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Metroid Ravenous Announcement Sees Demand For Physical Copies Of Metroid Dread Spike
The announcement of Metroid Ravenous for Nintendo Switch 2 in 2027 has triggered a surge in demand for Metroid Dread, the 2021 Switch title that is now out of print. This increased interest has driven physical copies of the game to significantly higher prices on the secondary market, creating supply scarcity issues for collectors and fans wishing to experience the predecessor before the new release.
Sealed copies of Metroid Dread are selling well above the original retail price on sites like eBay, with typical listings exceeding £80 and some reaching as high as £135; special editions command even higher prices. Despite being the best-selling game in the entire Metroid franchise with over three million sales, Metroid Dread received limited print runs compared to other Nintendo titles, resulting in constrained supply. Players still have the option to purchase the game digitally via the eShop, and there has been speculation about a potential Switch 2 upgrade version.
In short
- Metroid Dread physical copies selling well above retail following Ravenous announcement
- Game out of print with limited supply; sealed copies fetching over £130
- Digital version available on eShop; special editions commanding premium prices
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The price rise reflects a real scarcity: Dread is out of print, and its announcement-linked sequel has renewed interest in owning a physical copy. Collectors may value sealed editions for their condition and collectability, while sellers can reasonably set prices according to demand and the limited supply.
The case against
Rapidly rising resale prices can make it harder for fans to play the predecessor before the new game, especially when physical ownership matters to them. Since Dread remains available digitally, the scarcity is not absolute, but an official reprint or upgrade could offer players a fairer route than paying inflated secondary-market prices.
Explained simply
Metroid is a long-running Nintendo series about Samus Aran, a space-faring bounty hunter who explores hostile worlds and battles alien creatures. Metroid Dread, released for the original Nintendo Switch in 2021, is one of its main entries and follows Samus as she investigates a remote planet.
Nintendo games are sold both as downloads and on physical cartridges. Once a game is no longer being printed, second-hand cartridge prices can rise if interest remains high; Metroid Dread is still available digitally, while physical stock is more limited.
For readers new to the series, Dread provides context for the next game, but it is not the only way to catch up: the Metroid story spans several titles, and the games can often be played on their own.