SNK has confirmed Metal Slug Ultimate Collection, a 30th-anniversary compilation of the celebrated run-and-gun series, will arrive in 2027.
The collection bundles ten entries from the Metal Slug franchise and is slated for modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch, with the announcement coming via a Nintendo Direct broadcast and an official Nintendo of America press release on September 9, 2026.
Background and significance
Metal Slug is a defining 2D run-and-gun franchise developed by SNK, first launching in 1996.
Known for its detailed pixel art, frantic gameplay, and memorable vehicle segments, the series has maintained a dedicated fanbase for three decades.
SNK positions Metal Slug Ultimate Collection as a commemorative release that consolidates many of the series highlights in one package for players and collectors.
Included games
The compilation includes the following ten builds, presented with their original release years:
- Metal Slug (1996)
- Metal Slug 2 (1998)
- Metal Slug X (1999)
- Metal Slug 3 (2000)
- Metal Slug 4 (2002)
- Metal Slug 5 (2003)
- Metal Slug Advance (2004)
- Metal Slug 6 (2006)
- Metal Slug 7 (2008)
- Metal Slug Location Test Version (never officially released)
Porting, features, and platform notes
SNK confirmed that M2, the studio widely recognized for high-quality ports of classic games, will handle the collection's conversions.
According to SNK, M2's work on the collection will include features such as save states, picture and display options, and online play.
Those features are intended to modernize accessibility while preserving the original gameplay experience.
It is worth noting that Arcade Archives editions of most Metal Slug titles are already available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, but SNK and M2 are packaging these entries together for the 30th-anniversary release.
The inclusion of the unreleased location test build is a notable addition for preservation-minded fans and historians of the series.
Release and next steps
SNK has set 2027 as the release window for Metal Slug Ultimate Collection.
Pricing, exact release date, and platform specifics beyond the Switch announcement were not provided in the initial statement.
Further details will be released by SNK and Nintendo as they finalize the collection.
Source: Nintendo of America press release and Nintendo Direct broadcast (09.09.26).
The collection bundles ten entries from the Metal Slug franchise and is slated for modern platforms including the Nintendo Switch, with the announcement coming via a Nintendo Direct broadcast and an official Nintendo of America press release on September 9, 2026.
Background and significance
Metal Slug is a defining 2D run-and-gun franchise developed by SNK, first launching in 1996.
Known for its detailed pixel art, frantic gameplay, and memorable vehicle segments, the series has maintained a dedicated fanbase for three decades.
SNK positions Metal Slug Ultimate Collection as a commemorative release that consolidates many of the series highlights in one package for players and collectors.
Included games
The compilation includes the following ten builds, presented with their original release years:
- Metal Slug (1996)
- Metal Slug 2 (1998)
- Metal Slug X (1999)
- Metal Slug 3 (2000)
- Metal Slug 4 (2002)
- Metal Slug 5 (2003)
- Metal Slug Advance (2004)
- Metal Slug 6 (2006)
- Metal Slug 7 (2008)
- Metal Slug Location Test Version (never officially released)
Porting, features, and platform notes
SNK confirmed that M2, the studio widely recognized for high-quality ports of classic games, will handle the collection's conversions.
According to SNK, M2's work on the collection will include features such as save states, picture and display options, and online play.
Those features are intended to modernize accessibility while preserving the original gameplay experience.
It is worth noting that Arcade Archives editions of most Metal Slug titles are already available on the Nintendo Switch eShop, but SNK and M2 are packaging these entries together for the 30th-anniversary release.
The inclusion of the unreleased location test build is a notable addition for preservation-minded fans and historians of the series.
Release and next steps
SNK has set 2027 as the release window for Metal Slug Ultimate Collection.
Pricing, exact release date, and platform specifics beyond the Switch announcement were not provided in the initial statement.
Further details will be released by SNK and Nintendo as they finalize the collection.
Source: Nintendo of America press release and Nintendo Direct broadcast (09.09.26).
