual Console. However, like the original game, Metroid 2 is best enjoyed through its remake, Samus Returns.
This 2017 remake of Return of Samus boasts several upgrades and quality of life improvements like fast travel and free aim, both of which were not previously featured in the Game Boy version, or any 2D Metroid game for that matter. Suffice to say, Samus Returns is not only the best version of Metroid 2, but it might be one of the best Metroid games in general. Tragically, it's only available on the 3DS; there are no other ways to play this game.
Super Metroid
Perhaps the most iconic entry of the series, players shouldn't run into much trouble trying to find a way to play Super Metroid. Since the title debuted for the SNES in 1994, it's been ported to both the 3DS and Wii U's Virtual Consoles, as well as the Nintendo Switch Online library.
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion is the game directly preceding the soon-to-be-released Metroid Dread. It was the last original 2D Metroid to be developed before Dread's existence was confirmed at E3 2021. The 2002 Game Boy Advance title, like Zero Mission, is only playable on its original hardware, or the Wii U's Virtual Console.
Those who purchased a 3DS prior to the system's $80 price drop three months into its lifespan were eligible to enter the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program, where early adopters of the handheld could get exclusive eShop games not available to the general public; one of these was Metroid Fusion. However, almost 10 years later, the title still isn't available on the regular eShop, making this route of playing the game impossible for many 3DS owners.
Metroid Dread will release on October 8, 2021 exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.
