Why the GBA Still Rules
We’ve been blessed with many consoles throughout the years, and it’s hard to land on a cult-classic favorite that still hits the spot—even after it stopped gracing shelves. However, the Game Boy Advance hit a sweet spot where games felt ambitious without losing their charm. Even now, you can fire one up and understand why people still talk about it with a little extra enthusiasm. For those of you who may have forgotten, we’re here to remind you of the best games the GBA ever released.
1. Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion drops you into a tense science-fiction labyrinth that never stops cranking the pressure. The first time you realize the SA-X can show up and turn your plan into pure survival, you’re immersed. By the end, you’re checking every room for upgrades anyway, and the pressure makes the wins feel even better.
2. Metroid: Zero Mission
It’s always nice to see a game pop up that actually pays homage to its ancestors. Zero Mission takes the core idea of the original Metroid and rebuilds it with smoother pacing and cleaner movement. It also includes extra surprises that make it feel like a full modern package rather than a measly update.
gekkio (Joonas Javanainen) on Wikimedia
3. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
What’s a console without Link? The Minish Cap stays charming without trying too hard, which is exactly why we love it. Shrinking down reshapes how you read familiar spaces, so simple areas suddenly hide clever discoveries, and when you want an upbeat adventure that’s still polished and purposeful, it’s an easy pick.
4. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
You feel the hook in Aria of Sorrow as soon as you realize enemies aren’t just obstacles. No, no—they’re potential upgrades you actually want. You’ll fight something new, get a soul, and immediately start testing how it changes your options in the next hallway. It’s hard not to respect how much cool stuff fits into such a tight runtime.
5. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
Well, if we’re going to mention one, we have to mention the other! Harmony of Dissonance leans into speed and style, and it commits to that vibe from start to finish. You have a few major pluses here: exploring stays brisk thanks to quick options, and intense audio that only matches the energetic pace.
6. Advance Wars
Advance Wars did something pretty incredible: making strategy approachable while still rewarding smart planning. Different commanders change the rhythm of battle in fun, memorable ways, and you’ll keep learning new tricks as missions get tougher.
7. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
It’s not every day a sequel raises the bar, but Black Hole Rising expands the first game with more units, more commanders, and more ways to surprise yourself. The campaign’s scenarios are tighter and often meaner, which forces you to think ahead. And that’s okay ‘cause when you win, it’s just a sign of steely nerves.
8. Fire Emblem
It doesn’t take long to learn the major lesson of Fire Emblem: one mistake can ruin an entire run. This one brings a serious story and high stakes to the GBA without making the systems hard to grasp. You’ll take your time with positioning, check enemy ranges twice, and still have moments where a crit makes your stomach drop.
LeLaisserPasserA38 on Wikimedia
9. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
The Sacred Stones adds a world map structure that makes the journey feel more open and flexible, which is always a good thing. Its cast is easy to care about, too, so the battles carry even more emotional weight.
Andre Mari Coppola on Wikimedia
10. Golden Sun
Who thought boss fights would be so intense in a GBA game? Golden Sun delivers a bright, confident RPG experience that feels way larger than the hardware suggests. Psynergy abilities keep plenty dungeons engaging; they turn puzzles into something you actively do, not something you tolerate.
11. Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Here we are, back with another incredible sequel! The Lost Age takes the foundation of the first game but builds on the exploration. It trusts you to wander, test ideas, and figure out where to go without constant nudges. If you enjoy RPGs that reward curiosity, this is the one for you.
12. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Look, if we’re going to have Link, we’re obviously going to have our favorite brothers, too! Superstar Saga’s one of those games that stays funny without letting humor replace good design. The writing adds personality to everything, so the adventure feels fresh from start to finish.
13. Pokémon Emerald
Pokémon Emerald sharpens Generation III into a version that actually feels complete. You’ll tweak your team more often than you planned and battle serious postgame challenges. Seriously—you’re not done just because the credits roll!
14. Pokémon FireRed
Part of what makes this one so cool is that you can just dive in, which explains why the series became a phenomenon. Pokémon FireRed revisits Kanto with smoother systems and cleaner visuals that fit the GBA perfectly. It’s challenging, it’s fun, and it’s one of the top games we always reach for again and again.
15. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance offers layered strategy but keeps the tone lighter than you’d expect. The job system encourages you to experiment, but you also have a chance to tinker with gear and weapons. Even the rule system can feel rewarding once you approach it like a puzzle instead of a punishment.
16. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!
Crazy name aside, WarioWare is rapid-fire nonsense in the best possible way. The microgames are over so quickly that losing is somehow funny, not frustrating. Best of all, you can hand it to a friend and watch how quickly things turn into a friendly competition.
17. Mario Kart: Super Circuit
We’re not done with Mario yet! With this one, you’ve got classic kart racing and a surprisingly generous track lineup. It’s easy enough to start, but clean drifting and smart timing still separate the winners from the wishful thinkers.
18. Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
First of all, don’t even think of insulting our boy Kirby. Secondly, this one’s cheerful and smooth, with copy abilities that keep nice and gameplay varied. The co-op option is a real bonus, too, when you want something fun that doesn’t feel stressful.
19. Mega Man Zero 3
It’s fast. It’s challenging. It’s loaded with style. Mega Man Zero 3 is packed with combat and early-game knock-arounds, but don’t let that fool you—tough sections are still learning opportunities. The payoff is worth it once the rhythm clicks.
20. Street Fighter Alpha 3
You’d be surprised how much action’s packed into this portable version! You’ll find a character that clicks with you, practice a few reliable combos, and start playing with confidence instead of just chaotic button-mashing. Next thing you know, you’re hours deep trying to secure a clutch win.
