Best Game Boy Advance games of all time, ranked

Launching in 2001, the Game Boy Advance felt like having a Super Nintendo you could take anywhere. Even after twenty years, that feeling remains. With retro gaming becoming increasingly popular and classic handhelds all over social media, people are more nostalgic for the GBA than ever – and for good reason. This small console offered some of the most innovative and unforgettable games designed for portable play.

During the Game Boy Advance era, Pokémon was a huge hit with kids, and games like Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen were constantly being discussed. Mario remained popular thanks to titles like Superstar Saga, Super Mario Advance, and Mario Kart: Super Circuit. Zelda fans enjoyed The Minish Cap and a portable version of A Link to the Past. But the system also offered more complex games – titles like Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun, Advance Wars, and Fire Emblem demonstrated that handheld RPGs and strategy games could be just as engaging as those played on home consoles.

Whether it was passing around game cartridges on the bus or playing secretly late at night, the Game Boy Advance was central to many people’s childhoods—and its games are still highly regarded as some of the best ever created for the system.

With that in mind, here’s our ranking of the best Game Boy Advance games.

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Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand

Release date:

July 16, 2003

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Hideo Kojima, the man that’s most known for bringing the Metal Gear Solid series to life, has come up with an extremely ambitious idea for the Game Boy Advance: harness the energy of sunlight for a videogame. Enter Boktai, a vampire-hunting action and adventure game that not only encourages players to get outside and play in the fresh air…it almost requires it. Utilizing a special cartridge with a built-in a sun sensor, the amount of sunlight outside the game determines how much sunlight shows up in the actual adventure. And since the player’s gun is actually fueled by sunlight, the more sunlight you can get the stronger and more capable you are in the game.

Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land

Release date:

October 25, 2002

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: A remake of the original Kirby’s Adventure for the NES.

Mega Man Zero 2

Release date:

May 2, 2003

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: In Zero’s next mission, he falls prey to a trap set by Neo Arcadia’s ruthless commander. Planning to trick Zero, he tries to use him to wreak chaos between reploids and humans once again. But, can he succeed? LAN Multiplayer. If you have two cartridges and a link cable, the players can link two GBAs and take part in a two-player game. There are three modes available to take part in: – Time Attack – Set a goal somewhere in the stage. After three tries, the player with the shortest time to the goal wins. – Enemy Battle – Defeat the most enemies from the generator within the time limit. – Get Item. – Collect the most items from the map within the time limit.

Donkey Kong Country 2

Release date:

June 25, 2004

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Donkey Kong Country 2 is a remake of the SNES game Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest. It is the second game in the series of remakes of the original Country trilogy for the Game Boy Advance.

Gunstar Super Heroes

Release date:

October 6, 2005

3(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Blue and Red, the lead characters in Gunstar Super Heroes, must once again keep a stone of great power from falling into the hands of an evil empire intent on resurrecting the God of Ruin. Blue and Red take on the same adventure using different paths, effectively making for two unique play-through experiences. Players will tackle six wildly inventive levels and take on gigantic bosses that fill the entire Game Boy Advance screen.

Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town

Release date:

April 18, 2003

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Turn a long-neglected field of rocks and weeds into a successful farm in this rustic role-playing game.

Astro Boy: Omega Factor

Release date:

December 18, 2003

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Join Astro, the robotic superhero with a human mind, in a quest to reunite the robotic race with humans. Astro uses his seven super abilities to face off against the likes of Atlas, Blue Knight, and more than 40 other characters. The game brings classic 2D gaming to the Game Boy Advance along with an original seven-episode story. Playing as Astro Boy, you’ll learn about justice, compassion, evil, courage, and the history of Astro Boy–all while building Astro’s Omega Factor and strengthening his character and superhuman abilities.

Sonic Advance 2

Release date:

December 19, 2002

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Sonic returns for a second outing on the Game Boy Advance. Once again, Sonic is called upon to save the world from the evil Dr. Eggman. On this occasion, Sonic is joined by friends Tails, Knuckles and Cream the Rabbit, the latest addition to the Sonic team. Each comes with a set of unique moves, allowing you to reach certain areas through-out the levels. However, unlike Sonic Advance, you must complete the game as Sonic to unlock the other characters. Chaos Emeralds and Special Rings litter the stages. To collect the emeralds (transforming Sonic into Super Sonic for the final battle with Dr. Eggman), you must find the special rings hidden in each stage to unlock the bonus stage. Complete the bonus stage and the emerald is yours. You’ll also get the chance to collect and raise chaos, and trade them over to Sonic Adventure 2: Battle on GameCube, through the use of the GBA/GC link cable.

Final Fantasy V Advance

Release date:

October 12, 2006

4(3 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The winds fail. Ships stand still, unable to fill their sails. The world races to its end. Unless a handful of heroes can protect the remaining crystals, the world will fall into ruin. Set off on a grand adventure in the finest version of FINAL FANTASY V ever released!

Mario Golf: Advance Tour

Release date:

April 22, 2004

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Grab your clubs and start down the road to golfing perfection in this role-playing golf adventure! Chat up the locals at golf clinics, hone your skills in challenges like Club Slots and Go-Go Gates, and try to become the champ of all the country clubs! The Mushroom Kingdom residents take on only the very best.

WarioWare: Twisted!

Release date:

October 14, 2004

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: After accidentally discovering spin technology, Wario reassembles the developers at WarioWare, Inc. to make a new set of wild minigames. WarioWare: Twisted! maintains the fast-paced style of gameplay from the original WarioWare and introduces a new gyro sensor that lets you control the gameplay by rotating the Game Boy Advance SP left and right. The new controls play into more than 200 minigames. Play through them all to unlock souvenirs, such as bonus games, figurines, and instruments.

Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

Release date:

June 6, 2002

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Nearly fifty years has past since Simon Belmont rescued the land from the curse of Dracula. Now, Simon’s descendant Juste Belmont, must acquire the relics of Dracula to unravel the disappearance of his childhood friend Lydie. The castle’s enchanting mysteries and danger await all those who dare enter.

Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

Release date:

October 7, 2004

4(3 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: In Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, you must help protect the nation of Renais from the invading Grado Empire. Plan your strategy, choose your units, and then lead your soldiers in to battle. The more experience your soldiers gain, the more you can upgrade their abilities. This time, your soldiers can gain experience by fighting new monsters in the Tower of Valni.

Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Release date:

June 28, 2002

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The story of Golden Sun: The Lost Age picks up right near the end of the first game. Golden Sun veterans will be surprised to learn that The Lost Age is played from the point of view of the party being chased as they try to light the remaining two lighthouses, which will unlock the power of alchemy for the world–or will it instead unlock the world’s destruction? * LAN PVP mode via GBA Game Link Cable

Wario Land 4

Release date:

August 21, 2001

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Wario’s back for more…and more…and MORE! Hey! You! Yeah, you! Listen up when Wario’s talking to you! I just read about this legendary Pyramid of Gold, and you’re gonna help me go explore it. There’s lots of treasure in there for the taking, and I want it all. I’m sure there are gonna be all kinds of weird enemies and big, bad bosses in there, so if you don’t think you can hack it, put the game down now. I don’t want any losers making me jump into bottomless pits, you hear me? -Wario invades the Game Boy Advance! See Wario in all his greedy glory as he explores vivid worlds made possible by the power of the GBA! -Flex your muscles! Wario is no longer immortal, so you’ll have your work cut out as you roll, punch and jump your way to tougher and tougher challenges. Wario will get stung by bees, zombified, bitten by bats, set on fire, and much more – what a way to make a living! -Over twenty enormous stages await! Hunt down CDs for your listening pleasure, or collect treasure to spend on all-new items that you can use against the most bizarre bosses ever!

Sonic Advance

Release date:

January 1, 2001

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Android
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Sonic Advance is notable for being the first Sonic game released on a Nintendo console, despite both Sega and Nintendo being well-known rivals on the console market throught the 1990s. Sonic Advance features four playable characters and marks the first playable appearance of Amy Rose on a 2D title. The game borrows elements from the original Sonic the Hedgehog titles for the Sega Genesis, but with the post-Dreamcast artstyle for the characters which was introduced in Sonic Adventure. The game also includes multiplayer features and mini-games. The title was also ported to the Nokia N-Gage under the title “SonicN”.

Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

Release date:

January 1, 2003

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Squaresoft brings its popular Final Fantasy franchise to the Game Boy Advance in the form of strategic warfare. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance trails the story of a young boy named Marche who is magically transported from his sleepy modern-time home to a strange kingdom where magic and adventure reign supreme.

Players control a set of troops who specialize in various fighting, healing, magic, and archery skills (or job classes). Strategically positioning characters on the battle map, and calculating offensive advances are the keys to success. Two players can battle and trade items with the aid of the GBA link cable.

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

Release date:

January 1, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: All galactic speed limits are about to be broken! F-Zero Maximum Velocity has arrived, and the future of racing has never looked so sweet. Brand-new vehicles and Game Boy Advance original tracks await, so whether you’re a Super NES veteran or a race rookies, you’ll need some practice laps. And even if you do master the Grand Prix circuit, you’ll still have to beat your friends to the finish line. That’s right, race fans–with the Game Boy Advance Game Link cable you can take on up to three rival racers, so put the pedal to the metal and get busy boosting, bumping and jumping your way to intergalactic glory!

Metroid: Zero Mission

Release date:

February 9, 2004

5(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The full story of Samus Aran’s first mission finally unfolds… The first Metroid game just scratched the surface of the cataclysmic events on planet Zebes, and at long last the rest of the tale has come to light. Experience the first of Samus’s legendary adventures through all-new cut-scenes and action sequences as the bounty hunter races through the deeps toward her showdown with the leader of the Space Pirates. But will the end of Mother Brain really mean the end of the story…? Completion of the game unlocks an emulated version of the original Metroid game. Zero Mission also allow players to unlock the Metroid Fusion picture gallery by linking between Zero Mission and Fusion cartridges via the Game Boy Advance Game Link Cable.

Advance Wars

Release date:

January 1, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Just because this battle fits in the palm of your hand doesn’t mean the stakes are small. On the contrary, this all-or-nothing fight will have you accessing guns, grenades, launchers, and weaponry of all sorts. Players assume command of an army that’s out to reclaim a world that’s been broken up by warring factions. The battle map is essentially a grid, and moving units is like moving chess pieces on a board — each of the units can move a specific amount of spaces within this grid, and can only attack at a certain distance from specific enemies. Advance Wars features more than 115 maps, a map editor, head-to-head play via link cable, and an easy-to-understand tutorial mode for beginners.

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Release date:

November 4, 2004

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is a top-down action adventure game that tells the origins of the evil Vaati from Four Swords. Like most other titles in the series, The Minish Cap features the fully explorable land of Hyrule, although it can be viewed from the eyes of a human or the eyes of a Minish, a race of tiny people and an alternate form that Link can transform into. Unlike the multiplayer focus of the other games in the series, The Minish Cap retains the original form of exploration and dungeons as seen in A Link to the Past, Oracle of Seasons, and Oracle of Ages, as well as returning characters and game mechanics such as Malon and the Spin Attack. New features include fusing Kinstones and shrinking to the size of a Minish.

Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Release date:

January 1, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon is the first of the series to be based on the action/RPG structure of Castlevania:Symphony of the Night rather than the level-based action style of all previous Castlevania games. Dracula’s castle is a single continuous building, and as Nathan discovers artifacts within it he gains new abilities that allow him to explore more of it. While Nathan can only use his Killer Whip as a weapon, he can find and equip different kinds of armor and accessories that change his stats. Unique to this entry in the series is the Dual Set-up System, where a combination of two cards will give Nathan unique magical abilities. For example, equipping a fire type card with a whip card will give the Killer Whip a fire attribute, while equipping it with a summon card will let Nathan summon a fire demon to attack onscreen enemies.

Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

Release date:

September 24, 2002

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario Advance 3 is a GBA remake for the SNES with the dinosaur Yoshi and his friends as main characters carrying Baby Mario and Luigi on their back. Super Mario Advance is a four-part series for the GBA with Super Mario games of the NES and SNES era. The remakes came with adjusted graphics, sound and additional content. Each game of the series includes additionally the arcade-classic “Mario Bros” which can be played in multiplayer via link cable.

Mario Kart: Super Circuit

Release date:

July 21, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Classic Mario Kart action is back once again, this time in a colorful, lightning-fast game that you can take anywhere. Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Wario, Yoshi and Bowser are all tearing up the track, tossing Koopa Shells and laying banana peels along the way. Mario Kart Super Circuit puts your driving skills to the test on 40 tracks, each littered with wild weapons and obstacles. Choose to play as any of your favorite characters as you speed around classic and brand-new tracks. If you’re feeling combative, try out the creative weaponry (mushrooms, bananas, thunder bolts, and stars) in Battle mode. Feel like making some friends eat your dust? No problem. Four players can compete in Mario Kart Super Circuit using only one Game Pak! If each player has a copy of the game, bonus features and new modes of play become available.

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Release date:

November 17, 2003

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: An evil witch has replaced Princess Peach’s fair speech with explosives! Mario and Luigi must once again come to her rescue, but this time they employ the help of Bowser, their sworn enemy. Mario and Luigi must learn new moves and combine powers to fight off enemies and move closer to the witch’s castle. Guide this unlikely bunch through an abundance of minigames such as Border Jump and Mystery Carts. Combine the powers of Mario and Luigi to pull off special tag-team moves. Immerse yourself in this bright, cartoonish, and humorous world, complete with hit music featured in previous Mario games.

Golden Sun

Release date:

August 1, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Evil is slowly covering the world. Forces of darkness are pursuing the lost art of Alchemy, and the fate of mankind hangs in the balance. You and your companions, armed with weapons, Psynergy magic, and a host of elemental creatures, must return peace to the world. Golden Sun is an epic role-playing game with an engrossing story, set in a massive world. Gather the elemental Djinn – fire, water, wind and earth – and combine them in unique ways to produce awesome magical effects.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

Release date:

May 6, 2003

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The year is 2035 and Soma Cruz is about to witness the first solar eclipse of the 21st century when he suddenly blacks out — only to awaken inside a mysterious castle. As Soma, you must navigate the castle’s labyrinths while confronting perilous monsters at every turn. But beware, you must escape before the evil consumes you!

Pokémon Ruby Version

Release date:

November 21, 2002

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Sequel to Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions (1999), Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions offer 135 new Pokémon, more complex battling and training systems, new crime organizations, a longer and more story-focused campaign and upgraded graphics to create a new and technically improved Pokémon experience.

Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

Release date:

April 25, 2003

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: It is the seventh game of the Fire Emblem series, the second game in the series to be released for the Game Boy Advance, and the first to be released in both North America and Europe. It features a prologue storyline designed to introduce newcomers to Fire Emblem gameplay and tactical basics. The overall narrative is a prequel to the events of the previous game, Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade, which is set twenty years later. The game was first released under the localized title “Fire Emblem” in the West, but it was later rebranded as “Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade” when Fire Emblem Heroes was released.

Metroid Fusion

Release date:

November 17, 2002

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Nintendo 3DS
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: The famed Metroid series makes its return on the Game Boy Advance with Metroid Fusion. After Samus’ exploits in the Super Nintendo classic Super Metroid, the intergalactic bounty hunter becomes infected with a parasitic life form known only as “X”. Samus is rescued and revived by Metroid DNA only after undergoing some major changes in her body and suit, resulting in a drastic change in her appearance, and a new ability to absorb and assimilate the abilities of the “X” virus. Experience a new and enthralling chapter in the Metroid series, and relive the timeless gameplay and exploration that made the series a legend.

Final Fantasy VI Advance

Release date:

November 30, 2006

4(3 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Final Fantasy VI Advance is more than a simple port of the SNES classic: every aspect of the games has been reviewed and enhanced. Additionally, a host of brand-new elements has been seamlessly merged with the original game, providing unexpected surprises for longtime fans. With new dungeons, new job classes, and other exciting features, both old-school players and newcomers can enjoy this genre-defining FINAL FANTASY title in a portable format.

Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2

Release date:

January 1, 2001

5(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World is a remake of Super Mario World for the Game Boy Advance starring Mario’s dinosaur friend Yoshi for the first time. Super Mario Advance is a four-part series for the GBA with Super Mario games of the NES and SNES era. The remakes came with adjusted graphics, sound and additional content. Each game of the series includes additionally the arcade-classic “Mario Bros” which can be played in multiplayer via link cable.

Advance Wars

Release date:

January 1, 2001

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance
Wii U

More info

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

Release date:

July 11, 2003

5(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Super Mario Advance 4 is a GBA remake of Super Mario Bros. 3 for the NES. Super Mario Advance is a four-part series for the GBA with Super Mario games of the NES and SNES era. The remakes came with adjusted graphics, sound and additional content. Each game of the series includes additionally the arcade-classic “Mario Bros” which can be played in multiplayer via link cable.

Pokémon Emerald Version

Release date:

September 16, 2004

3(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Pokémon Emerald Version is a sister game to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Emerald Version provided the main storyline with more depth and length, as well as making small aesthetic changes to the world and adding unique animations for each Pokémon.

Pokémon LeafGreen Version

Release date:

January 29, 2004

4(1 reviews)

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Pokémon LeafGreen Version and Pokémon FireRed Version are a pair of core series Generation III games that are set in the Kanto region. They were released in Japan on January 29, 2004, in North America on September 9, 2004, in Australia on September 23, 2004 and in Europe on October 1, 2004. As the first remakes in the Pokémon franchise, the games revisit the original pair of Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green Versions, and so feature all of the characters, plot elements, and challenges of them, but with several important upgrades to bring them up to speed with other Generation III games. The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter was initially included with the games when they were first released, eliminating the need for Game Link Cables when trading between the two games (and later Pokémon Emerald Version). In later copies, it was sold separately. FireRed and LeafGreen went on to become the second best-selling games of the Game Boy Advance, only behind Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions. They also received Nintendo’s Player’s Choice awards.

Pokémon FireRed Version

Release date:

January 29, 2004

Platforms:

Game Boy Advance

More info

What it’s about: Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version are a pair of core series Generation III games that are set in the Kanto region. They were released in Japan on January 29, 2004, in North America on September 9, 2004, in Australia on September 23, 2004 and in Europe on October 1, 2004. As the first remakes in the Pokémon franchise, the games revisit the original pair of Pokémon games, Pokémon Red and Green Versions, and so feature all of the characters, plot elements, and challenges of them, but with several important upgrades to bring them up to speed with other Generation III games. The Game Boy Advance Wireless Adapter was initially included with the games when they were first released, eliminating the need for Game Link Cables when trading between the two games (and later Pokémon Emerald Version). In later copies, it was sold separately. FireRed and LeafGreen went on to become the second best-selling games of the Game Boy Advance, only behind Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions. They also received Nintendo’s Player’s Choice awards.

The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures

Release date:

June 7, 2004

4(2 reviews)

Platforms:

Nintendo GameCube

More info

What it’s about: The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures is the only console Zelda title to date to incorporate multiplayer elements into its main campaign. Because of its single-player elements, Four Swords Adventures is also the first game in the series to allow a single player to control more than one Link at once, and it utilizes various methods to allow the player to make use of the four Links, such as formations. Also it is the only title to break locations and temples up into succinct, separate stages and levels which can be replayed even after beating them once. The game itself, though an innovation in Zelda gameplay, is heavily inspired by the music, graphics, and locations of A Link to the Past.

2026-01-19 20:53