Best Nintendo Games Only Available On The Game Boy Advance

Summary

The Game Boy Advance had exceptional exclusives with unique mechanics, graphics & high-quality games.
The console still holds outstanding titles, like WarioWare: Twisted! or Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Porting GBA classics to modern systems like the Nintendo Switch is long overdue.

For several decades, Nintendo has introduced and released multiple handheld consoles that revolutionized the industry, and one of the most cherished among them was a 32-bit device called the Game Boy Advance. Luckily for its enthusiasts, this remarkable (though brief) system wasn’t only about top-notch graphics. It also boasted an extensive library of exceptional exclusive games.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but reminisce about the golden days of the Game Boy Advance (GBA). Nintendo has indeed managed to bring some of its finest GBA titles to other consoles, particularly through services like the Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online. However, there are numerous exceptional exclusives that remain confined to the 32-bit handheld, with no sign of being released on any other platform yet. Here’s a list of eight GBA games that stand out as some of the most glaring examples of this situation.

8. Yoshi: Topsy-Turvy

A Weird Game With A Unique Mechanic That Can’t Be Easily Replicated

Yoshi’s Topsy-Turvy, also recognized as Yoshi’s Universal Gravitation in Europe and Japan, stands out uniquely among the Game Boy Advance’s extensive library. The reason for this is that, as suggested by both its titles, it’s one of the rare games on the handheld to leverage the gyroscopic controls built into its cartridge, providing players an entirely fresh take on platforming gameplay.

Because of its unique gameplay controls, Yoshi: Topsy-Turvy received a mixed response upon its initial release. However, over time it developed a small dedicated fanbase thanks to its uniqueness, vibrant visuals, and appealing soundtrack. It’s probable that Nintendo didn’t attempt to bring it to other platforms because of the unique mechanics that are hard to replicate. However, since the Nintendo Switch has built-in gyroscopic controls, a Nintendo Switch Online rerelease could be an ideal fit.

7. Custom Robo GX

A Great But Forgotten Game From An Already Obscure Nintendo Franchise

Custom Robo GX

Platform: Game Boy Advance
Released: July 27, 2002
Developer: Noise
Genre: Action, arcade, role-playing

It’s undeniable that the Custom Robo series is one of Nintendo’s most unjustly overlooked franchises. In fact, it’s so obscure that many fans aren’t even aware that it had a game exclusive to the Game Boy Advance named Custom Robo GX. Unfortunately, this game was never released outside Japan.

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at the captivating uniqueness of “Custom Robo GX.” Unlike its 3D counterparts in the series, it showcases an exceptional blend of customizing tiny robots and engaging in battles across expansive arenas – all in a stunningly successful 2D format. The game’s music, graphics, and narrative were as top-notch as ever. A fresh port or remaster of “Custom Robo GX” on a contemporary platform would be an ideal chance for fans worldwide to uncover this hidden treasure that they’ve been missing out on.

6. Dr. Mario & Puzzle League

Two Solid Puzzle Titles, At The Price Of One

It’s no secret that puzzle games flourished on Nintendo’s handheld devices, and the Game Boy Advance was no exception to this trend. However, one of the top puzzle games on the system remains confined to it, and unfortunately, it can’t be played anywhere else: Dr. Mario & Puzzle League. As its name suggests, this is a fusion of two outstanding video games – an upgraded portable version of Dr. Mario 64 and a fresh take on Panel de Pon. Unlike its predecessors, it doesn’t feature any Yoshi or Pokemon themes.

The smooth and captivating gameplay of Dr. Mario & Puzzle League makes it nearly irresistible, and with Nintendo Switch offering a blend of home console and handheld gaming, many will have the chance to enjoy this classic again through Nintendo Switch Online. Alternatively, although Nintendo seldom transfers their older games to mobile platforms, it could be intriguing if they re-released it for smartphones.

5. WarioWare: Twisted!

One Of The Best (And Strangest) WarioWare Games

The quirky and adored WarioWare series initially debuted on the Game Boy Advance, with the launch of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! in 2003. Although this game was later made available on Virtual Console and Nintendo Switch Online, its successor, WarioWare: Twisted! , remains exclusively playable only on the 32-bit handheld. This is mainly because of a single key feature: its gyroscopic controls.

Just like Yoshi: Topsy-Turvy, WarioWare: Twisted! featured built-in gyroscopic controls that enabled players to tilt the console, altering gravity and gameplay dynamics. This innovation led to an array of unusual, imaginative, and thrilling microgames, many of which couldn’t be recreated on later consoles. With the gyroscopic controls of the Nintendo Switch, there’s a chance for a contemporary remake or re-release of this beloved Game Boy Advance title.

4. Donkey Kong Country Trilogy

Excellent Ports Of Three Classic SNES Platformers

Donkey Kong Country

Platform: Game Boy Advance
Released: June 9, 2003
Developer: Rare
Genre: Platforming

The Game Boy Advance boasted a vast collection of extraordinary original games and was well-known for its numerous adaptations of SNES games, offering players the chance to enjoy classic 16-bit games anywhere they went. Some of these adaptations, such as the Super Mario Advance series, eventually made their way onto other consoles; however, the GBA versions of the Donkey Kong Country trilogy are still exclusively available on the 32-bit handheld in a legal capacity.

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) versions of Donkey Kong Country exhibit vibrant graphics, tweaked music, additional levels, and bosses, yet they maintain the original’s atmosphere, immersion, and difficulty. Although it might seem redundant to remake these games for contemporary consoles given the SNES Donkey Kong Country trilogy’s availability on the Nintendo Switch, the recent re-release of the Game Boy Donkey Kong Land series on Nintendo Switch Online suggests that the GBA trilogy deserves the same treatment.

3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords

A Great Remaster, Coupled With A Refreshing Multiplayer Adventure

In a unique twist, “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords” marked the debut of two separate yet equally remarkable games within the “Legend of Zelda” series on the Game Boy Advance. This combination includes a revamped version of the Super NES classic, “A Link to the Past,” and the franchise’s first multiplayer game, titled “Four Swords.

Essentially, it’s possible to enjoy these games individually on various gaming platforms other than their original consoles: The classic SNES game A Link to the Past is accessible through numerous online services, while a standalone version of Four Swords was released for DSiWare in 2011, although it was only available for a short period before being removed. Regrettably, the original Game Boy Advance versions of these wonderful titles, each with their unique elements such as the exclusive A Link to the Past dungeon, Palace of the Four Sword, can only be experienced by launching the 32-bit handheld. Nintendo could make it easier for fans worldwide to access both games on the Nintendo Switch Online service and enhance Four Swords with online functionality for multiplayer gaming.

2. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

Beloved Remakes Of The Original Pokemon Games

Back in the day, Game Freak and The Pokemon Company were known for keeping Nintendo from bringing their classic Pokemon games to modern platforms. So here we are, stuck with all the Generation 3 Pokemon titles, including fan favorites like FireRed and LeafGreen, being exclusively playable on the trusty old Game Boy Advance. And can you believe it? Even in 2004, remakes of iconic games like Red and Blue – Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen – were starting to show their age!

In essence, Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen offered fans a chance to relive the classic Kanto region, with its straightforward yet impactful narrative, iconic characters, and an extensive library of vintage Pokemon, all upgraded with Generation 3 features such as improved graphics, music, refined battle systems, and the introduction of Dark and Steel types. To this day, many consider Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen to be the optimal way to explore the Kanto region (possibly even surpassing Let’s Go Pikachu & Let’s Go Eevee), making it regrettable that they can only be played on the Game Boy Advance.

1. Pokemon Emerald

One Of The Best Pokemon Games Ever Made

Indeed, the Generation 3 journey for Pokémon commenced with the debut of Ruby and Sapphire in 2002, both strong titles that were exclusively playable on the 32-bit handheld. Interestingly, Nintendo, Game Freak, and The Pokemon Company introduced an improved version titled Pokémon Emerald in 2004, which garnered widespread acclaim and became one of the most beloved games within the series.

In the mold of previous third installments such as Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon Crystal, Pokemon Emerald embodies all the exceptional features of Ruby and Sapphire (excellent sprite work, outstanding music, endearing characters, a fresh narrative, and one of the best regional Pokedexes in the series) while offering an abundance of additional content that enhances the gameplay experience. This includes improved teams for Gym Leaders and Elite 4, minor enhancements to the plot, new items and locations, and most importantly, the legendary Battle Frontier. It’s quite peculiar and unfortunate that such a well-crafted and cherished Pokemon game can only be played on a 23-year-old handheld device. Nintendo should consider updating this game for modern platforms in the near future.

2025-01-10 13:34