Super Metroid review

Super Metroid is the pick for players who want to explore. Nintendo's page describes Samus Aran chasing Space Pirates who stole the last Metroid, using the Grapple Beam and X-Ray Scope to work through the labyrinths of Planet Zebes with beams, missiles and bombs. Nintendo calls it one of the greatest 2D action games ever made and says its mix of exploration, action and secrets paved the way for the Metroid Prime series. On features alone it scores higher than anything here except A Link to the Past. What holds it at fourth is price: a used cartridge lists at $156.99 at DKOldies before sales, more than double the Zelda cart. If you only want to play it, it sits in the Nintendo Switch Online Super NES library. It is single player and its labyrinths mean plenty of backtracking.

Who it is for

Players who love exploration and secrets

Price

Used SNES cartridge from $156.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $156.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 12, 2026.

Key features

• Grapple Beam and X-Ray Scope abilities
• Large labyrinths across Planet Zebes
• Arsenal of beams, missiles and bombs
• Nintendo credits it with paving the way for the Metroid Prime series
• Included in the Super NES library for Nintendo Switch Online members

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Nintendo calls it one of the greatest 2D action games ever made
• Strength: Exploration rewards players who look for secrets
• Strength: Playable legally on Switch Online for $19.99 per year
• Weakness: The cart costs $156.99 used, more than twice A Link to the Past
• Weakness: Single player only
• Weakness: Nintendo describes massive labyrinths, so expect backtracking

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Action, adventure
• US release: July 1994 (Nintendo)
• PEGI rating (Nintendo UK): PEGI 7
• Used cart (DKOldies): $156.99 regular price

Where it ranks

Super Metroid is No. 5 in our Best SNES Games of All Time verdict.