In every Metroid game, after all the power-ups are acquired, when do you go and get all the E-tanks and missile expansions?

I personally do it before or after the second to last boss (usually) when I have 99% of the mandatory upgrades are acquired. Now what about you? :samus:

I do most of the item hunting while playing the game. MP2 was really easy, I got 100% my first time through the game, and on MP3 I finished with ~78% then went to get the last 22 or so. I tend to get as much as I can my first time through, then go back after finishing the game.

I get some items on my way through the game if they are close. I usually try to get as many items as fast as I can. Then see if I can get more items faster.

I try to skim it with whatever I find playing through the game and go back to hunt for them before the final boss battles.

I play casually, and not worry about them that much. Then I beat the game. Start New Game, harder difficulty (if possible) and start going after them.