Nintendo Switch Online adds three Super Mario games to GBA library

Nintendo recently announced the addition of Super Mario Advance games to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, but is it worth the hype? This article explores why these GBA titles might fall short compared to existing versions and suggests other GBA games that could have made a more significant impact. Will Nintendo seize the opportunity to deliver rare gems to their retro library?

As the gaming industry embraces nostalgia, Nintendo’s decision to bring Game Boy Advance (GBA) games to Switch Online has stirred mixed reactions. While the GBA holds a special place in many gamers’ hearts, some question the value of these additions when superior versions already exist on the platform.

The newly announced Super Mario Advance 1, 2, and 3 are undoubtedly great games. However, the problem lies in the fact that players can already enjoy enhanced versions of these titles through the SNES library included in the base-level Switch Online subscription. Super Mario All-Stars, for instance, offers remastered versions of Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, 3, and Lost Levels, while Super Mario World and Yoshi’s Island are readily available.

One of the main appeals of the GBA games was their portability, but with the Nintendo Switch itself being a portable device, that advantage becomes less significant. Furthermore, although Super Mario Advance 1 and 3 offer additional content like the Yoshi Challenge mode and secret levels, they may not be considered the definitive versions.

Many fans wonder why certain GBA games were overlooked for inclusion. Titles like Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones, Golden Sun, Metroid: Zero Mission, Mario Vs Donkey Kong, Kirby And The Amazing Mirror, Gunstar Future Heroes, Astro Boy: Omega Factor, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 could have added diversity and excitement to the library. Sadly, the chances of seeing highly sought-after titles like Final Fantasy VI Advance, Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow, or Advance Wars seem slim, as they are already part of separate retro collections on the eShop.

While The Legend of Zelda: Minish Cap and Metroid Fusion made a strong start for the GBA library on Switch Online, fans hope for the momentum to continue. With the Expansion Pack priced at $50 per year, players may question the value of renting decades-old games they already own. Super Mario Advance games hold their own significance, but there are bigger opportunities to explore.

Ultimately, it remains to be seen whether Nintendo will surprise fans by delivering long-awaited titles like Final Fantasy Tactics Advance. As gamers eagerly await the GBA library’s expansion, the question of whether it will fulfill the desires of nostalgic players and offer unique curiosities hangs in the balance. Nintendo has the chance to make the GBA library on Switch Online a true treasure trove of gaming history, and fans are eagerly hoping they seize that opportunity.

With the anticipation building around the Game Boy Advance library on Switch Online, fans are eager to see how Nintendo will shape the future of this nostalgic offering. The inclusion of beloved titles like Super Mario Advance is a step in the right direction, but there is still room for improvement and surprise.

The GBA boasts a rich library of games beyond the Mario series. Titles like Fire Emblem: Sacred Stones and Golden Sun, with their immersive storytelling and strategic gameplay, would be welcome additions to the Switch Online library. The absence of games like Metroid: Zero Mission, Mario Vs Donkey Kong, Kirby And The Amazing Mirror, Gunstar Future Heroes, Astro Boy: Omega Factor, and Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 leaves fans longing for more diversity and variety.

While some highly sought-after titles may be out of reach due to separate retro collections, it is important for Nintendo to consider lesser-known gems that have yet to find a new home on the Switch. The inclusion of rare curiosities and hidden gems would add a sense of discovery and excitement for fans old and new.

Critics argue that the $50 yearly fee for the Expansion Pack should offer more than just renting decades-old games. Nintendo has the opportunity to deliver a comprehensive and captivating GBA library that showcases the best of the handheld’s history. By listening to fan feedback and incorporating a wider range of titles, Nintendo can elevate the Switch Online experience and ensure that nostalgia truly comes to life.

As gamers eagerly await further announcements, there is a sense of hope that Nintendo will prove doubters wrong and surprise us with unexpected additions. The potential release of Final Fantasy Tactics Advance in June would be a significant milestone, demonstrating Nintendo’s commitment to satisfying the desires of fans.

The Game Boy Advance library on Switch Online has the potential to become a treasure trove of gaming history, transporting players back to the golden age of handheld gaming. Whether Nintendo can deliver on these expectations remains to be seen, but fans are eager to embark on new adventures and relive old favorites on their beloved Nintendo Switch.