Metroid Fusion review

Metroid Fusion is the best action game on the GBA. Nintendo sets it up simply: Samus is attacked by a parasite, survives thanks to Metroid DNA and gains new powers, then hunts the X parasite and a deadly copy of herself called the SA-X. Absorbing parasites is how she regains her abilities, which ties the story to the way you play. It earns a high capabilities score for that design and solid marks on ease of setup because it is in Nintendo's Game Boy Advance library for Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. The cartridge lists at $99.99 at DKOldies, well below The Minish Cap, though the listing was out of stock when we checked on November 11, 2026. Players who want open, non-linear exploration may prefer Metroid: Zero Mission, but Fusion has the stronger atmosphere and is the one to start with.

Who it is for

Players who want tense exploration and action with a stronger story than earlier Metroid games.

Price

Used GBA cartridge from $99.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $99.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Samus gains new powers from Metroid DNA
• Absorb X parasites to regain abilities
• Hunt the SA-X, a copy of Samus
• Platform action and exploration in the Metroid style
• Included in Nintendo's Game Boy Advance library for Switch Online + Expansion Pack members

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Story-driven Metroid that is easy to follow
• Strength: Well under the Zelda price at $99.99 used
• Strength: Playable legally on Switch
• Weakness: The DKOldies listing was out of stock when we checked
• Weakness: More linear than other Metroid games
• Weakness: Rated PEGI 7, so less suited to young children

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Action exploration
• Release date (Nintendo UK): 22/11/2002
• Enemy: The X parasite and SA-X
• PEGI rating (Nintendo UK): PEGI 7

Where it ranks

Metroid Fusion is No. 5 in our Best GBA Games of All Time verdict.