The Best Game Boy Advance Games On Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked

Posted by By our-little-miss-is-home February 27, 2025 9 Views 28 Min Read
The Best Game Boy Advance Games On Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked
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Summary

  • The Nintendo Switch combines both home and handheld consoles, allowing for gaming almost anywhere and access to classic titles from previous Nintendo consoles.
  • Kuru Kuru Kururin and Kirby & The Amazing Mirror are enjoyable games with unique gameplay mechanics and multiplayer options.
  • Super Mario Advance series and Fire Emblem offer fantastic gameplay experiences, while The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is a must-play for fans of the series.

Around the late ’80s, Nintendo found itself dominating both the home and handheld console markets after launching the NES and Game Boy within a few years of each other. Nintendo continued to develop new hardware for home entertainment and portable gaming until 2017, when it fused both concepts together to create a hybrid console you may have heard of, the Nintendo Switch.

Best Handheld Feature Image with the Neo Geo Color, Nintendo Switch, and Gameboy

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The Nintendo Switch allows you to play games almost anywhere, including classic titles from previous Nintendo consoles. If you subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can even play certain Game Boy Advance games on the console, and each one is worth checking out.

Updated on February 18, 2025, by Kyle Chamaillard: With the recent arrival of Wario Land 4, we’ve decided to update this article to see where it ranks against the other Game Boy Advance games on Nintendo Switch Online.

24

Densetsu No Stafy

Starfy soars over a group of hills on a sunny day.
mixcollage-08-feb-2025-09-02-am-6222.jpg

Released

September 6, 2002

Developer

Tose

Publisher(s)

Nintendo

While most people will recognize Starfy from his role as an assist trophy in Super Smash Bros., the bright mascot starred in a trilogy of games for the Game Boy Advance that was never available outside of Japan until now. If you enjoy simple and aesthetically pleasing platformers, the Starfy games are definitely worth checking out.

The first game in the series does an excellent job setting the tone and introducing important characters like Moe and Old Man Lobster, but, later entries improve this formula even further. Still, Densetsu no Stafy is a pleasant platformer with more charm than difficulty.

23

Kuru Kuru Kururin

The Heliren from Kuru Kuru Kururin glides through a maze.

It doesn’t happen often, but occasionally a game that didn’t launch in North America will appear in Nintendo Switch Online’s virtual library. Kuru Kuru Kururin first appeared in Europe and Japan in 2001. Your main goal is to maneuver a spinning stick – known as the Heliren – through a series of mazes without touching the walls or obstacles.

Kuru Kuru Kururin may not be the most popular puzzle game, but the Heliren has become a recognizable mascot after appearing as an assist trophy in the Super Smash Bros. series multiple times. If you enjoy playing relaxing puzzle games before bed or during breaks, Kuru Kuru Kururin’s bite-sized stages aren’t too complicated and are unlike anything else on Nintendo Switch Online.

22

Densetsu No Stafy 2

Starfy approaches a crab enemy in a cave.

Densetsu no Stafy 2 successfully builds upon the foundation created by the first game and includes an impressive amount of fresh content despite only coming out a year after the original. With new levels to explore and underwater friends to help, this platformer is overflowing with fun and positive vibes.

It’s a small change, but Densetsu no Stafy 2 introduces the Stuff feature, allowing you to customize Starfy with clothes you can unlock by completing mini-games and clearing levels. Collectibles can be fun, but they are even better when you can actually use them to create a unique look for the main character.

21

Densetsu No Stafy 3

Starly smiles at night while floating in front of a cloud.

Densetsu no Stafy 3 continues the story from the previous two titles and even introduces a new main character to work alongside Starfy as he faces Oguta again and tries to save the world. It might not have as many stages as the previous game, but the quality-of-life improvements help make this entry the best in the series.

There is a lot to do between the hidden collectibles and mini-games in Densetsu no Stafy 3, but the most impressive aspect of the game is its distinct personality. It was easy to compare the first couple of games to other platformers like Kirby and Yoshi, but the unique setting and tone allow this title to feel like its own entity.

20

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

A group of vehicles race each other in space.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity was the first entry in the series developed for a handheld device, and it made the transition onto the small screen perfectly. Featuring spectacular graphics and adrenaline-pumping races, Maximum Velocity is just as thrilling as other F-Zero titles and even includes multiplayer modes for up to four people.

With 20 new courses to race on and a roster of new faces to play with, it will take some time to master them all and become a famous pilot like Captain Falcon or Dr. Stewart. It’s great to have another F-Zero game on Nintendo Switch Online, but if you’re not a fan of the other games, Maximum Velocity doesn’t do anything different enough to bring in new players.

19

Kirby & The Amazing Mirror

Kirby uses his Cellphone on a level in the clouds.

Kirby rarely goes on adventures alone, often bringing companions like Waddle Dee or even enemies like King Dedede along with him to stop alien forces from destroying their planet. This trend is pushed forward in Kirby & the Amazing Mirror, the first mainline entry in the series with an emphasis on cooperative multiplayer and allowing up to four players to work together to escape the Mirror World.

Aside from the multiplayer aspect, Kirby and the Amazing Mirror changes up the series’ usual formula by introducing a Metroidvania-inspired map system that lets you tackle most stages in any order you like. There is a lot of fun to have either alone or with a couple of friends, but Amazing Mirror has a hard time stacking up to some of the other excellent Game Boy Advance Games on Nintendo Switch Online.

18

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Bowser, Peach, Yoshi, Mario, Luigi, Toad, Wario, and Donkey Kong sit on karts under a checkered flag in Mario Kart Super Circuit.

Since Super Mario Kart launched on the SNES in 1992, Nintendo has developed a new or expanded entry in the series for each of its following consoles. Mario Kart: Super Circuit was the first portable version of the popular game, and it ended up being one of the highest-selling titles on the Game Boy Advance of all time.

mario kart booster mario peach toad bowser luigi

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While a portable version of Mario Kart was a fantastic idea in 2001, Mario Kart: Super Circuit has never felt as innovative or smooth as other entries in the series. It features the same roster as Mario Kart 64, and the new maps are fun but not nearly as iconic as others. Super Circuit is worth checking out if you haven’t before, but you’re much better off playing either Super Mario Kart or Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

17

F-Zero Climax

F-Zero Climax is the last game in the series, and it was exclusive to Japan until its arrival on Nintendo Switch Online. While F-Zero struggled to garner mainstream appeal during its final lap, the games were still a blast for anyone who loved the original’s unique and complex twists to the racing genre.

Climax is easily the best-looking entry in the series, and it’s the only one with a built-in track editor that allows you to create your own courses. There is a lot to like about Climax, though its shorter tracks make races feel a bit unfair at times. It’s a great entry for anyone with a need for speed, though it doesn’t feel nearly as ambitious as other F-Zero games.

16

Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

Yellow Yoshi throws an egg at a Boo.

As Nintendo continued to port older platformers onto the handheld device, it also seems like the motivation to add new content began to wane. While games like Super Mario Bros. 2 and Super Mario World arrived on the Game Boy Advance with a plethora of extra content, the portable version of Yoshi’s Island was rather bare bones in comparison.

The original Yoshi’s Island is a fantastic platformer, and having the option to play it on the go was revolutionary when Super Mario Advance 3 shipped. But instead of receiving new modes or worlds to explore, the Game Boy Advance Version is essentially the original game with six additional levels. It’s still a blast, but it feels a bit empty compared to the other re-releases.

15

Super Mario Advance

Toad, Peach, Mario, and Luigi try to pull something out of the ground.

When the Game Boy Advance launched, it needed at least one Mario game beside it to compel audiences to upgrade their hardware. While a new title was unavailable, Nintendo ported Super Mario Bros. 2 with many new features, such as Super Mario Advance, which showcased the Game Boy Advance’s improved graphics and sound chip.

Though you’ve probably played through Super Mario Bros. 2 once or twice, the Super Mario Advance version changes things up with new enemies, such as the new boss at the end of World 3. An additional Yoshi Challenge also requires you to search for two hidden eggs in past levels without losing a life.

14

Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2

Luigi rides Yoshi through an underground tunnel.

Super Mario World is already regarded as one of the greatest games ever made, so any new version of it doesn’t need to do much to stand out or convince you to repurchase it. After the success of Super Mario Advance, Nintendo continued to bring older platformers to the Game Boy Advance with new bells and whistles to bring something new to a familiar experience.

Yoshi rides Poochy, Colorful Yoshi's stand around, Yoshi with Baby Mario on his back

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The main adventure remains the same, but some new options let you play through Super Mario World differently than ever before. Most importantly, you can choose to play as Luigi in single-player mode, and he has the same characteristics as his appearance in Super Mario Bros. 2. Even if you’ve played Super Mario World hundreds of times, playing it as Luigi is like a whole new adventure.

13

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

Peach reads a letter to Mario and Luigi in her castle in Super Mario Advance 4.

With the addition of Super Mario Advance 4 to Nintendo Switch Online, there are now three different versions of Super Mario Bros. 3 for you to play on the service. You can play the original through the NES catalog, an updated version through Super Mario All-Stars for the SNES, and an expanded version in Super Mario Advance 4. The latter includes the visual upgrades from the SNES version and over 30 extra levels, making it the definitive version of the influential title.

Aside from these new features, Super Mario Bros. 3 is still a delight to play many years later. Its iconic soundtrack, creative stage design, and tight gameplay work together to create a near-perfect experience that’s consistently exciting to play. Whether you’re playing it for the first time or the hundredth, Super Mario Bros. 3 is a delight, and the Game Boy Advance version is one of the best ways to play it.

12

F-Zero: GP Legend

GP Legend was the final F-Zero released in North America until the spin-off F-Zero 99 arrived on the Switch in 2023, but many still praise it as one of the best entries in the series. With gorgeous visuals and a blood-pumping soundtrack, it feels like an encapsulation of F-Zero’s greatest qualities, with some exciting new features that would’ve been great to see more of if the series hadn’t burned out.

Specifically, GP Legend introduces a story mode that focuses on individual characters to tell a larger narrative set in the world of high-speed races and super-tight clothing. Each mission requires you to complete objectives like defeating a certain opponent or not letting anyone pass you, which are both fun and challenging ways that allow you to strengthen your racing skills.

11

Wario Land 4

Wario Land 4 is an underrated and hilarious platformer that blends satisfying gameplay with creative level design to create an unforgettable adventure. When the antihero discovers a secret pyramid full of treasure, he quickly finds himself trapped inside of it and must collect jewels and defeat bosses to ensure his escape.

Once you clear the tutorial, you can tackle the game’s four unique worlds in any order you like. Each area has four colorful levels that require you to use Wario’s unique attacks and special transformation abilities to solve puzzles and uncover secrets. Wario Land 4 is often praised as the best game in the series, and its spectacular mechanics and design have influenced modern indie games like Pizza Tower.

10

WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!

Wario prepares to hit a punching bag in WarioWare Inc.

It’s hard to believe that Mario’s longtime rival would become the star of his own series, but Wario has greedily found a way to do it twice. After his turn as an anti-hero in the Wario Land titles for the Game Boy and Game Boy Color, the character begins his career in game development with the intent of creating as many Microgames as possible to net as much revenue as he can.

Wario and Mario shake hands, Wario sits at a table, Wario eats a hot dog

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It’s the same strategy that led Atari to the video game crash of 1983, but WarioWare excels by having over 200 Microgames that are each fun and challenging to play. Not only does the first WarioWare introduce this unique and hilarious concept, but it also presents a colorful cast of likable characters that Wario ropes along in his schemes. WarioWare has always been one of the best titles on the Game Boy Advance, and it’s the perfect game to play if you need to kill some time.

9

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team

A Charmander, Meowth, Cyndaquil, and Torchic stand in a cave with scary shadows inside of it in Pokemon Red Mystery Dungeon.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is a clever crossover between the world of Pocket Monsters and mechanics from the popular Mystery Dungeon series. This roguelike follows a human who wakes up one morning as a Pokemon and must face randomly generated dungeons with the help of their partner to uncover the truth and save the day.

Despite being remade as Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX for the Nintendo Switch in 2020, the original version of the game still has a lot to offer. From its compelling story to the satisfying gameplay loop, Red Rescue Team is full of surprises around every corner. Whether you just want to play a game where you can finally play as Machop or are looking for the next dungeon crawler to sink your teeth into, Red Rescue Team is worth exploring.

8

Fire Emblem

Eliwood and Lyn prepare to defend a castle.

The first Fire Emblem game launched in Japan in 1990, and the series remained exclusive to the country until 2003. Outside interest in the tactical role-playing game intensified after a pair of characters – Marth and Roy – appeared in Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade for the Game Boy Advance was the first entry to ship internationally, and the series has only grown in popularity since.

It might not have the social elements of Three Houses or the sophisticated mechanics from Engage, but The Blazing Blade is still a fantastic entry that’s still considered to be one of the best games in the series. It contains an epic narrative and fantastic strategy-based gameplay that’s even easier to maneuver around using the Nintendo Switch’s rewind feature and save states.

Four Links attack enemies in a grassy field as Shadow Link watches from a doorway

The Game Boy Advance received many ports of classic NES and SNES games, and occasionally, they would come with something new to give long-time fans a reason to revisit these familiar titles. While having a portable version of one of the greatest games from the 16-bit era was enticing enough, including a new, multiplayer-focused Zelda game helped this version of A Link to the Past become one of the best-selling Game Boy Advance games ever.

There are a handful of differences between the SNES and GBA versions of Link to the Past, but nothing that dramatically changes the game. For something completely different, Four Swords allows you and three other people to tackle randomly generated dungeons as four different Links. It might not be the game that the group wants to get together to play every night, but it’s definitely worth hopping into for a few sessions, especially with the online functionality that comes with a Nintendo Switch Online membership.

6

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Felix holds his sword in front of him.

Two years after the original Golden Sun blew away audience expectations, it was followed up by a sequel known as Golden Sun: The Lost Age. Taking place after the events of the first game, you’ll follow Felix and his friends as they continue the quest to restore Alchemy to the world of Weyard. You may recognize Felix from the first game, where he was one of the many antagonists standing in Isaac’s way.

It was an interesting choice to change perspectives like this between games, especially as Felix continues to confront the heroes from the original Golden Sun. If you liked the first game, The Lost Age provides more of the same with enough interesting twists to make the 30-hour journey feel just as fresh and exciting as its predecessor.

5

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

In Super Mario RPG and Paper Mario, Nintendo’s mascot ventured into the turn-based RPG genre and proved that he was malleable enough to star in more than just platformers and puzzle games. Both games follow Mario as he recruits a party of allies to help him save the day as Luigi watches from a distance, but Superstar Saga finally pairs the Super Mario Bros. for an unforgettable and hilarious adventure for all ages.

A split image of Bowser, the Mario Brothers, and the cast from Paper Mario.

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After an evil witch steals Princess Peach’s voice, Mario and Luigi are sent to the neighboring Beanbean Kingdom to try and take it back. Superstar Saga introduces an iconic cast of characters and features some of the funniest dialogue and scenarios in a Nintendo game. The battle system is similar to Paper Mario’s, except you control both Mario and Luigi and must attack with precision timing to deal more damage.

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