Hirokazu Tanaka Reveals Inspiration Behind Metroid's Iconic NES Ending Theme

Few pieces of video game music are as instantly recognizable as the ending theme from Metroid for the NES and Famicom Disk System.

Composed by the legendary Hirokazu Tanaka—known to fans as 'Hip' Tanaka—this influential score has become synonymous with the Metroid franchise, celebrated for its emotional shift from tension to triumph.

As Metroid approaches its 40th anniversary, the backstory of its iconic ending theme offers new insights into Nintendo's creative process during the golden age of the NES. In a recent social media post highlighted by Automaton Media, Hirokazu Tanaka reflected on one of his most memorable moments composing for Metroid.

The composer, whose body of work spans classics such as Dr.

Mario and EarthBound, revealed that the now-famous ending theme was written with a single, specific listener in mind—a debugger who played through the game during its final QA stages. Recalling the scene, Tanaka explained that a senior staff member, not typically involved with daily production, was tasked with the final debugging run of Metroid.

As the entire Nintendo team gathered in anticipation, Tanaka was inspired to amplify the emotional impact of the game’s conclusion.

'I composed the ending theme with the intention of leaving our debugger profoundly moved after completing the game,' Tanaka shared, underlining the dedication to making the finale resonate even for someone less familiar with the project. Tanaka went on to describe how the debugging session became a communal event.

The team switched to a larger monitor, cranked up the volume, and together created an atmosphere filled with anticipation and excitement.

The moment underscored not only the sense of camaraderie at Nintendo but also how quickly developers could rally around a shared milestone, turning the routine process of finding bugs into a spirited celebration. Launched on August 6, 1986, Metroid for the Famicom Disk System—later released internationally on the NES—helped pioneer the "Metroidvania" genre and featured one of gaming's first female protagonists, Samus Aran.

Its blend of non-linear exploration and tightly designed controls solidified the title as a cornerstone of Nintendo’s legacy.

With the game's 40th anniversary on the horizon, fresh retrospectives and replays, including on Nintendo Switch Online, highlight its enduring cultural and design impact. Recently appearing at BitSummit 2025 in Japan, Tanaka expressed to VGC his interest in scoring another video game soundtrack.

The outpouring of appreciation from both industry veterans and longtime fans underscores just how profound an effect his work on Metroid's soundtrack—and its unforgettable ending theme—continues to have even decades after its release. As players revisit Metroid on modern platforms like the Nintendo Switch, the story behind its music serves as a testament to the collaborative spirit and creative brilliance that defined an era of Nintendo development.

Metroid NES Xbox Series X|S Hirokazu Tanaka Nintendo Famicom BitSummit VGC Nintendo Switch Online Automaton Media