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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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How It Works • Games & Tech

Metroid

Metroid is a Nintendo video game franchise that began in 1986.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Metroid is a Nintendo video game franchise that began in 1986, following bounty hunter Samus Aran as she fights Space Pirates and the alien Metroids in a science-fiction setting known for exploration and nonlinear gameplay.

What it is

The Metroid series centres on Samus Aran, a bounty hunter who protects the galaxy from Space Pirates and the titular Metroid creatures. The franchise debuted with the game Metroid in 1986 on Nintendo's Family Computer Disk System and later on the NES. It blends action-adventure with exploration, platforming, and nonlinear progression.

Why it matters

Metroid is often credited with helping define the 'Metroidvania' style of action-adventure exploration, where new abilities unlock previously inaccessible areas. It remains an influential Nintendo franchise with a long-running fan base, including strong popularity among Canadian players through Nintendo home consoles and handhelds.

Key details

The series has expanded into multiple mainline entries, spin-offs, remakes, and the 3D Metroid Prime subseries. The name comes from the fictional Metroid creatures central to the plot. Samus Aran, the main protagonist, is a bounty hunter who fights Space Pirates and Metroids across a science-fiction universe.

In short

  • Metroid launched in 1986 with Samus Aran as the bounty hunter protagonist.
  • The series is known for nonlinear exploration and item-gated world design.
  • It helped create the 'Metroidvania' genre and remains a key Nintendo franchise.
  • The name comes from the alien Metroids that are central to the story.
Canadian angle

The series has a strong place in the broader Nintendo ecosystem that is popular among Canadian players, especially through Nintendo home consoles and handhelds commonly used in Canada.

Quick questions

What is Metroid?
Metroid is a Nintendo action-adventure video game franchise that began in 1986 and stars Samus Aran.
Why is the series called Metroid?
The name comes from the fictional Metroid creatures, which are central to the series' story and setting.
What is Metroid known for?
It is known for exploration-focused, nonlinear gameplay that combines action, platforming, and adventure elements.

Sources

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid
    Supports: Franchise overview, creator, premise, and gameplay style
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid
    Supports: Series origin in 1986, main character Samus Aran, and naming based on Metroids
  3. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metroid_(video_game)
    Supports: Original game's 1986 release and status as first game in the series
  4. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Metroid_media
    Supports: Series scope, platform releases, gameplay characteristics, and franchise significance