The early 2023 Nintendo Direct showcase unveiled new Nintendo Switch games and came with another surprise announcement. During the event, it was revealed that Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games are coming to Nintendo Switch Online, the console's paid membership service. Given the wealth of video game history created during the Game Boy era, it's incredible to see these games get a second chance - possibly with a new audience who may never have experienced them.
Only a few Game Boy Advanced games have been added to the online service, including Mario Kart: Super Circuit and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap - there's seemingly no limit to the number of games that might be released in the future. From childhood must-haves like Yoshi's Island to the classic farming sim that started it all - Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town - there are a ton of Gameboy Advance games that fans would love to see added to Nintendo Switch Online.
Golden Sun & Golden Sun: The Lost Age
The Golden Sun franchise received an almost decade-long run of new games, but there's also been a nearly decade-long lull since a new title was announced. With seemingly no future content on the horizon, it's the perfect time for players to experience Golden Sun and its sequel Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Although the games are over two decades old, they laid the foundations for the modern RPGs released today.
Both fantasy role-playing games received critical praise when released, frequently referred to as two of the best games of all time and two of the best games released for the Game Boy Advance. The games are centered around Issac and a group of heroes who embark on a journey through the magical land of Weyard to thwart a plan to release a mysterious power into the world. Since it's recommended to play Golden Sun and The Lost Age back-to-back, having both available on Switch would be game-changing.
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade & Sacred Stones
The Fire Emblem franchise is now arguably one of the most popular franchises of all time. Although, many fans might have missed out on playing the games that brought Fire Emblem to the west, igniting its international popularity. The Blazing Blade took characters into the world of Elibe, putting players in the shoes of a tactician guiding a group of lords on a quest to protect the stability of their homeland. While Blazing Blade has been confirmed as a 2023 addition to Nintendo Switch Online, its sequel shouldn't be forgotten.
Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is the popular follow-up to Blazing Blade but centered around an entirely different storyline. The game focuses on the two members of the royal family of Renais, who set out to defeat a neighboring empire trying to conquer five rival nations. Blazing Blade and Sacred Stones include the crushing permadeath mechanic and challenging tactical stakes that have made the Fire Emblem franchise infamous.
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
The farming simulator game Stardew Valley has achieved near-universal critical acclaim and a player base in the millions. Some fans may be unaware that the Harvest Moon franchise formed the foundation of Stardew Valley and similar farming simulator games. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town was the first game released as part of the Story of Seasons collection and was centered around a young farmer as he works to make a profit. While the game is arguably much more challenging than recently released farming sims, Friends of Mineral Town is a great pick for players who want to experience the genre's history in its original form.
Pokémon Ruby, Emerald, and Sapphire
Any collection of Game Boy Advance games wouldn't be complete without the trilogy of games that are the definite bestsellers for the console. The Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire versions were released together, introducing many of the gameplay mechanics seen in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Double battles, Pokémon abilities, Pokémon contests, more robust trading abilities, and over one hundred new Pokémon were added to the game. Pokémon Emerald was the third and last Pokémon game released for the Game Boy Advance but features Pokémon not seen in Ruby and Sapphire. All three games could be added to the Nintendo Switch Online service as a trilogy, offering ease of access for fans.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
While three different Castlevania games were released for the Game Boy Advance, the third and final installment might have been the most popular. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow features the classic 2D-side scrolling gameplay that now defines the franchise and is centered around the journey of a teenager named Soma as he fights to prove he is worthy of being Dracula's vessel. Not only did the game earn universal acclaim, but it also introduced foundational Castlevania mechanics like the "Tactical Soul" system. The storyline in Aria of Sorrow was also refreshingly futuristic, providing a remarkable contrast compared to the more classically gothic earlier titles.
Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup
This Gameboy Advance game might have received less acclaim than the other games mentioned, but it could use the upgraded tech in the Nintendo Switch. Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup allows players to participate in Quidditch matches in a tournament and exhibition match system. While Quidditch World Cup suffered from sluggish controls, the gameplay allowed fans to experience Quidditch in a sports-game format, focusing on the game's rules and different stages of the Hogwarts Quidditch tournament. Players could even face off against Victor Krum and other notable characters. Given that Hogwarts Legacy does not include Quidditch as gameplay, Quidditch World Cup could fill the void.
Yoshi's Island
Yoshi's Island was released initially for the SNES but became more easily playable and accessible after its release on the Game Boy Advance. Many Nintendo fans are familiar with the friendly dinosaur, who has arguably become one of the most popular video game characters ever created. Yoshi's Island is centered around side-scrolling platformer gameplay, as Yoshi works to return baby Mario to Luigi. Yoshi'sIsland was not only the first Nintendo game featuring Yoshi as the main character but is also regarded by some as one of the greatest video games of all time. Fans of Yoshi's Crafted World might get a kick out of playing the game's retro ancestor.