SNK Corporation has announced METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION, a new compilation celebrating the 30th anniversary of the iconic Metal Slug run-and-gun franchise.
Coming in 2027, the collection will bring together 10 titles spanning the history of the series, including the original arcade releases, handheld entries and a rare Location Test Version that has never been officially released.
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION will launch on Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
Ten Metal Slug Games in One Collection
The collection covers the series from its 1996 arcade debut through to METAL SLUG 7, alongside the Game Boy Advance entry METAL SLUG ADVANCE.
The complete lineup includes:
- METAL SLUG (1996 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG 2 (1998 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG X (1999 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG 3 (2000 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG 4 (2002 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG 5 (2003 – NEOGEO MVS)
- METAL SLUG ADVANCE (2004 – Game Boy Advance)
- METAL SLUG 6 (2006 – PlayStation 2)
- METAL SLUG 7 (2008 – Nintendo DS)
- METAL SLUG Location Test Version – never officially released
The inclusion of the Location Test Version could prove particularly interesting for longtime fans and collectors, giving players access to a version of the legendary arcade game that has rarely been publicly available.
Modern Features Make the Classics More Accessible
While METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION is focused on preserving the franchise’s history, SNK is also adding a number of modern quality-of-life features.
Players will be able to use quick save, quick load and rewind functionality, allowing them to jump back a few seconds when things inevitably go wrong on the battlefield.
The compilation will also include Score Attack and Time Attack modes, providing additional challenges beyond simply completing the games’ campaigns.
Combat School Returns
Newcomers will also have an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the series through Combat School Mode.
The mode is a familiar part of the Metal Slug legacy and is designed to teach players the basic controls and techniques needed to survive the series’ chaotic battles.
This should make the collection more approachable for players discovering Metal Slug for the first time, without removing the challenge that longtime fans expect.
Online Rankings and Museum Mode
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION isn’t just about replaying the games. Players will also be able to compete through online rankings, allowing high scores to be compared with players around the world.
An extensive Gallery/Museum Mode will also provide additional material from across the franchise, including logos, artwork and other visual content connected to the individual games.
SNK notes that available features, modes and content can vary depending on the individual title.
Metal Slug Celebrates 30 Years
The original Metal Slug first arrived in arcades in 1996 and quickly became known for its distinctive pixel art, frantic run-and-gun gameplay, memorable vehicles and eccentric characters.
Now entering its 30th anniversary year in 2026, the franchise is also being celebrated through SNK’s MISSION REBOOT project.
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION forms part of that wider celebration, bringing three decades of the series together while introducing its classic arcade action to a new generation of players.
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION Release Date
METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION is scheduled to launch in 2027 for:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch 2
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
- PC via Steam
The collection is already available to wishlist on supported platforms, giving fans the opportunity to keep track of the upcoming release.
For fans who grew up with the original arcade games, the inclusion of nine previously released titles alongside the obscure Location Test Version makes METAL SLUG ULTIMATE COLLECTION a particularly interesting celebration of one of SNK’s most recognisable franchises.
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