Super Metroid

Alright, so you've booted up Super Metroid! Before we dive into Zebes, let's get a handle on how to move Samus around. This game originally hit the Super Nintendo, but you can play it on newer consoles too, like through Nintendo Switch Online. The controls are pretty much the same no matter how you play, but here's a heads-up: the default setup can feel a bit… clunky. Thankfully, you can totally remap everything to your liking!

Just a heads-up when you're customizing: if you assign an action to one of the shoulder buttons (L or R), the other button's function might get switched off. For example, if you map Dash to L, you'll need to manually set R back to Angle Down, because Angle Up won't be available anymore. Some speedrunners get fancy with a 'claw grip' to use the default buttons, but honestly, that sounds like a recipe for hand cramps. I've got a setup I like that works well for me, and I'll share that below.

Here's a breakdown of what each button does:

If you're curious and want to see a bunch of different control setups used by speedrunners, there's a spreadsheet you can check out at the link provided in the source.

Welcome to Super Metroid, Samus Aran's epic 16-bit adventure and, at its release, the biggest SNES game ever with a massive 24-megabit cartridge! This game offers countless hours of exploration across the planet Zebes, packed with nooks and crannies to discover. You'll find that Samus's inventory has expanded significantly since the last game, though the Spider Ball is notably absent this time. A major improvement is how beam weapons now stack, and you can freely switch them on and off, meaning no more backtracking to re-acquire a beam you previously had. Get ready for upgraded Morph Ball and Bomb abilities, new suits, better visors, and a powerful grappling item!

Even decades after its release, players are still finding new ways to master Super Metroid. The planet Zebes is larger than ever, with a grand, interconnected map that will test your skills and equipment. While familiar locations like Brinstar and Norfair return, alongside iconic bosses Kraid and Ridley, you'll also explore entirely new areas. The game is designed so that most of it can be tackled out of order without breaking, which is a huge part of what makes speedrunning this title so much fun. Super Metroid was a pivotal moment for the franchise, laying the foundation for many elements seen in future installments.

The Power Suit is an advanced Chozo exoskeleton modified for Samus Aran, allowing for modular additions of new equipment. This section covers items found on Zebes that are not weapons.

Suit Upgrades
Armor Enhancements increase defensive capabilities, mobility, and reduce damage.

• VARIA SUIT — Reduces damage by 50% and allows survival in Norfair's heat.
• GRAVITY SUIT — Further reduces damage by an extra 25%, allows unhindered movement in water and regular lava. Does not protect against boiling lava in Lower Norfair and Tourian.

Boot Upgrades
These Chozo upgrades greatly enhance mobility.

• HI-JUMP BOOTS — Adds a thruster to dramatically increase jumping height.
• SPACE JUMP — Adds specialized thrusters allowing continuous spin jumps in the air for sustained airborne travel.
• SPEED BOOSTER — Allows running at high speed, blazing through enemies and obstacles. Can hold a charge to fly through the air at incredible speed. Causes 500 damage on contact.

Miscellaneous Upgrades
Ancillary Chozo upgrades augment Power Suit capabilities.

• MORPHING BALL — Transforms the Suit into a compact, mobile sphere. Activate by pressing Down twice.
• BOMB — Default weapon for the Morph Ball (Y Button). Up to three can be held unless using Charge Beam for Bomb Spread. Can destroy certain structures and propel the Morph Ball. Deals 60 damage per Bomb; 300 total for Bomb Spread.
• SPRING BALL — Adds jumping capability to the Morph Ball. Press B to jump, hold to bounce.
• SCREW ATTACK — Transforms the spin jump into a destructive energy buzzsaw. Can be combined with Space Jump for an unstoppable spinning force. Deals 2000 damage on contact.
• GRAPPLING BEAM — Allows swinging from special [+]-shaped icons or certain enemies. Press Y to fire at an icon to connect. Some Grapple Points are damaged and crumble. Deals 50 damage per hit.
• X-RAY SCOPE — Reveals hidden passageways, block types, and structural anomalies.

Energy Upgrades
Health reserves that ensure continued survival.

• ENERGY TANK — 14 found throughout the environment, increasing Suit energy by 100 units each. Can be recharged at refill stations or the Ship.
• RESERVE TANK — Four specialized emergency energy reserves. Can be set to automatic or manual use and must be manually filled.