SNK has officially launched a Metal Slug 30th anniversary project to mark three decades of its storied run-and-gun franchise.
Metal Slug first appeared in arcades on April 19, 1996, and over the years the series has expanded to include seven numbered mainline entries alongside numerous spinoffs, remakes, ports and mobile editions.
Many of those releases have since been made available on modern platforms and digital storefronts, including collections on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
What SNK announced
SNK unveiled the anniversary project with a special retrospective video that chronicles Metal Slug history and highlights the series legacy in arcades and on home consoles.
The studio framed the initiative as a comprehensive effort to refresh the franchise: SNK said its aim is to revive and reinvigorate Metal Slug through multiple initiatives, including new game development and curated archival content.
Verified timeline and franchise facts
- Series debut: April 19, 1996 (arcade)
- Mainline entries: Seven numbered titles in the core Metal Slug series
- Platform presence: Original arcade releases followed by ports, remasters and collections for consoles and digital stores, with several Metal Slug collections released for modern hardware such as the Nintendo Switch via the eShop
The retrospective video, published by SNK as part of the anniversary rollout, includes archival footage and a short teaser described by the developer as a prompt for future Metal Slug activity.
SNK directs fans to the official Metal Slug anniversary website and the team s Twitter channel for full details and ongoing updates.
What this means for players and collectors
The 30th anniversary project consolidates archival material and signals a longer-term focus from SNK on the brand.
For players, that means an authoritative touchpoint for historical content, re-releases and any official announcements.
Collectors should monitor the official site and SNK s social channels for confirmation of release dates, compilation releases, and other event programming tied to the anniversary.
Where to find more information
SNK s official Metal Slug anniversary website and the developer s verified Twitter account host the retrospective video and are the primary sources for further details announced by the company.
For digital re-releases, check the Nintendo Switch eShop and other console storefronts for current Metal Slug collections and ports.
Metal Slug first appeared in arcades on April 19, 1996, and over the years the series has expanded to include seven numbered mainline entries alongside numerous spinoffs, remakes, ports and mobile editions.
Many of those releases have since been made available on modern platforms and digital storefronts, including collections on the Nintendo Switch eShop.
What SNK announced
SNK unveiled the anniversary project with a special retrospective video that chronicles Metal Slug history and highlights the series legacy in arcades and on home consoles.
The studio framed the initiative as a comprehensive effort to refresh the franchise: SNK said its aim is to revive and reinvigorate Metal Slug through multiple initiatives, including new game development and curated archival content.
Verified timeline and franchise facts
- Series debut: April 19, 1996 (arcade)
- Mainline entries: Seven numbered titles in the core Metal Slug series
- Platform presence: Original arcade releases followed by ports, remasters and collections for consoles and digital stores, with several Metal Slug collections released for modern hardware such as the Nintendo Switch via the eShop
The retrospective video, published by SNK as part of the anniversary rollout, includes archival footage and a short teaser described by the developer as a prompt for future Metal Slug activity.
SNK directs fans to the official Metal Slug anniversary website and the team s Twitter channel for full details and ongoing updates.
What this means for players and collectors
The 30th anniversary project consolidates archival material and signals a longer-term focus from SNK on the brand.
For players, that means an authoritative touchpoint for historical content, re-releases and any official announcements.
Collectors should monitor the official site and SNK s social channels for confirmation of release dates, compilation releases, and other event programming tied to the anniversary.
Where to find more information
SNK s official Metal Slug anniversary website and the developer s verified Twitter account host the retrospective video and are the primary sources for further details announced by the company.
For digital re-releases, check the Nintendo Switch eShop and other console storefronts for current Metal Slug collections and ports.