I’m an old man and I was feeling nostalgic about my teenage years, so I decided to revisit the Game Boy Advance, which is one of the consoles I spent a lot of time with back then. Today, we’re talking about the 5 best GBA games that currently are or will be available on NSO, that we currently know about. Only titles that are on NSO will be included, as that’s the way most everyone would be able to access GBA games without doing something that Nintendo would frown upon. If you know, you know.
Here are the picks, in no particular order.
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Advance 4 took the classic Super Mario Bros. 3 game from the NES and gave it a fresh coat of portable paint. Players guide the Mario brothers through various worlds to rescue Princess Peach from the clutches of Bowser, utilizing power-ups and creative level design along the way. If Super Mario Bros. 3 is a blockbuster movie, then Super Mario Advance 4 is the extended director’s cut. It preserves the magic of the original while adding some enhancements. The NSO version also includes all 38 of the levels that you’d have to scan cards to get access to back in the days of the original GBA.
Metroid Fusion
Step into the armored boots of bounty hunter Samus Aran to navigate an isolated research station after an encounter with a mysterious parasite. As you make your way through the station, you’ll need to uncover its secrets and confront a powerful new foe. With its atmospheric storytelling and tense gameplay, Metroid Fusion is a compelling entry in the series. Exploration, action, and a sense of isolation are at the core of the gameplay and the plot’s unfolding mystery adds depth to the game. Even though it’s slightly more linear that other games in the series, it’s still Samus at her “space cowboy” best. Samus has 99 problems, but an X Parasite ain’t one.
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga
Mario and Luigi team up in this RPG adventure to rescue Princess Peach’s voice, stolen by the witch Cackletta. Traveling to the Beanbean Kingdom, the brothers encounter quirky characters and engage in turn-based battle goodness that emphasizes timing and coordination. This game delivers a delightful and humorous experience set in the Mario universe. The battle system is unique and players actively participate in both attack and defense. Platforming elements are incorporated during exploration and help to keep the gameplay engaging. The lighthearted story and clever dialogue contribute to its charm, making Superstar Saga a must play for Mario and RPG fans alike.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Minish Cap follows Link as he embarks on a quest to rescue Princess Zelda and defeat the sorcerer Vaati. With the help of a magical cap and the Minish, tiny creatures that only Link can see, he must shrink down to explore a world teeming with secrets and puzzles. It’s like “Honey, I Shrunk the Hero of Time.” This bite-sized adventure is a charming and imaginative addition to the franchise and its unique mechanic of shrinking down and interacting with the Minish adds a fresh twist to the series’ formula. The game’s puzzles are cleverly designed to incorporate both sizes, and its colorful visuals and whimsical characters create an endearing atmosphere. While it might not be as well-known as other Zelda titles, it’s proof that good things come in small packages.
Golden Sun
This title hasn’t been released on NSO at the time of writing, but we know it’s making the trek to get there.
Golden Sun is all about young Adepts and their quest to prevent the release of ancient elemental forces and ruining everyone’s day. Throughout the journey, you’ll harness Psynergy, solve puzzles, and engage in turn-based battles. The game captivates with its story, intricate world-building, and strategic gameplay. The combat system incorporates Psynergy abilities and Djinn summons, adding layers of depth to battles. Golden Sun remains a standout RPG.
So, those are our 5 picks. Do your favorites match ours or do you have other titles you’d pick instead? Let’s discuss in the comments!
If you don’t have Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack yet and you want to play GBA games on your Switch, the link below will let you purchase a digital code for a 12-month membership.
