The dream of playing Game Boy Advanced games on Switch has finally been made a reality via the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pass subscription service. At release, the service only offered 6 games but like the other console apps on the system, the library of available games will steadily increase over time.
The Game Boy Advance is known for having some legendary RPGs and the promised inclusion of the fan-favorite RPG Golden Sun gives many fans hope that the app will add more classic RPGs in the near future. The Switch's portable nature makes it a perfect fit for playing these RPGs on the go, and docked mode will allow players to experience these games on a TV screen for the first time ever.
10 Phantasy Star Collection
Phantasy Star is an RPG series created by Sega that debuted on the Sega Master System. The series has a science fantasy setting that combines elements of science fiction and fantasy together. This gives the Phantasy Star series a unique identity and is one of the contributing factors behind the series' continued success.
Phantasy Star Collection for the Game Boy Advance is a collection of the first 3 Phantasy Star games. Each game in this collection maintains the look and feel of its original release, with minor adjustments made to the graphics to better accommodate the Game Boy Advance's smaller screen. This collection is a great choice for players looking to experience the origins of this popular RPG series.
9 Final Fantasy 1 & 2: Dawn of Souls
Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls is a remake of the first two Final Fantasy games that feature updated visuals to match the Game Boy Advance's 32-bit hardware. For many gamers, the Final Fantasy series likely needs no introduction, but the first two games in the series have elements in them that will likely catch new players by surprise, so they are definitely still worth checking out today.
It is safe to assume that there are still plenty of RPG fans who have yet to see where this popular RPG series from Square started. Final Fantasy I & II: Dawn of Souls' inclusion on the Nintendo Switch Online service would make these two legendary games easily accessible to fans of the series who previously had no way of experiencing them.
8 Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Dawn of Souls isn't the only Final Fantasy game available on the GBA. While most Final Fantasy games on the GBA are advanced ports of the earlier games, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance stands out from the rest by being a kind of sequel to Final Fantasy Tactics on the PlayStation.
The Tactics series has a slightly different art style from the main series, especially when compared to entries past Final Fantasy 6. The series uses a new combat system that is heavily focused on unit positioning. This game is an excellent choice for fans of the Final Fantasy series who are looking for something a bit different.
7 Dragon Ball Z Buu's Fury
Dragon Ball Z Buu's Fury the third game in the Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku series. Despite being the third game in the series, it's perfectly playable for people who haven't played the previous games. It is probably best to be somewhat familiar with Dragon Ball Z prior to playing this one, but the game does a pretty good job of introducing new players to the world and story.
This game features multiple playable characters and plenty of action RPG goodness. This game is a great choice for ARPG fans and Dragon Ball fans alike.
6 Sword Of Mana
Sword of Mana is a remake of the first game in the Mana series by Square Enix. Unlike some of the other remakes/ports of RPGs found on the GBA, Sword of Mana features new gameplay mechanics and an expanded plot. The game doesn't completely disregard the original game's mechanics.
Some elements have been incorporated into the game's new battle mechanics. This game also incorporates elements from future games in the Mana series, so it's a great choice for players looking to get into the Mana series.
5 Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories
Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories is another action RPG developed by Square Enix, only this one has a bit of a twist. Chain of Memories is the sequel to the PlayStation 2 classic Kingdom Hearts. The game's plot is more or less a retread of the first game's story with some added elements of drama and mystery.
The game's main gameplay centers around a card-based action combat system. It really is an interesting and unique system, and the top-down point of view is a nice change of pace from the PlayStation game. This game is an excellent choice for fans of simple card games and ARPGs.
4 Pokemon Fire Red And Leaf Green
Pokemon FireRed and Leaf Green are remakes of the first generation of Pokemon games. They feature new sprites, an expanded story, multiple bug fixes, and even the inclusion of Pokemon up to the third generation of Pokemon. The region of Kanto is currently available to be explored in the Switch exclusive games Pokemon Lets Go: Pikachu and Eevee.
Unfortunately, those remakes lack a lot of the story elements and gameplay mechanics that Fire Red and Leaf Green brought to the table. These games would make for an excellent seating point for any players who are looking to get into the series but aren't willing to spend full price on the latest games.
3 Tactics Ogre: The Knight Of Lodis
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis is a tactical RPG developed by Quest Corporation and published by the legendary Persona publisher Atlus. The game is both a spin-off of the Tactics Ogre series and a prequel to the Ogre Battle series.
The game's combat mechanics are fairly similar to the Fire Emblem games, due to its use of grid-based combat fields and a focus on character classes and stats. The game was praised on release for its graphics, story, music, and gameplay. Adding this game to the list would give players another fantastic tactical RPG.
2 Pokemon Emerald
Pokemon Emerald is the third version of the third generation of Pokemon games. Emerald combines the best elements from Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire to make for the definitive generation two experience on GBA. Emerald also includes added story and gameplay content like legendary Pokemon and the Battle Frontier.
Out of all the Pokemon games that are available on Game Boy Advance, Emerald is the one that deserves to be included in this Switch online service the most. Generation 3 technically got a remake on the 3DS with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, but those games lacked a lot of the content introduced in Pokemon Emerald. Adding Emeraldto GBA online would allow many new fans of the series to play the definitive Generation 3 experience on modern hardware.
1 Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is an action RPG developed and published by Konami. This is the third Castlevania game released for the GBA, but it's by far the most popular. The game isn't your typical side-scrolling platformer, like most of the other entries in the series at the time. It takes heavy influence from the success of the previous game Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.
The game is categorized as a metroidvania and helped popularize the term alongside its predecessor Symphony of the Night. This gameplay style sees the player platforming through a maze-like location, collecting items, killing monsters, gaining experience, and obtaining new powers/abilities.
The game is currently available as a part of the Castlevania Advanced Collection on Nintendo Switch, but adding it to the paid expansion pass service would give many more people a chance to try it out, which would hopefully lead to more players picking up other games like it.