One of 2021’s most anticipated video games was the release of Metroid Dread, which reinvigorated interest in the Metroid franchise that hasn’t seen a new mainline title in 14 years. When released last month, Metroid Dread was very well received, and some fans claim it's the best game of the year. After the release, many fans of the video game called for others that were interested to purchase it as a way to support the development of future Metroid games.
It seems as though the call for support and the general popularity surrounding the Nintendo Switch helped as it was revealed Metroid Dread has the biggest launch of any Metroid franchise title. Previously reported in October, Metroid Dread sales in the UK easily beat out previous record-holder Metroid Prime. Now it seems as though Metroid Dread has also broken records in the U.S.
The tweet comes from Mat Piscatella, who is currently a member of the NPD Group. In his tweet, he shares how Metroid Dread was October’s 3rd best-selling video game while being 1st for sales on the Nintendo Switch. It was also shared that Metroid Dread is the highest launch month sales of any Metroid game in NPD’s tracked history. Launch month physical sales alone “nearly doubled” those of Metroid Prime, which previously held the highest sales of the franchise.
It’s no surprise that Metroid Dread has become such a juggernaut for the Metroid franchise. Prior to the game's release, it really felt as though the franchise was in limbo with no clear release date for Metroid Prime 4 after having been announced years ago. Fans of the franchise were itching to return, and Metroid Dread was the perfect opportunity to do so.
On top of the popularity of the Nintendo Switch and the absence of a great Metroid title, Nintendo also recently put out a demo for Metroid Dread. This certainly helped a bunch as those that were interested in Metroid Dread but unsure if they were willing to invest $60, were now given an opportunity to try the game for free.
These sales are about a month after the release of Metroid Dread and if the consistent sales in titles such as Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart 8 show anything, it’s that quality Nintendo games typically have legs, and it’s quite likely Metroid Dread will continue to sell copies.
Metroid Dread is available now for Nintendo Switch.