Guide: Every Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Advance (GBA) Game Ranked

27. Mr. Driller 2 (GBA)

Mr. Driller 2’s most significant strength is also its biggest flaw. It is straightforward to grasp, but does little to innovate for those familiar with the fundamental gameplay. A limited array of modes and dated visuals do not detract from the fulfilling core game, but significantly reduce its longevity.

Enthusiasts will appreciate the familiar formula; however, for a game mostly about digging, there’s remarkably little depth to it. The ideal title to explore via Nintendo Switch Online if you never had the opportunity, especially if the series has eluded you.

26. Densetsu no Starfy (GBA)

If you haven’t experienced any of the Densetsu no Starfy games, you truly owe it to yourself to try this distinctive platformer. It begins a bit slowly and may lean towards the easier side, but it’s an enjoyable journey and there’s much to commend regarding the charm and character that these titles emit.

Pair that with an impressive control system, and you get one of the most delightful, addictive Game Boy Advance experiences around. A treasure.

25. Densetsu no Starfy 2 (GBA)

As phenomenal as the original Densetsu no Starfy was, this sequel successfully enhances virtually every category. The new maneuvers make the game more enjoyable to navigate, and the improved boss battles along with the ability to enhance vehicles add even more complexity to an already robust platforming experience.

Combine all these enhancements and refinements into a significantly longer storyline and a variety of bonus levels to conquer, and you have everything one could desire in a sequel.

24. Mario Kart Super Circuit (GBA)

Returning to the flat tracks and precise power-sliding mechanics of the initial Super Mario Kart, the GBA could replicate SNES-like performance — although it certainly didn’t meet the technological standards of the N64 or GameCube — hence, Mario Kart Super Circuit felt like the Super Mario Kart sequel we never received on Nintendo’s 16-bit console. Admittedly, the visual style has arguably aged worse than the SNES iteration, yet this compact speed-fest offers plenty of content. The enjoyable foundation was established at the onset of the series and is clearly present in the GBA installment.

While the 3DS Ambassador and Wii U Virtual Console re-releases lacked the multiplayer features of the original, the Nintendo Switch Online version thankfully resolves that issue if multiplayer is your preference (which, with Mario Kart, it definitely should be). No need for link cables nowadays! Super Circuit still stands strong and serves as an excellent ‘successor’ to the SNES original, if that’s your favorite MK iteration.

23. Densetsu no Starfy 3 (GBA)

The first sequel elevated the series to new levels, but with the introduction of Starfy’s sister, Starly, TOSE hit one out of the park with their third and final Game Boy Advance Starfy installment. Densetsu no Starfy 3 is larger and superior, easily one of the most engaging platformers on the GBA or any system — perhaps one of the finest ever created, in fact.

While the initial part of the game remains relatively easy, if you adore platformers, you simply must experience this title. It would be challenging to claim that any video game is flawless, but this one comes remarkably close.

22. F-Zero Climax (GBA)

Before its addition to Nintendo Switch Online, F-Zero Climax was regrettably only officially accessible to GBA owners in Japan, which was unfortunate because it stands as a more-than-robust entry in the franchise on Nintendo’s compact console.

Some might perceive it as merely an extension of GP Legend, but it beautifully showcased developer Suzak’s expertise in handheld racing games. Don’t overlook this title; more individuals need to experience F-Zero Climax.

21. Kuru Kuru Kururin (GBA)

This GBA launch title may commence a tad too simply, but that’s about all you can critique about Kuru Kuru Kururin. You won’t take long to complete every level, but doing so without mistakes proves to be a challenge, and you’ll relish every second as you guide a large, constantly rotating stick (apologies, Helirin) through intricate, colorful courses.

With ample environmental variety and some fantastic music, there’s a great deal of enjoyment simply from improving your times across the various tracks. Kuru Kuru Kururin is among the GBA’s most charming delights and ideal for portable gaming — a brilliantly entertaining little title that stands apart from the conventional.

20. F-Zero Maximum Velocity (GBA)

The first handheld entry in the series,

F-Zero Maximum Velocity continues to stand the test of time due to its fluid, skill-oriented gameplay. Although there are merely four cups in which to race, the diverse difficulty levels and notably challenging learning curve needed to master the vehicles and tracks ensure this game keeps drawing players back.

It may not rank among the very finest of the franchise, perhaps, but it is undeniably crafted with care and impresses in the technical arena, offering an enjoyable experience of the series that truly showcases what the last Game Boy was capable of.

19. F-Zero: GP Legend (GBA)

If the narrative missions in F-Zero: GP Legend get too taxing, you can always opt for Grand Prix mode across various difficulty levels, which allows you to increase the challenge as your proficiency grows.

Before long, you’ll navigate through breathtaking turns and obstacles in a trance-like state, where your muscle memory takes over and nothing can disrupt your focus. That’s the authentic F-Zero experience.

The enduring format is a testament to the series’ compelling yet ruthless design. With hours of content and difficulty, GP Legend is an outstanding portable F-Zero.

18. Kirby & The Amazing Mirror (GBA)

While the Metroid-inspired gameplay offers a refreshing shift for the Kirby franchise and works effectively in certain instances, it does falter in others. The Metroid series does involve some backtracking, yes, but it’s not nearly as frequent and vexing as it is in Kirby & The Amazing Mirror.

The multiplayer elements are optional, yet the game arguably revolves around the multiple Kirby concept, and it shines brightest in the company of others.

17. Super Mario Advance (GBA)

The first in the GBA’s Super Mario platformer remakes (and the one that initiated the most convoluted naming scheme in gaming history), Super Mario Advance delivered Super Mario Bros. 2 to the GBA in the 16-bit aesthetic of Super Mario All-Stars.

With the ability to select from four characters retained from the original, it introduced a scoring system alongside its visual upgrade, as well as an array of collectibles to discover throughout each level.

In summary, it’s still one of the premier ways to revisit the game, and you even receive the remake of the original Mario Bros. included — that little multiplayer bonus would appear in several subsequent installments in this GBA port series.

16. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team (GBA)

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team might have missed some of the DS variant’s handy features, but we appreciated how these games bridged the GBA/DS hardware gap in an engaging manner. Missions typically feel similar to one another, but a variety of locations and Pokémon (both friendly and not) help alleviate the monotony in this Chunsoft dungeon crawler.

As is common with many titles in this genre, the repetitive nature can occasionally detract from the experience, although an intriguing plot twist often captures your interest. It has its drawbacks, yet Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team remains an entertaining game — and it’s now more accessible on Switch in the form of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.

This, however, can be considered the best version of the game.

15. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams (GBA)

The Game Boy Advance was fortunate to have a remarkable and seemingly endless lineup of platformers throughout its lifetime, and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams ranks among the absolute best.

With immensely satisfying mechanics and more charm in the initial levels than many games muster by their conclusion, it’s a genuine delight to revisit. If you relished Klonoa’s cinematic journeys, you’ll adore Empire of Dreams and its unique, pocket-sized character.

If you’ve never had the joy of accompanying Namco’s endearing Dream Traveller, this is a fantastic starting point.

14. Wario Land 4 (GBA)

Wario Land 4 exemplifies quality over quantity, featuring clever nonlinear level designs that encourage multiple playthroughs and further exploration to discover all the secrets.

It’s a platformer meant for seasoned players, packed with impeccable level design and a quirky audiovisual showcase that would later set the standard for the WarioWare franchise.

If you’re a fan of platformers — which will likely be the majority of you if you’re Nintendo enthusiasts — Wario Land 4 is an essential experience.