Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers have instant access to a growing library of brilliant handheld games from yesteryear, including Game Boy Advance entries in some of Nintendo’s biggest series. Are they all brilliant, though? Well, with the help of you lovely Nintendo Life readers, we can answer that question. The following ranked list of the NSO GBA library is compiled using the User Ratings (out of 10) given to each GBA game available to play on Switch in the West. This ranking is not set in stone and will automatically fluctuate over time depending on assigned User Ratings (and new additions, of course — we’ll add those in as they are released). Think a game deserves to be higher up? Simply click on the ‘star’ button and score it yourself — your personal rating could boost its placement in the overall ranking.
So, let’s dive into the GBA games playable on Nintendo Switch, as ranked by you… Not really sure why this matters, but let’s take a look at how these games stack up against each other. Whether you’re a hardcore gamer or just looking to pass the time, this list will give you some insights into which GBA games are worth your time. From classic platformers to intense racing games, there’s something for everyone in this diverse selection of titles. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel like exploring the world of GBA games on Switch is a great way to experience the nostalgia of handheld gaming while discovering new gems you may have missed out on back in the day.
Densetsu no Starfy (GBA): If you haven’t played any of the Densetsu no Starfy titles, you really owe it to yourself to give this unique platformer a try. It starts off a little slowly and might be on the easy side, but it’s a fun ride and there’s a lot to be said of the charm and personality that these games exude. Couple that with such a solid control system and what you have is one of the most enjoyable, addictive Game Boy Advance adventures around. A gem. Mr. Driller 2 (GBA): Mr. Driller 2’s greatest strength is its greatest weakness as well. It’s easy to learn, but does little to mix things up for anyone familiar with the core gameplay. A limited selection of modes and outdated aesthetics don’t take away from the satisfying base game, but shorten its lifespan significantly. Fans will enjoy the usual formula, but for a game primarily concerned with digging, there’s surprisingly little depth to it. The perfect game to dip into via Nintendo Switch Online if you never got the chance, especially if the series has passed you by.
Densetsu no Starfy 2 (GBA): As great as the original Densetsu no Starfy was, this sequel manages to improve upon it in just about every single category. The new moves make the game more enjoyable to control, and the enhanced boss fights and ability to upgrade vehicles add even more depth to an already solid platforming experience. Add all these upgrades and polish to a much longer adventure and a host of bonus levels to tackle, and what you have is everything you could possibly ask for in a sequel. Mario Kart Super Circuit (GBA): Returning to the flat tracks and tight power-sliding gameplay of the original Super Mario Kart, the GBA was capable of replicating SNES-like performance — it certainly wasn’t up to the tech standard of the N64 or GameCube — so Mario Kart Super Circuit ended up feeling like the Super Mario Kart sequel we never got on Nintendo’s 16-bit console. Sure, the visual style has arguably aged worse than the SNES version, but this pint-sized speed-fest packs in plenty of content. The fun foundation was there at the very beginning of the series and it’s definitely present in the GBA entry.
