Behind the Scenes: The Art and Design of Metroid Dread's E.M.M.I. and Samus Amiibo for Nintendo Switch

Metroid Dread, developed collaboratively by Nintendo and Spanish studio MercurySteam, stands as one of the most celebrated entries in the iconic Metroid series on the Nintendo Switch.

Launched in October 2021, the game's critical acclaim was matched by commercial success, swiftly selling over 2.9 million units worldwide and marking a new milestone for the franchise.

Complementing its release, Nintendo introduced a highly coveted amiibo dual pack featuring lead character Samus Aran and the menacing E.M.M.I.

robot, further enhancing the game's presence both in the digital realm and as a physical collectible. Amiibo, Nintendo's popular line of interactive figures, have become synonymous with premier Switch releases.

The dual pack for Metroid Dread not only provided bonus in-game content but also showcased meticulous craftsmanship and thoughtful design.

In a recent behind-the-scenes feature published on Nintendo's official recruitment page, Nintendo developer Uenaka Minoru shed light on the creative process that informed the design of these figures. Minoru explained that the team aimed to produce amiibo that, when positioned side by side, conveyed a sense of dynamic confrontation between Samus and E.M.M.I.: "We specifically designed the two figures to appear as if they were facing each other when displayed together, aiming to capture a moment filled with tension and balance." He further highlighted that his academic studies in artistic anatomy played a significant role, noting, "My background in studying human anatomy allowed me to create a pose that felt both dynamic and natural, lending the figures a sense of life and movement." The process went beyond digital renderings.

Minoru emphasized the unique satisfaction of contributing to a tangible product, stating, "It was rewarding to be part of both the supervision and realization of the physical models, and to ultimately share them with fans who could appreciate them up close." Nintendo released official images alongside the interview, revealing both prototype models and finalized poses for these amiibo.

The careful attention to anatomy, posture, and relationship between figures underscores the intent to deliver more than static collectibles—these are works of art intended to resonate with Metroid Dread’s passionate fanbase. Metroid Dread amiibo are more than mere memorabilia: they stand as testaments to Nintendo and MercurySteam’s collaborative artistry.

The figures are widely available through the Nintendo eShop and at select retailers, offering both functional in-game enhancements for Switch users and carefully crafted designs for collectors.

As the Nintendo Switch continues to host genre-defining experiences, thoughtful touches like these amiibo reinforce Nintendo’s reputation for marrying interactive technology with artistic craftsmanship.

Nintendo Switch Metroid Samus Metroid Dread Nintendo amiibo Switch I MercurySteam Uenaka Minoru Amiibo