Metroid NES Box Art Comparison: A Global Look at Nintendo’s Iconic Classic

Metroid NES Box Art Comparison: A Global Look at Nintendo’s Iconic Classic Metroid, one of Nintendo’s most influential franchises, made its groundbreaking debut on the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) back in 1986 in Japan and 1987 in North America and Europe.

Developed by Nintendo’s legendary R&D1 team, Metroid introduced players to the atmospheric world of Samus Aran, pioneering not just a genre but a new approach to world-building and non-linear exploration.

The game has since sold millions of copies across various platforms, including the Nintendo Switch via the eShop, and holds a cherished place in the company’s vast catalog of classics. Recently, longtime fans had the opportunity to revisit the original Metroid as part of a fan-favorite community feature called Box Art Brawl.

This interactive segment takes a close look at regional box art variations, encouraging community discussion and votes to determine which design best represents an iconic title.

For Metroid, the comparison spanned the North American, European, Japanese, and Classic Series releases—each reflecting distinct artistic choices that helped define the game’s identity in their respective regions. For the North America and UK edition, the box showcases a graphic built around in-game visuals, featuring Samus firing at enemies against a stark black background.

While minimalist, this design highlights the retro aesthetic closely tied to the NES era, effectively setting the tone for Samus’s mysterious journey.

During the community poll, this version secured 13% of the vote. The North American Classic Series re-release stands out with its bold use of color: Samus Aran, in her powerful Varia Suit, is positioned front and center on a striking yellow and blue backdrop.

This edition delivers a more dynamic and eye-catching presentation, which resonated with fans and garnered 48% of the total votes, establishing itself as a clear favorite. European players received a box art design that, while similar in composition to the North American original, features hand-drawn artwork of Samus in the classic Chozo Suit.

The inclusion of animated frames depicting Samus leaping through the air lends a unique flair and highlights the game’s action-oriented gameplay.

This version proved popular as well, winning 29% of the poll. Japan’s original release presents a notable departure from other regions, with key art set against a bold red background.

The title sits cleanly at the top, while a surrounding white border incorporates logos and branding without overpowering the imagery.

This minimalist yet vibrant approach aligns with the historical trend of Japanese game packaging and received 11% of the fans’ votes. Metroid’s diverse box art history not only reflects regional design philosophies but also showcases the enduring legacy of the franchise on the NES.

As Metroid and Samus Aran continue to influence the gaming landscape—most recently with releases on the Nintendo Switch and ongoing visibility on the eShop—these visuals remain a testament to Nintendo’s enduring creativity and global appeal. Fans can look forward to future Box Art Brawl features as the gaming community continues to celebrate the stories behind Nintendo’s biggest hits.

Metroid Nintendo North America Europe Japan NES America Xbox Series X|S