Metroid is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo R&D1 and Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the NES. Bounty hunter Samus Aran explores the sprawling, interconnected planet Zebes — gaining upgrades like the Morph Ball, missiles, and beams to reach new areas — to destroy the Mother Brain and the Space Pirates. It pioneered nonlinear, exploration-driven “Metroidvania” design and password saves.
How To Play Metroid
Control
Action
D-Pad
Move; aim up; press Down to enter Morph Ball form
A Button
Jump (spin jump)
B Button
Fire beam / drop bombs in Morph Ball
Select
Switch to missiles
Start
Pause / enter password
About Metroid
Release date
Famicom Disk System (JP): August 6, 1986 · NES (NA): August 1987 · NES (EU): January 15, 1988
Sheldon has spent over a decade immersed in retro gaming, from NES classics to arcade gems. He's deeply passionate about preserving gaming history and helping others rediscover these timeless titles. When he's not gaming, Shaun writes about the evolution of video games and their cultural impact.
