Game Boy Advance Games That Need to be on Nintendo Switch Online

Well folks, they finally did it. Nintendo found a way to make the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pass worth a damn. How? By finally adding Game boy Advance games to the service. Sure Nintendo 64 and Mega Drive support was all fine and dandy, but having GBA games? Now we’re talking.

If you can’t tell, I’m very excited for this. The Game Boy Advance is my favourite handheld gaming system of all time. I love the Switch, the DS systems were great, and I even have a soft spot for the PSP, but there’s something magical about the GBA that I just can’t fully describe.

At a time when the industry was moving more and more towards 3D, the GBA offered one of the last bastions of classic 2D gaming you could get. I would emphatically argue that the modern retro gaming movement we see today owes a large part of its existence to the GBA keeping that old school gaming spirit alive.

I mean the system was like a mini–Super Nintendo you could carry around with you for Christs sake. Although it was a lot more than that. Honestly some of the stuff the GBA was capable of is outstanding. Tech savvy developers were even able to make full 3D games with this thing. It was a powerhouse in the right hands.

And, of course, it had a ton of fantastic software. Which is the subject of today. I’m going to list a whole bunch of games that should be added to the GBA service on Nintendo Switch Online. Because the GBA is finally getting some overdue love and I will not let it go to waste.

There are a lot of games for the Game Boy Advance to pick from. From platformers to strategy, from RPG’s and puzzlers, the GBA library is a vast a varied beast. So for this list we’re to have a range of different titles from various genres. Some will be pretty obvious, others more obscure.

Now it goes without saying that I can’t cover everything. There will be some games I will miss out on that you might want to see. So if you don’t see a game you want on the service on this list, please don’t get mad. I can only cover so much without the list being aggravatingly long.

We also need to set up some ground rules for what won’t be here. While this is a wish list, I also want to be realistic in what games could be added to the service. We don’t want to get too crazy after all.

First off, no Advance Wars. Those games are getting remade, and I doubt Nintendo will want to put the originals on there for fears it would eat into their bottom line. It just makes more business sense not to do it.

On the subject of remakes, a good chunk of the GBA library is consistent of many remakes and enhanced ports of Super Nintendo and NES titles. Because the Switch already has services for those systems, I won’t be considering many of those for the GBA service. Not unless they add anything substantial that makes them worth it like Super Mario Advance 4’s new levels or the like.

Third, no licenced games. I don’t think I need to explain that one since it kind of goes without saying. I’m just putting it here in case someone asks why the Dragon Ball GBA games or Astro Boy the Omega Factor isn’t on here. Though I wouldn’t mind either being added, especially Omega Factor.

I’m also not including any Japanese exclusives either. The Nintendo Switch Online service tends to keep the regions separated, and I don’t see why the GBA service would be any different. So as much as I would like to see Mother 3 or the Starfy games, they aren’t getting in. Not for the west anyway.

And finally, some GBA games are already on the Switch via certain collections. Namely the Mega Man Zero/ZX, Castlevania Advanced and the upcoming, at the time of writing, Battle Network collections. Like the Advance Wars remakes I’m going to assume these existing will put a damper on the games being added to the service, though I don’t think it’s a 100% guarantee. Just to be safe though I won’t include them.

Alright now that we got all that out of the way. Let’s talk about some Game Boy Advance games that need to be on Nintendo Switch Online.

Metroid Zero Mission

Let’s get one of the more obvious picks out of the way first. We already know that Metroid Fusion is coming to the service, so it only makes sense to add the systems second Metroid title as well. Especially given what a fan favourite it is.

For those unaware, Metroid Zero Mission is an enhanced remake of the original Metroid. Featuring updated graphics, music, and a wide array of new gameplay tweaks and upgrades including a brand-new end game section featuring Zero Suit Samus.

While the original Metroid on NES is available on the NES service already, the changes and improvements made in Zero Mission make it worth adding as well. It is considered one of the greatest remakes of all time after all.

The original is a classic, no dispute, but it’s also aged a considerable amount. A lot of the quality-of-life improvements fans are used to weren’t implemented yet. Making it a hard game to go back to. Zero Mission on the other hand is a much smoother gameplay experience that’s much more accessible to newcomers.

Because of that, I feel like adding Zero Mission is a must. With new fans being introduced to the series thanks to Dread and the Prime remaster, adding Zero Mission would allow those fans to experience Samus’ first adventure in a much more convenient way than struggling through the original.

Wario Land 4

Every Wario Land needs to be added to Switch Online at some point. Wario Land 3 at launch is a great start, but the other games in the series are all excellent games that deserve some representation. The Wario Land series is one of the most consistently brilliant platformers Nintendo ever made, and the GBA entry Wario Land 4 is no exception.

What I find funny about Wario Land 4 is what a big departure it was for the series. While previous games were slower paced and focused on exploration and puzzle solving, Wario Land 4 is a fast paced more action focused affair.

Whereas previous games had optional hidden exits and hidden collectables to find, Wario Land 4’s levels were much more linear and had a larger emphasis on platforming challenge. It still had collectables and hidden areas, but they weren’t as important to the overall design as they were for previous entries.

And yet it still feels like Wario Land. All of Wario’s abilities and forms return, and the series signature weirdness is cranked up to 11. The bosses are among the most deranged I’ve ever seen from Nintendo and the eclectic soundtrack and bizarre level themes only strengthen how off the wall the game is.

I would argue that Wario Land 4 was instrumental in creating the overall identity of the GBA. Being familiar but with an off-kilter kookiness that gives it a vibe all its own. A must for the service, along with every other Wario game.

Mario vs Donkey Kong

Mario treat the GBA right. Aside from the Mario Advance series, a set of excellent remakes of classic Mario titles, he also had a set of great spin offs for the system as well. And Super Mario Ball.

Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga is already on the service, so why don’t we add another. The only original Mario platformer on the system, Mario vs Donkey Kong. The first game in the Mario vs Donkey Kong sub-series, Mario vs Donkey Kong also acted as a spiritual sequel to Donkey Kong 94. Which was itself a reimagining of the original Donkey Kong arcade game.

Donkey Kong 94 is also a great game that needs to be added, but that’s an original Game Boy game so it isn’t relevant to this list. Mario vs Donkey Kong is though, and you don’t need to play its predecessor to fully enjoy it.

Unlike the main series, Mario vs Donkey Kong is a puzzle platformer. It’s more about carefully navigating your way through mazel like level using whatever items the game throws at you to make it to the exit.

It’s slower paced than a traditional Mario platformer with a more deliberate, less fluid control style. That said, the move set is impressive. The game takes full advantage of Mario’s agility letting you do handstands, somersaults and wire swinging to get through levels.

And the level design is excellent. challenging both your brain as well as your reflexes. Later Mario vs Donkey Kong games would move away from platforming and more towards puzzles with you controlling the Mini-Mario’s instead of the main Jump-man himself. The first Mario vs Donkey felt like it struck a better balance between Mario platforming and being a puzzler.

I do like Donkey Kong 94 more, but Mario vs Donkey Kong is a great game in it’s own right. It’s one of the better Mario games on GBA, but while we’re on the subject of Mario…

Mario Golf Advance Tour & Mario Tennis Power Tour

Some may not remember this, but there was a time when Mario Sports games were actually good. Shocker I know, especially given the quality of the more recent games, but it’s true. The console games were great multiplayer games, and the handheld games were fantastic too. Though for a different reason.

See the Mario Sports games on handhelds were full blown sports RPGs. They had full story modes with original characters, stats to level up and everything. They were built as more of a single player experience. They still had a multiplayer component, but you had to use a link cable for that, and let’s be honest did anyone ever play multiplayer on Nintendo handhelds? Besides Pokémon.

Sports RPGs sounds like a weird combination, but it works a lot better than you would think. Adding a layer of depth and customisation you don’t see in genre while not taking away from the pickup and play nature that makes them so appealing.

What’s funny is, despite Mario being in the titles he doesn’t have a major presence in the games. They mainly focus on their original characters with Mario and co only appearing at the very end. They’re more like original sports games they slapped Mario onto.

But Mario or not, these are still great games. Plus, with the online multiplayer feature, we can finally play the multiplayer without having to worry about link cables or everyone owning a copy. That alone makes them worth adding to the service.

That way we’ll get the complete package of fun multiplayer with an extensive single player campaign. You know, the exact opposite of the recent Mario Sports games.

Pokémon

Pokémon is one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises and it’s appeared on every one of their handhelds since the first model of the Game Boy. So of course, we need some Pokémon on the service, and there are plenty to pick from.

We of course got the gen 3 games, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, which are the most likely to be added. They were built from the ground up for the system after all. When you think of Pokémon on GBA, these are usually the titles people are thinking of.

Those weren’t the only Pokémon for the system. There was also the Red and Green remakes, Pokémon pinball, and the first Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game, but given they have a remake of that on Switch already I doubt we’ll see that.

Any Pokémon game on GBA would be a nice addition. The only one I’m not 100% sure about, aside from Mystery Dungeon, is Fire Red and Leaf Green. Solely because I think they’ll prioritise the originals because of nostalgic reasons. Even though the remakes are objectively better in every way.

Not much else to add. It’s Pokémon, it’s a guarantee that we’re going to see it at some point. It would be dumb of them not to add it.

Sonic Advance Trilogy

Before Mania, Generation and, God help us all, Sonic 4, the Advance trilogy was the last bastion of classic 2D Sonic platforming. Albeit with a lot of the flashier elements that defined the Adventure era. A perfect mix of old school gameplay and modern styl.

Each game also introduced something new. The first was a true throwback to the classics only with expanded move sets for each character, Advance 2 was more focused on high-speed action, more so than usual anyway, and Advance 3 introduced the partner mechanic which allowed you to combine character abilities together for different effects.

While not as good as the classic games, they each have their own faults that hold them back, I still really like the Sonic Advance game. A lot of Sonic fans do. They would be great additions to the service, but they aren’t the only Sonic games I would add.

Sonic Battle

Sonic Battle, if the name didn’t give it away, is a Sonic fighting game. Though unlike Sonic the Fighters which was just Virtua Fighter with Sonic characters, this was an arena fighting game with some unique mechanics. The main one being that every character had 3 special moves you could set as the ground and air specials between rounds.

As a fighting game it isn’t half bad. it’s not the deepest fighter or anything, but I still enjoy it. There’s even a pretty robust and lengthy story mode, though it devolves into grinding a lot and the AI is brain dead which makes it boring to play.

That was the game’s biggest issue. It wasn’t much fun in single player. You had to play it in multiplayer to get the most out of it, except it was a GBA game so good luck with that.

That’s why I think it should be added to the service. It would give us a more convenient way to play this game the way it was intended, with other people. It might give the game a bigger following. I’m not expecting it to develop a tournament scene, but people might appreciate the game more if they could play with real people and not the stupid AI.

And given one of the big draws to the service is the online play, this would be a good game to take advantage of that. I mean the only one we have right now is Mario Kart Super Circuit. And be honest, do you really think people will play that over 8? Though if you want more kart racing action…

Konami Krazy Racers

Released as a GBA launch title, Konami Krazy Racers is exactly what it sounds like, it’s a kart racer like Mario Kart only with Konami characters. Instead of Mario you have Goemon, instead of Bowser you have Dracula, instead of Peach you have the girl from Twinbee, and instead of Wario you have… the Moai Head from Gradius? Ok.

It’s a pretty standard kart racer, but it isn’t half bad. it’s got plenty of tracks, unlockable characters, the soundtrack is really good, and it even has some fun bonus games to play. It also doesn’t have the same item balancing as Mario Kart so you aren’t stuck with crappy weapons if you’re in first place.

I like Krazy Racers a lot. I got my copy when I first got my GBA, and I remember enjoying despite not being a big fan of kart racers at the time. Honestly, I like it more than Mario Kart Super Circuit. I think it controls way better with less slippery turning.

The drifting still isn’t great, but it has less emphasis on that which I think works better for a lot of these earlier Kart racers. It’s more focused on speed and dodging obstacles. The items also aren’t as interesting, but they do feel more balanced which makes the races feel more skill based.

It is still a kart racer though. There’s still rubber-banding bullshit to deal with, and the track design isn’t the most interesting I’ve seen, but it’s still a decent entry in the genre. Plus it’s a Konami game so the soundtrack slaps.

I think this would be a great addition to the service. I mean we need some other racers than Mario Kart and F-Zero. And really, who wouldn’t want to play a game where a cyborg ninja races against a space octopus, a baseball player and a Moai Head?

Double Dragon Advance

We’ve had some pretty safe picks so far, so let’s start digging a bit deeper into the library. Double Dragon Advance was a remake of the original arcade game, and what a remake it was. Better visuals, more refined gameplay with better controls, more story content and game modes.

I’m not a huge Double Dragon fan. I’ve always found it a bit stiff and unintuitive compared to Final Fight and beat-em-ups that came after. But Double Dragon Advance? I like this a lot more.

The control is so much better thanks to having more buttons to work with, and the combat is much smoother than the original. This is one of the best remakes I’ve ever played. I’m shocked it doesn’t get more attention, especially given the series pedigree.

The only downside was it was hard to play in co-op because, well I think you know by now. If only we could release it on a service that fixes that issue… hey wait a minute.

This needs to be added. It would basically make it perfect. I don’t know if it will get added given the rights to Double Dragon are a hot mess, but if they can get it on here, they should. Especially since there aren’t many great original beat-em-ups for the console.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Final Fantasy had a lot of releases on the GBA. Sadly, most of them were remakes, and while many of them had extra features not found in other versions, I’m not sure if Square-Enix will allow them on. Especially with the pixel remasters coming to the console soon.

But there’s one Final Fantasy that was made exclusively for the system that I can see them adding, Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. A sequel to the original Tactics, Tactics Advance is a great strategy game that gives Fire Emblem a run for its money.

Deep tactical combat, a ton of customisation options with the job system, tons of missions to do, it’s a robust package. It also has, in my opinion, one of the most engaging stories in the entire series. it’s a tale of a bunch of kids who don’t fit in anywhere that get sucked into a book where they can live out their fantasies of being great heroes.

Sounds like a typical Isekai, but it’s an Isekai with a point. it’s about the dangers of escapism and how you should never run away from your problems and face them head on. That’s an interesting plot to have for a videogame, it’s basically using escapist media to critique escapism.

That could have easily gone horribly wrong, but Tactics Advance is careful not to get too preachy. It’s not saying that escapism is evil, just pointing out a negative aspect to it. I could go on about the story for ages, but I’ll save that for another time.

This is also the game that made the Ivalice setting. It had appeared in previous games, but Tactics Advance was where all the different races associated with the setting were introduced. So, if you liked Final Fantasy 12 and want to see where a lot of the setting came from, this is worth checking out.

Tactics Advance is one of my favourite games on the console. People are lamenting that Fire Emblem Binding Blade is stuck on the Japan service, but this would be an excellent alternative for them.

While I was writing this there was a rumour of a potential Final Fantasy Tactics remake in the works. If this is true then releasing Tactics Advance would also be a good way to promote that titles release. Both games are different enough that I can’t see one eating into the sales of another. I just want to play Final Fantasy Tactics on modern consoles dude, it’s been too long since we last saw it.

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Let’s scratch another obvious pick off. We already know the first Golden Sun is coming to the service, so we might as well add the sequel. Especially since both games were always meant to be a duology.

They both tell one whole story between them so it only makes sense to have them both. Not only would you be missing out on half the plot if they didn’t, but you’d also miss what makes it an interesting duology.

See the main protagonist of Lost Age is an antagonist in the first Golden Sun. So, you actually get to see the events from a different perspective. It was an interesting way to tell the story. The fact that it continued the great gameplay only sweetened the deal.

I don’t have much more to say. If you’re going to have one Golden Sun, you can’t ignore the other one.

Gunstar Future Heroes

Most people have heard of Gunstar Heroes. How could they not, it’s been ported enough times. The fun run and gun shooter by Treasure is considered one of the best on the Mega Drive, as well as one of the best run-and-gun games of all time.

But very people talk about its follow up, Gunstar Future Heroes, or Super Heroes depending on your region. Which is a shame because it’s damn good. It got praise by every media publication at the time as one of the best action games on the GBA and it’s well deserved.

It’s got all the fast-paced action and creative level themes the original is known for. As a follow-up to the first game, it’s great. Note that I said follow-up and not sequel. That’s because Future Heroes is more of a reimagining than a full-blown sequel.

I mean it is a sequel since it takes place after the first game, but the story itself acts more like a retelling of the first game. Also, the level themes and ideas are reused from the first game. I suppose it’s a bit like Evil Dead 2 in that it’s a sequel and a remake at the same time. It’s a weird game.

But whatever it is it’s still a great time. The only flaws it has are the ability to combine weapons from the first game is gone and the lack of co-op. But the game does still have a fun weapon swap mechanic and 2 playable characters with different weapons, so I think it balances out.

It’s also hard, really hard. On the small GBA screen it can get so chaotic you can’t keep track of everything. Something which could improve with the bigger screen on the Switch. This would be an excellent addition for fans of super challenging action games. It’s not Astro Boy the Omega Factor, but it’s a fine alternative.

Chu-Chu Rocket

We’ve had a lot of action so far, so let’s switch things up with a puzzler. Originally released for the Dreamcast, Chu-Chu was ported to the GBA as a launch title. And honestly, I think it worked better as a GBA game.

The game is all about using directional panels to guide a group of alien mice called Chu-Chu’s to Rocket ships while avoiding cat monsters. An odd premise, but a great puzzle game. It’s one of those puzzlers that’s easy to understand but gets really challenging the deeper you get into it.

It also had a mode that let you make your own puzzles and share them with friends. That would work so well with Switch Online.

This game is classic 2000’s Sega fun. It’s also got a lot of the Y2K aesthetic that we seriously did not get enough of back then. I think this would be a wonderful addition. Puzzle games like this are just perfectly suitable for handheld play.

Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo Revival

One of the many, many, many versions of Street Fighter 2. Turbo Revival was the one released for the GBA, and it is an interesting version. While gameplay wise it’s the same, it has new artwork, new endings, and even all new backgrounds.

And this isn’t like HD Remix where the backgrounds are the same as the original but updated. These are brand new backgrounds made exclusively for this version of the game. You might think this wouldn’t be enough to warrant it being added, especially given how many versions of Street Fighter 2 are already on Switch, but I disagree.

I mean for God’s sake, if Sega can release a billion versions of Sonic 2 on Switch I don’t see why Capcom can’t do it for Street Fighter 2. Plus, this is still a unique version of the game that deserves some representation.

I mean it’s Street Fighter 2, you can’t really go wrong with it. No matter what version it is. But if we are adding Street Fighter to the GBA service…

Street Fighter Alpha 3

Yeah, why not. Let’s add Alpha 3 as well why don’t we. Alpha 3 is already a fantastic fighter, and the GBA version is a ridiculously impressive port.

Despite the graphical downgrade, it still looks great. Honestly, it’s a graphical showpiece for the hardware. The fact they were able to make it look as close as they did to the arcade, while still making it run as good as it does, is a technical achievement that deserves recognition.

Not only that, but it also actually has more content than the Arcade. It is missing a few stages and voices, but all the characters from the Arcade and Console versions are present, and they added even more with Eagle, Maki and Yun. They didn’t need to do that, but the fact they went the extra mile shows how much love when into it.

You can still play the Arcade version on Switch, but the GBA version is such an impressive port I want to see it added just to give it some recognition.

Drill Dozer

Speaking of games that need more recognition. Drill Dozer is a 2D platformer developed by Game Freak. Yeah, they made more than just Pokémon for the system. Drill Dozer is a 2D platformer with an interesting gimmick.

See the original cartridge was larger than most GBA games. The reason being it contained a rumble feature. The whole game is about using a drill mech to drill through rocks and enemies with the rumble meant to emulate the feeling of holding a drill.

It’s a pretty cool idea that helps it stand out. I actually own a physical copy of it. I found it when I went to America a long time ago, and as soon as I saw the cartridge, I had to know what it was about. And I’m glad I did because it’s a bit of an underrated gem.

They use the drill mechanic in a lot of interesting and fun ways. There’s some fun boss fights to face off against and some very challenging platforming sequences. And given it’s a late entry in the GBA library it’s one of the best-looking games on the console.

Is it one of the best on the system? I wouldn’t go quite so far. It has some flaws with the difficulty and progression that hold it back from greatness, but it’s still an entertaining ride that needs more love than it got.

It would also be great for European gamers given the game was never released in the region. It’s also extremely rare and expensive today. I was lucky I got it when I did. Having it on Switch Online means more people would be able to play it, and that’s never a bad thing.

Ninja Cop

I’ve never actually played this game. I had heard about it in magazines at the time because it reviewed well and considered on of the GBA’s better games, but I never got to play it. But what I’ve seen it looks like a lot of fun.

It gives me vibes of the Shinobi series, and I really like that so I’m probably going to like this. Honestly, I just want to see it added so I can finally play it. it’s been on my list for years and I’d like to see what all the fuss is about. It’s a ninja game made by Hudson and Konami; it has to be good.

Plus, this game is another one that has become ridiculously expensive. It would be nice for it to be more easily available without having to resort to, ahem, less than legal methods to play them.

The Klonoa Games

If you read my review of the Phantom Reverie Series, you’ll know that I love Klonoa. To me it’s a truly underrated gem of a series that did not get the love it deserved.

The home console games are brilliant, and thanks to the Phantom Reverie Series are now readily available on modern consoles, but they weren’t the only games in the series. Klonoa had a healthy life on handheld, with 2 games released for the GBA. And shocker of shocks, they are both excellent.

Unlike the console games, these were more puzzle oriented which worked well with Klonoa’s gameplay style. They couldn’t translate the 2.5D elements, but in terms of the overall gameplay feel it played the part well.

It still felt like Klonoa, and they still had some light 3Dish elements to harken back to the series roots. They’re arguably just as good as the console games, and with those being more accessible, I don’t see why the GBA games should be.

Especially since, you guessed it, these games are rare and expensive. What happened to the retro gaming market man? You used to be able to get these at a reasonable price, now you got to sell a kidney just to buy some of these. No wonder piracy is on the rise. Not that I’m condoning that or anything.

But that’s going to be it for today. I think we got a fairly solid and diverse list of titles here. And trust me we could have kept going for an hour and still not scratched the surface of the GBA library. There are so many great games we could have added that I didn’t get to, but you have to know when to say when.

The GBA library is an untapped well of potential re-releases. There are dozens of Mega Drive, SNES and NES re-leases/compilations out there, and only a small handful for the GBA.

I’m glad Nintendo is giving it more love, but they need to keep up with the support. I don’t want to see them leave the GBA floundering like they did with the Wii-U Virtual Console. Then again this is Nintendo we’re talking about, so I’m not getting my hopes too high.