Nintendo has officially confirmed Metroid Ravenous during its latest Direct broadcast, and alongside the announcement came a look at the game’s estimated file size. According to Nintendo, players will need 20.2GB of storage space to install the title on their Switch 2 hardware.
The game is set to launch on January 28, 2027, and pre-orders are already live on the eShop. Nintendo notes that the file size figure is an estimate and may change before the final release.
How Does It Compare to Other Metroid Titles?
To put 20.2GB into context, MercurySteam’s 2021 Switch title Metroid Dread only required 4.2GB of space. That makes Ravenous nearly five times larger in terms of install size. On the other end of the scale, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond sits at 27.6GB on Switch 2, meaning Ravenous lands comfortably between the two in terms of storage demand.
The size jump from Dread is significant, though it does not necessarily point to a longer game. Higher-resolution textures and improved audio quality on Switch 2 hardware can account for a large portion of the increase, so the file size alone should not be read as a direct indicator of content length.
What We Know About Metroid Ravenous
Players will once again step into the iconic armor of Samus Aran. Nintendo has described the game as one where Samus uses newly awakened Metroid instincts to hunt down and devour enemies, adding a fresh gameplay mechanic to the franchise’s established formula. Powerful boss encounters are also part of the package.
Nintendo has confirmed that amiibo support will be included in Metroid Ravenous. A special edition of the game has also been announced for players looking for something beyond the standard release. The box art and full pricing details have already been revealed by Nintendo in a separate announcement.
Switch 2 Storage Considerations
For Switch 2 owners managing their storage, a 20.2GB download is worth planning around, particularly for players who prefer digital copies. Those buying physical will still need to account for any patches or additional data that may accompany the game closer to launch. Nintendo’s eShop listing should reflect any updates to the file size estimate as the January 2027 date approaches.
Physical copies remain a straightforward option for players who want to keep their internal storage free, and several fans have already noted plans to go that route. The special edition, which is expected to include the Metroid Suit amiibo based on Nintendo’s announcement, has drawn particular interest from collectors.
Pre-Orders Now Live
With pre-orders open on the Nintendo eShop right now, Switch 2 owners can secure their copy ahead of the January 28, 2027 release date. Metroid Ravenous follows Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime 4: Beyond as the latest major entry in the franchise, and Nintendo’s decision to announce it relatively close to its release date suggests a confident production timeline – though no official confirmation of its development status beyond the Direct announcement has been made.