METAL SLUG Ultimate Collection is heading to Xbox, assembling 10 selected entries from the series’ arcade, home-console, and handheld history. The newly announced compilation is already available to wishlist through the Xbox Store.
Its biggest draw is more unusual than another round of familiar releases: the collection includes an arcade location-test build used for public testing during development but never officially released. This version will now be playable on a home console for the first time, giving the package a meaningful archival component beyond simply gathering existing games.
The collection also introduces a substantial set of support options. Players can adjust button layouts, rapid-fire speed, difficulty, and time settings, while infinite weapon ammo and mission selection provide more direct control over how each game is approached. Rewind and quick save/load functionality should also make repeated attempts less punishing.
Competitive and supplementary features go further. Score and clear-time rankings are included alongside replay functionality, while a visual gallery and sound player cover material outside the missions themselves. Combat School Mode features instructor conversations that change according to mission performance, adding responsive feedback to its training structure.
Not every listed feature or mode will be available across every game, so the exact functionality will vary by title. The names of the 10 selected releases have not yet been provided, making the unreleased location-test build the clearest distinguishing feature at announcement.
The timing fits neatly: METAL SLUG debuted in arcades in 1996, making 2026 the series’ 30th anniversary. A release date and price have not been announced, but Xbox players can wishlist METAL SLUG Ultimate Collection now while awaiting the full game lineup.
Official link: news.xbox.com
