Game Boy · 1991
Metroid II: Return of Samus
A handheld sequel that deepens the Metroid formula with exploration-driven gameplay on the Game Boy.
- Publisher
- Nintendo
- Format
- Cartridge
- Genre
- Action-Adventure
- Released
- 1991
01
Overview
Metroid II: Return of Samus is the second main entry in the Metroid series, bringing Samus Aran back as the playable protagonist. It translates the series' exploration-based action to the Game Boy's monochrome display, using distinct zones and item-based progression to pace the experience. The game supports save functionality through its own system, allowing players to resume their progress rather than starting over from the beginning.
02
Why it matters
It expanded the Metroid world to a portable platform and demonstrated that the series' core loop could adapt to handheld constraints. The game helped establish a template for later Metroid entries by refining how exploration and ability acquisition drive discovery.
03
The physical edition
A typical complete copy includes the Game Boy cartridge and the game's instruction manual, with the cartridge and manual housed in a standard Game Boy cardboard box. Regional editions may differ in box art, labeling, and language, so a particular copy's packaging should be checked against its stated region.
04
Playing it today
The cartridge runs natively on any original Game Boy or Game Boy Color, which share the same cartridge slot. Emulation is also an option, and the game's save system lets players pause and resume without losing progress.