The Game Boy Advance (GBA) represented a significant leap for Nintendo's handheld gaming, bringing Super Nintendo-caliber experiences on the go. Although Nintendo Switch Online with its Expansion Pack offers a growing library of GBA titles, several essential games are conspicuously absent, leaving fans eager for their inclusion.
WarioWare: Twisted!
Released in 2004, WarioWare: Twisted! built upon the franchise's unique premise of rapid-fire "microgames." Unlike its predecessors, this entry utilized the GBA's gyroscope to incorporate motion controls, requiring players to twist the console itself to complete challenges. This innovative control scheme may be the reason for its absence from the Switch Online service, despite its critical acclaim.
Tales of Phantasia
The inaugural entry in the long-running Tales series of RPGs, Tales of Phantasia, first appeared on the Super Nintendo in Japan before receiving a GBA port in 2006. This action-RPG offered impressive visuals for its time and included enhancements such as a reduced enemy encounter rate and English voiceovers for its international release. Its inclusion on Switch Online would introduce this foundational RPG to a new generation.
Drill Dozer
Developed by Game Freak, the studio behind Pokémon, Drill Dozer is a vibrant platformer featuring a young girl piloting a powerful drilling tank. Released in 2005, the game incorporated a rumble pack within the cartridge to enhance the sensation of destruction. Its launch was overshadowed by Nintendo's focus on the then-new DS hardware, leading to limited marketing.
Kirby: Nightmare in Dreamland
This 2002 title is a faithful remake of the NES classic Kirby's Adventure. Nightmare in Dreamland enhanced the original with improved graphics, multiplayer support for up to four players, new minigames, and adjusted difficulty, particularly for boss encounters and hidden areas. It would be a welcome addition to the Switch Online library, complementing existing Kirby titles.
Lufia: The Ruins of Lore
Set 20 years after Lufia 2: Rise of the Sinistrals, this GBA side story offers a turn-based RPG experience where players can recruit monsters encountered on the map. With remakes of Lufia 1 and 2 announced for 2027, The Ruins of Lore could serve as a natural bridge for fans to experience another chapter of the series on modern platforms.
Super Puzzle Fighter 2
First released in arcades in 1996, Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo (often localized as Super Puzzle Fighter 2 on GBA) is a competitive puzzle game featuring chibi versions of Capcom's fighting game characters. Players match falling colored gems to create combo chains. The game's simple yet addictive gameplay and charming presentation make it a strong candidate for Switch Online, offering a different pace from the action-heavy Capcom Fighting Collection.
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire
Developed by Jupiter Corporation, this 2003 title blends the addictive gameplay of pinball with the beloved Pokémon universe. Featuring two distinct tables inspired by the Ruby and Sapphire games, it offers a bright and engaging experience with unique modes that challenge players to catch Pokémon. Its potential return on Switch Online is highly anticipated by fans.
Onimusha Tactics
While the Onimusha series has seen a resurgence, Onimusha Tactics for the GBA remains a lesser-known entry. This strategy RPG shifts from the franchise's action-adventure roots to a grid-based combat system reminiscent of Fire Emblem. Its accessible yet deep tactical gameplay could appeal to a new audience on Nintendo Switch Online.
Mega Man & Bass
Originally released as RockMan & Forte in Japan on the Super Famicom in 1998, this action platformer arrived on GBA in North America five years later as Mega Man & Bass. It offers more challenging stages than many contemporary Mega Man titles and allows players to choose between Mega Man and his rival, Bass, each with unique abilities, adding significant replay value. Its absence from compilations makes a Switch Online release particularly desirable.
Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
This 2001 tactical RPG serves as a prequel to the Ogre Battle series and was developed by Quest before their acquisition by Square. The Knight of Lodis presents complex turn-based combat on varied terrain maps, similar to Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. Despite being unavailable for two decades, its depth and strategic gameplay warrant its inclusion on Nintendo Switch Online, especially given the recent success of Tactics Ogre: Reborn.