There's something about the charm and simplicity of the Game Boy Advance (GBA) that manages to tug at the heartstrings of veteran gamers. Introduced by Nintendo in 2001, this handheld console quickly became a staple, offering an impressive collection of games that extended beyond the realm of previous Game Boy models. From colorfully immersive RPGs to frantic puzzle games, the GBA converted many into lifelong gamers.
One question that often comes up among these devoted fans is: What are the best GBA games of all time? The answer to that query, of course, depends on personal taste. However, certain titles evoke a wave of nostalgia and stand out in terms of their enduring appeal, innovative gameplay, and captivating storytelling.
Our Picks for the Best GBA Games
Diving deep into the golden treasure trove of GBA games, we've handpicked a list that we feel defined the Game Boy Advance era.
Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
With the introduction of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald versions, Pokémon saw a revolution in visual style, gameplay depth, and an intricate storyline that placed the Pokémon world in your pocket. With new regions to explore, more Pokémon to catch, and challenging Gym battles to win, these games rightfully earned their spot on the list of top GBA games. Ruby and Sapphire are also the highest-selling GBA games at over 16 million copies sold.
Golden Sun
Next up is a shining gem of the GBA - Golden Sun. With dazzling graphics, a compelling storyline, and involving gameplay - Golden Sun was a tour de force of what the GBA could achieve. Whether you were solving complex puzzles or battling powerful enemies, Golden Sun brought a truly memorable RPG gameplay experience.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Fan of adventures? The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap has got you covered. Offering a twist to Link's adventures by giving him the power to shrink to the size of the tiny Picori, Minish Cap introduced players to an immensely magical and memorable world, from delightful NPCs to relentless and tricky dungeons to conquer.
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart: Super Circuit brought the thrilling, competitive kart racing experience to handheld consoles for the first time. With vibrant tracks, a wide array of power-ups, and a challenging single-player mode, it was a portable masterpiece. Fans loved its inclusion of classic Super Nintendo tracks, offering a nostalgic nod to the series’ roots while showcasing the GBA's graphics capabilities.
Metroid Fusion
A vital entry in the Metroid series, Metroid Fusion for GBA brought new life to Samus Aran’s exploits, with innovative gameplay, rich storytelling, and exciting boss battles. The atmospheric horror and deeper exploration elements made it a hit among fans and critics alike..
Fire Emblem
With Fire Emblem, we move towards a realm of epic turn-based strategy. It draws you into a captivating story of conquest and survival, as you command your units and strengthen their bonds. With its deep strategic gameplay and emotionally compelling storytelling, Fire Emblem has earned its place among the best GBA games.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
This classic skateboarding game brings thrilling action and arcade-style fun to the GameBoy Advance. Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 features iconic skaters, a rotating arsenal of tricks, and a stellar soundtrack that all combine to create an immersive skateboarding experience.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past takes players on a nostalgic journey through the hallowed grounds of Hyrule. It boasts traditional Legend of Zelda gameplay, with charismatic characters, challenging dungeons, and a masterful blend of action and adventure.
While the main portion of this game is simply a port from the Super NES version, what makes the GBA version stand out is the ability to play with up to 4 players.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Set in the hauntingly gothic world of Castlevania, Aria of Sorrow offers tense action and exploration. You battle monstrous creatures, navigate treacherous surroundings, and uncover secrets in this engrossing GBA game. The soundtrack for Aria of Sorrow is also regarded as one of the best of any Game Boy game.
Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
Widely regarded as one of the greatest platformers of all time, Super Mario Advance 4 took the beloved Super Mario Bros. 3 and enhanced it with updated visuals, voice acting, and the inclusion of the e-Reader levels. These bonus levels introduced new mechanics and challenges, making this version a must-play even for series veterans.
Advance Wars
Advance Wars introduced a generation of gamers to the joys of turn-based strategy with its approachable yet deeply strategic gameplay. Its colorful visuals, memorable characters, and perfectly balanced mechanics made it a standout title on the GBA and a benchmark for strategy games on any platform.
Final Fantasy VI
Final Fantasy VI on the GBA preserved the epic storytelling and complex character arcs that defined the original while introducing slight updates to the translation and new endgame content. With its unforgettable narrative, iconic music, and innovative battle system, this port solidified its status as one of the greatest RPGs ever made.
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
A charming blend of adorable visuals and clever platforming mechanics, Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 brought the whimsical SNES classic to the GBA. The game’s hand-drawn art style, unique egg-throwing gameplay, and creatively designed levels were perfect for both newcomers and longtime fans.
Metroid: Zero Mission
Metroid: Zero Mission is a masterful remake of the original Metroid that not only modernized the gameplay with refined controls and an expansive map but also added a new post-game epilogue. It became the definitive way to experience Samus Aran’s first mission and is celebrated for its tight pacing and rewarding exploration.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance presents a combination of strategic elements and an engrossing narrative in a world where your decisions directly impact progression. It's a deep, rewarding game that delivers an unforgettable GBA experience.
Each of these games, with their signature gameplay style and compelling narratives, leaves a unique mark on GBA history, proving why they remain classics in the gaming world.
Underrated GBA Gems
Aside from the main attractions, the GBA had an undercurrent of sleeper hits that flew under the radar, yet provided remarkable gaming experiences.
Ninja Five-O
A hidden gem on the Game Boy Advance, Ninja Five-O features an intrepid ninja displaying his acrobatic prowess to battle an array of criminals. Utilizing a grappling hook to navigate environments and a range of ninja tactics, this action-packed game delivers a thrilling and underappreciated GBA experience.
Astro Boy: Omega Factor
Based on the beloved manga, Astro Boy: Omega Factor stands as a testament to how licensed games can offer quality gaming experiences. From the stellar presentation to the exciting action and deep gameplay mechanics, Astro Boy: Omega Factor offers enormous fun in every bite-sized gaming session.
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
This charming farming simulator is another underrated marvel. The depth of the farming mechanic, the memorable characters, and the meaningful relationships you nurture in the game provide an in-depth gaming experience that's hard to forget.
Drill Dozer
In Drill Dozer, players control Jill and her powerful drill-equipped mech, using it to solve puzzles, navigate obstacles, and defeat enemies. With its vibrant art style, clever level design, and satisfying progression as you upgrade your drill, Drill Dozer stands out as a truly unique and engaging experience. Its charm and originality have earned it a devoted fan base over the years.
Replay the Classics with a Modern Touch
At Hand Held Legend, we strive to blend past yearnings with modern necessities, bringing the best of retro mods and parts to present-day gamers.
If you enjoyed revisiting these games and if the nostalgia hit you hard, you might be inclined to revisit the classics with enhanced, modern features. That's where we step in. We offer a comprehensive collection of top-notch mods and replacement parts for your GBA such as IPS backlights, shells, audio enhancements, and more.
Did we miss your personal favorite? Let us know in the comments!
