Metroid Fusion on Nintendo Switch Online: A Must-Play Classic Ahead of Metroid Prime 4

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo fans and retro gaming enthusiasts are revisiting classic titles to bridge the gap between major releases.

Among the most celebrated is Metroid Fusion, now available via Nintendo Switch Online.

Originally developed for the Game Boy Advance and launched in November 2002, Metroid Fusion receives renewed attention thanks to the recent momentum of the Metroid franchise, which has seen standout releases like Metroid Dread and Metroid Prime Remastered, and the highly anticipated Metroid Prime 4: Beyond set to arrive later this year. Metroid Fusion’s gameplay stands as a testament to the Metroidvania genre, featuring tight, responsive controls and a rewarding upgrade system.

Players once again guide Samus Aran in an atmospheric sci-fi narrative that picks up after her mission on planet SR388, revisiting events from Metroid II: Return of Samus.

Early in the game, Samus is attacked and infected by the X Parasite, which forces an emergency surgery that removes sections of her Power Suit.

To save her life, doctors administer a vaccine developed from Metroid DNA, exploiting the Metroid’s natural ability to prey on the X Parasite.

This medical intervention not only cures her infection but also grants Samus the power to absorb X Parasites, while introducing a newfound susceptibility to cold temperatures, a trait shared with actual Metroids. The adventure unfolds within the isolated confines of the Biologic Space Laboratories station, now overrun by the X Parasite.

A key narrative twist comes in the form of SA-X—an X Parasite clone of Samus in her fully powered state.

Throughout Metroid Fusion, players must outsmart, evade, and eventually confront this formidable doppelgänger.

The stealth sequences when SA-X patrols the station evoke a tense atmosphere reminiscent of the E.M.M.I.

encounters in 2021’s Metroid Dread.

Both games feature genuine moments of suspense, rewarding players for successful escapes and clever navigation. Metroid Fusion also impresses through its creative use of the X Parasite.

Each enemy is the result of an X Parasite infection, and defeating them allows Samus to absorb the parasite for essential health or ammo.

Puzzles often require players to manipulate X Parasites to unlock new paths, resulting in gameplay that is both inventive and engaging.

The title further challenges completionists with optional Speed Boost and Shinespark puzzles, with some secrets leading to hidden dialogues and enhanced endings, especially for those who finish the game quickly. Accessibility for new players is now greater than ever, thanks to features on Nintendo Switch Online such as the rewind function.

This tool enables gamers to retry difficult sections without frustration, while also appealing to competitive players seeking to optimize completion times for the game's best endings.

The streamlined map system makes it easier to track upgrades and secrets, offering a user-friendly experience that preserves the game’s rewarding depth. While Metroid Fusion’s world is more linear compared to other entries in the series, its focused direction—guided by Samus’s AI assistant Adam—offers clarity appreciated by some, though it may limit exploratory freedom for Metroid veterans.

Certain hardware limitations, like the visibility constraints inherent to the Game Boy Advance’s original display, are substantially mitigated by playing on the Nintendo Switch. With Metroid Fusion now easily accessible through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, it stands as a vital chapter in the Metroid story and an essential playthrough for those awaiting Metroid Prime 4: Beyond.

The game's timeless design, inventive mechanics, and narrative connection to Metroid Dread make it a must-play for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

To experience Metroid Fusion or learn more about Nintendo Switch Online, visit Nintendo's official website.

Nintendo Switch Metroid Metroid Prime Metroid Dread Nintendo Metroid Prime 4 Nintendo Switch Online Metroid Prime 4: Beyond Switch Online Switch Metroid series Metroid Fusion Game Boy Advance SR388 SA-X X Parasite Samus Aran Biologic Space Laboratories