Every Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advance (GBA) game is rated
The following ranked list of the NSO GBA library was compiled using User Ratings (out of 10) for each GBA game available to play on Switch in the West. This ranking is not fixed and will automatically fluctuate over time depending on the assigned user’s Rating (and of course new additions to the NSO library — we’ll add those as they’re released).
Do you think a game below deserves to be ranked higher on the list? Just click the ‘star’ button and rate yourself — your individual rating could boost its position in the overall rankings. The current number of GBA games is small, but the quality cannot be denied and there are many more games in development.
Note. Expect to see Mother 3 in this list now it is technically available via Switch Online? Well, it’s only available in Japan for now, and this list only includes GBA games released in the West. We’re still working on getting an official localization at some point.
So let’s find out which GBA games are playable on Nintendo Switch, according to your ratings…
If you haven’t played any games yet Densetsu no Starfy this game, it is really your responsibility to try your hand at this unique platform. It starts off a bit slow and could have been easy, but it’s an enjoyable ride and there’s a lot to be said for the charm and personality these games exude. Combine that with a solid control system and what you have is one of the most fun and addictive Game Boy Advance adventures available today. A precious gem.
Return to the flat tracks and tight power slide gameplay of the original Super Mario KartThe GBA is capable of reproducing the same performance as the SNES — it certainly doesn’t meet the technological standards of the N64 or GameCube — so Super Mario Kart racing it finally feels like the Super Mario Kart sequel we never got on Nintendo’s 16-bit console. Sure, the visual style is arguably older than the SNES version, but this pint-sized fest of speed packs a ton of content. The fun platforming has been there since the beginning of the series, and it’s definitely in the GBA section.
While the 3DS Ambassador and Wii U Virtual Console re-releases lack the multiplayer features of the original, the Nintendo Switch Online version thankfully rectifies that situation if multiplayer is your thing. (which with Mario Kart, it really should be). Today there is no need for link cables anymore! Super Circuit still holds up well and serves as a great ‘successor’ to the SNES original, if that’s your favorite MK flavor.
As great as the original Densetsu no Starfy was, this sequel improves it in every category. New moves make the game even more fun to control, while enhanced boss battles and the ability to upgrade vehicles add even more depth to an already solid platforming experience . Add all these upgrades and polishes for a much longer adventure as well as a series of bonus levels to tackle and what you have is everything you could ask for in a sequel.
The first handheld entry in the series, F-Zero top speed still holds up today thanks to its smooth, skill-based gameplay. There may only be four trophies to compete for, but the variety of difficulty and surprisingly steep learning curve when it comes to mastering the vehicles and tracks make this a game you’ll want to keep coming back to. It probably doesn’t rank as the best in the series, but this is certainly well-made and impresses in the technical department, delivering a dose of franchise fun that also really highlights the What the Game Boy can finally do.
The first sequel took the series to the next level, but with the introduction of Starfy’s sister Starly, TOSE blows away a rival with their third and final Game Boy Advance Starfy entry . Densetsu no Starfy 3 bigger, better, and easily one of the most playable platformers on the GBA or any system — in fact, one of the best ever created. Although the game is still a bit easy in the first half, if you love platform games then you must play this game. It’s hard to say that any video game perfectBut this one is pretty close.
This GBA launch title may start off a little too easy but that’s all you can fault Kuru Kuru Kururin. It won’t take you long to get through every level, but doing it without mistakes is a challenge, and you’ll love every minute of guiding a big stick that spins continuously (sorry, Helirin) around complex and colorful courses.
With a variety of environments and some great music, you’ll have a lot of fun just improving your times on the different courses. Kuru Kuru Kururin is one of the GBA’s most enjoyable games and is perfect for playing on mobile — a super fun little game that’s a little different from the norm.
While Metroids-esque gameplay is a refreshing change of pace for the Kirby series and works well in some parts, but falls flat in others. Metroid game yes, there is also a re-roll feature, but it’s not nearly as frequent and annoying as in Kirby & The Great Mirror.
Multiplayer features are optional, but the game is said to be designed around many Kirby aspects, and it works best in combination with others.
Until it arrives on Nintendo Switch Online, The pinnacle of F-Zero Unfortunately, it’s only officially available to GBA owners in Japan, which is a shame as this is a more solid third effort for the franchise on Nintendo’s humble boy.
To some, it may seem like a mere expansion to GP Legend, but it does a great job of showcasing developer Suzak’s prowess when it comes to handheld racers. Don’t miss this; More people need to experience the F-Zero Climax.
If the story quest in F-Zero: GP Legend gets too tiring, there’s always the option of tackling Grand Prix mode across a variety of difficulty levels, which widens the challenge as your skills improve.
Before long, you’ll be navigating breathtaking turns and hazards in an unblinking state where your muscle memory kicks in and nothing can break your concentration. It’s the true F-Zero experience.
That the format exists at all is a testament to the series’s engaging yet wild design. And with hours of content and challenges, GP Legend is an excellent handheld F-Zero.
The GBA’s first Super Mario platform port (and the one that started the most complicated naming convention in gaming history), Advanced Super Mario bring Super Mario Bros 2 to GBA in 16-bit format Super Mario All-Stars.
With the ability to choose between four characters inherited from the original, it received a points system in addition to upgrades, as well as a number of collectibles to find in each stage.
Overall, this is still one of the best ways to revisit the game, and you also get a remake of the original. Mario Bros. included — that little multiplayer bonus will appear on more entries in this series of GBA ports in the future.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team There may have been some missing DS version useful features, but we enjoyed how these games bridged the GBA/DS hardware divide in an interesting way. Missions tend to play similarly, but the variety of locations and Pokémon (friendly and other) help blur the feeling of sameness in this Chunsoft dungeon crawler.
Like many games in this genre, the repetitive nature can still drag things down at times, although interesting plot developments often keep your attention. It has its flaws, but Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is still an enjoyable game—and one that’s easier to find these days on Switch as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.
However, this is arguably the best version of the game.
With deep exploration-based gameplay and a stunning art style, Yoshi Island It’s still a joy to play all these years later — it’s a platformer with considerable depth and challenge.
Exploring is made fun thanks to Yoshi’s egg-based abilities, and collecting everything will require a herculean effort, but it’s never less than fun (as long as you can stand the whining). Baby Mario’s leak).
The handheld’s smaller canvas certainly reduces the impact of the SNES original’s surprisingly cel-shaded world, but this is still one of Nintendo’s best 2D platforming efforts.
If you’ve never played the game before (or want to play it all again), the GBA version is a good one.
