In February 2023's Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Nintendo Switch Online will be adding Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games to their ever-expanding library, with many of the games already available to play right now. These classic handheld titles are designed to local and online (friends only) gaming with screen filter options to customize how it will look on the Switch. The Game Boy and Game Boy Color games are available through the standard Nintendo Switch Online service while Game Boy Advance titles are only on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack tier of subscriber services.
There have been rumors for years regarding when Nintendo Switch Online would add GBA games to their online service, especially since the addition of N64 and Genesis games in 2021. Fans don't have to wait any longer, however, as many of the Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA games were made available the instant they were announced in the Direct. Even more titles were announced which will be coming soon as well, though no dates have been given for exactly when those will debut.
Every NSO Game Boy Game Available Now On Nintendo Switch Online
The original Game Boy was released in North America 34 years ago, in 1989, along with its best-selling title, Tetris. Now, players can replay some of their favorite classic games from that groundbreaking handheld console, including Tetris, on their Nintendo Switch. The following Game Boy games are already available on Nintendo Switch Online through the standard tier.
- Tetris
- Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins
- Gargoyle's Quest
- Metroid II - Return of Samus
- Kirby's Dream Land
Every NSO Game Boy Color Game Available Now On Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online added several Game Boy Color games to their standard tier library of games as well as the Game Boy titles. The GBC's addition to the Game Boy console product line in 1998 was a much more sophisticated unit that offered better graphics while still being a portable, handheld console. The Game Boy Color brought with it many fun games, including the colorized re-release of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX which is included in the following list of games which are already available in the newly expanded catalog.
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX
- Game & Watch Gallery 3
- Alone in the Dark: The New Nightmare
- Wario Land 3
Every NSO GBA Game Available Now On Nintendo Switch Online
The Game Boy Advance is the gaming system whose titles have been much anticipated with rumors and predictions made for the past several years. There are many reasons why several gamers feel that it's actually more exciting to have GBA games on Switch Online than N64 titles, partly because of the library of games it held but also because the graphics from that system held up better.
- Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros.3
- WarioWare Inc.: Mega Microgame$
- Kuru Kuru Kururin
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Game Boy Advance games on the Nintendo Switch Online service will, unfortunately, cost more to access because they are only available through the more expensive Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriber tier. At this time, the following games are available, with several more announced to come later.
Every Game Boy, Game Boy Color, & GBA Game Coming Soon To NSO
There are more games than those coming to Nintendo Switch Online than those immediately available. g up for Nintendo Switch Online, whether the standard tier or the pricier Expansion Pack tier, provides players with access to well over 100 classic games and growing. The following Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles have already been confirmed, and it seems likely more may still be coming.
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons
- The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages
- Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Metroid Fusion
- Fire Emblem
- Golden Sun
- F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
- Kirby & the Amazing Mirror
Added Capabilities With Nintendo Switch Online Improve The Gaming Experience
Nintendo Switch Online is also making playing these classic Game Boy systems games a more enjoyable experience for players with new features. For example, it's now possible to easily take a break mid-dungeon to look at hilarious 3D recreations of the Link's Awakening sprite while playing The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening DX. Players can also choose what screen style they prefer between Game Boy, Game Boy Pocket, and Game Boy Color formats, which may make it more comfortable to enjoy these classic titles.
Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games already have a place in the hearts of many gamers, and the news of them arriving in the Nintendo Switch Online's library has been long hoped for. While there are still several games that would be nice to see added, particularly the Pokémon games from these systems, this is a very good start to the collection. Allowing for local and online multiplayer connections in the games that it is also going to be a great way for these classic games to be shared and enjoyed with more people.
The Game Boy Advance games make the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack more worth the cost, although it is disappointing that those games are not on the standard tier. Overall, it is exciting to see this selection of classic Game Boy games made more readily available to players again on Nintendo Switch Online after all these years.
Source: Nintendo Of America/YouTube
