So, you’re looking for a Samus Aran action figure. Maybe you just finished Metroid Prime 4: Beyond on your Switch 2 and realized your desk looks depressingly empty without a 6-inch bounty hunter. Or maybe you're a long-time fan who’s finally ready to drop the cash on something better than a dusty Amiibo.
Honestly, it’s a minefield out there. You’ve got everything from $20 retail toys that look kinda "meh" to $300 diecast masterpieces that could probably survive a literal space pirate raid.
Finding the right one isn't just about clicking "buy." It’s about knowing which era of Samus you actually like and how much you're willing to pay for joints that don't snap the second you try a dynamic pose.
The Figma Problem: Why Everyone Wants One
If you talk to any serious collector, they’re going to point you toward the Figma line by Good Smile Company. These are basically the gold standard. They’re smooth. They’re incredibly poseable. They actually look like the in-game models.
But here’s the kicker: they sell out almost immediately.
Take the Metroid Dread version (Figma 583), for example. It came with the Omega Cannon and even a "Spider Magnet" base so you could literally stick Samus to your wall. It’s a brilliant piece of engineering. But because it was an online exclusive for a while, the secondary market prices are just stupid right now. You’re looking at $200 plus shipping if you didn't grab the 2024 or 2025 reissues.
Good news if you're reading this in early 2026, though. Good Smile just announced they’re bringing back the Metroid: Other M figures—both the Varia Suit and the Zero Suit versions. They’re slated for a 2026 release.
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Yeah, Other M is the "black sheep" of the games, but the figure design is sleek. It’s got that classic "thumbs up" hand that every Metroid fan needs. If you’ve been priced out of the Prime 3 version, which regularly hits $250 on eBay, these re-releases are basically your best shot at a high-end Samus without eating ramen for a month.
Chogokin: The New Heavyweight Champion
For the longest time, Figma was the only "premium" choice. That changed recently.
With the release of Metroid Prime 4: Beyond in December 2025, Bandai Spirits decided to jump in with their DX Chogokin Samus Aran. This thing is a beast. We’re talking 21cm tall—that’s over 8 inches—and it’s packed with diecast metal.
Why the Chogokin is different:
- The Weight: It uses metal in the joints and frame. It feels like a real piece of hardware, not just a plastic toy.
- The Lights: It actually glows. The Varia Suit's visor and the psychic crystal on her forehead (from the Viewros mission) light up.
- The Cost: It’s around 30,800 yen (roughly $190-$200).
- The Gimmicks: The arm cannon actually opens up for missile mode.
Is it worth twice the price of a Figma? Kinda depends on if you want a "toy" or a "display piece." The Chogokin is sturdy. It’s meant to stand there and look intimidating. The Figma is meant to be messed with.
What Most People Get Wrong About Scale
One thing that trips up new collectors is the scale. Samus is canonically 6’3” (around 190 cm) in her suit.
If you buy a World of Nintendo figure from Jakks Pacific, it might be 4 inches. If you buy a Figma, it’s closer to 6 inches. If you buy the new Chogokin, it’s 8 inches.
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Mixing these on a shelf looks weird. It looks like Samus is shrinking and growing as she moves across your display. If you want a consistent collection, stick to the 1/12 scale (roughly 6 inches). This is where the Figma and most high-end imports live.
If you’re on a budget, Jakks Pacific released a "Bounty Hunter Set" in 2025 that’s actually pretty decent for the price. It’s smaller, sure, but it’s affordable. Just don't expect the paint job to win any awards. The "metallic" orange they use often looks more like "sparkly carrot," which might not be the vibe you're going for.
The Holy Grails of Metroid Collecting
If you have a truly ridiculous amount of money, you start looking at First 4 Figures. These aren't really action figures—they're statues. No joints. No posing. Just massive, heavy polystone.
The Metroid Prime 2: Echoes Light Suit statue is legendary. It’s also nearly impossible to find for under $1,000 these days. Collectors treat these like fine art.
Then there’s the JoyRide Studios Samus from the early 2000s. It’s clunky. The articulation is terrible by modern standards. But for a certain generation of fans, it’s the original. It has that "retro" charm that makes people pay $300 for a boxed copy even though the Figma is objectively a better toy.
How to Avoid Getting Scammed
Because these figures are so expensive, the market is flooded with bootlegs. You’ll see them on sites like AliExpress or shady eBay listings for $30 when the real one is $150.
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How to spot a fake:
- The Box: Official Good Smile/Figma boxes have a shiny holographic sticker. If the box looks blurry or the colors are "off," walk away.
- The Face: If you’re buying a Zero Suit Samus, look at the eyes. Bootlegs usually have "lazy eyes" or paint that looks like it was applied with a toothpick.
- The Joints: Real Figmas have "Figma" engraved on the joint pegs. Fakes are usually loose and feel like they’re made of cheap, gummy plastic.
The Best Way to Start Your Collection
If you're just starting, honestly, don't go chasing the rare Prime 3 Figma right away. You'll overpay.
Instead, look at the Metroid Dread Figma re-runs or pre-order the 2026 Other M re-releases. They’re at the "MSRP" price, which is usually around $70-$90 depending on the retailer.
If you want the absolute best version of Samus ever made, and you have the budget, the DX Chogokin is the one to beat. It’s the first time we’ve seen Samus get the high-end metal treatment, and it fits the "armored" feel of the character perfectly.
Your Next Steps:
- Check Japanese Retailers: Sites like AmiAmi or HobbyLink Japan often have better prices than US-based shops, even with shipping.
- Join a Community: Groups like r/Metroid or r/ActionFigures are great for tracking when "pre-order windows" open. In the figure world, if you aren't early, you're paying the "late tax" to a scalper.
- Measure Your Shelf: Seriously. The Chogokin is taller than you think. Make sure you actually have the vertical clearance before you drop $200.