Game Boy Advance Guide
The best Game Boy Advance games in 2026
The Game Boy Advance brought together some of Nintendo’s best handheld games and received outstanding entries from Pokémon, Zelda, Metroid, Mario, Castlevania and many other series.
We have selected ten titles that represent the variety of its library, from major RPGs to adventures, strategy games, racing games and some of the handheld’s most original experiences.
Quick selection
Best overall
Pokémon Emerald
Best adventure
The Minish Cap
Best RPG
Golden Sun
Best strategy game
Advance Wars
Most original
WarioWare, Inc.
What makes the Game Boy Advance library so special?
The Game Boy Advance combined new entries designed specifically for the handheld with adaptations of major classics from previous generations. This created a highly varied library that works particularly well for discovering retro games today.
Nintendo and other studios also took advantage of the handheld format to experiment with some of their series. Metroid, Pokémon, Zelda, Advance Wars and Golden Sun are good examples of how the console managed to deliver deep experiences on a device designed for gaming anywhere.
The result is a library particularly strong in RPGs, adventures and action games, while still offering enough variety for practically every type of player.
Best overall
Pokémon Emerald
Pokémon Emerald is one of the most memorable entries of the third generation. It expanded on the experience of Ruby and Sapphire and brought elements from both versions together in an especially complete adventure.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its combination of exploration, catching Pokémon, battles and post-game content means it can still provide many hours of gameplay.
Ideal for
Pokémon and RPG fans, as well as players looking for a long and highly replayable adventure.
Highlights
- ✓ Large amount of content
- ✓ Excellent selection of Pokémon
- ✓ Very high replay value
- ✓ One of the most iconic GBA titles
Things to consider
- • Original copies can command high prices
- • Completing all of the content requires many hours
If you like this game: Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen if you would rather return to the Kanto region.
Best action and exploration
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion brought the two-dimensional Metroid formula to the Game Boy Advance with a more narrative-driven adventure, excellent atmosphere and very well-balanced pacing.
Why is it still worth playing?
It combines exploration, combat and ability progression in an experience that continues to work extraordinarily well.
Ideal for
Players who enjoy exploring maps, discovering secrets and unlocking new abilities.
Highlights
- ✓ Excellent atmosphere
- ✓ Very precise controls
- ✓ Great level design
- ✓ Excellent pacing
Things to consider
- • It is more linear than other Metroid games
- • Some sections can be challenging
If you like this game: Metroid: Zero Mission if you prefer a slightly more open structure.
Best adventure
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Minish Cap offers one of Zelda’s most appealing two-dimensional adventures thanks to its colorful visuals and the ability to shrink Link.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its dungeons, puzzles and size-changing mechanic give it a distinctive identity within the series.
Ideal for
Fans of Zelda, adventure, exploration and puzzles.
Highlights
- ✓ Excellent art design
- ✓ Highly entertaining dungeons
- ✓ Original size-changing mechanic
- ✓ Great balance between exploration and puzzles
Things to consider
- • It is relatively short compared with other Zelda games
- • Some optional items require considerable exploration
If you like this game: A Link to the Past if you want to enjoy another great 2D Zelda game on GBA.
Best RPG
Golden Sun
Golden Sun became one of the most representative RPGs on the Game Boy Advance thanks to its world, puzzles and Djinn-based combat system.
Why is it still worth playing?
It offers a lengthy adventure with polished presentation and mechanics that allow you to customize the abilities of your party.
Ideal for
Fans of classic JRPGs, turn-based combat and lengthy adventures.
Highlights
- ✓ Excellent visuals
- ✓ Very interesting Djinn system
- ✓ Good puzzles
- ✓ Great sense of adventure
Things to consider
- • It contains a considerable amount of dialogue
- • The story continues directly in a second game
If you like this game: Golden Sun: The Lost Age if you want to continue the adventure directly.
Best Mario RPG
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Superstar Saga combined the Mario universe with interactive turn-based battles, exploration and plenty of humor.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its combat system makes even turn-based encounters feel active and entertaining.
Ideal for
Mario fans and players who want an accessible introduction to RPGs.
Highlights
- ✓ Plenty of humor
- ✓ Highly dynamic combat
- ✓ Lots of personality
- ✓ Very accessible for new players
Things to consider
- • It is less complex than some other RPGs in the library
- • Some minigames can become repetitive
If you like this game: Paper Mario if you are looking for another RPG interpretation of the Mario universe.
Best strategy game
Advance Wars
Advance Wars turned turn-based military strategy into a surprisingly accessible experience thanks to easy-to-understand rules and very well-designed maps.
Why is it still worth playing?
It is easy to start playing, but its different units, commanders and maps provide enormous strategic depth.
Ideal for
Players who enjoy planning moves and solving tactical situations.
Highlights
- ✓ Great strategic depth
- ✓ Very accessible at first
- ✓ Plenty of maps
- ✓ Excellent replay value
Things to consider
- • Matches can become lengthy
- • Some missions require considerable planning
If you like this game: Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising if you want more maps and commanders.
Best metroidvania
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Aria of Sorrow is one of the most highly regarded handheld Castlevania entries and combines exploration, combat and ability progression.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its soul system provides a wide variety of powers and makes exploring the castle particularly rewarding.
Ideal for
Fans of Castlevania, Metroid and games focused on exploration and progression.
Highlights
- ✓ Excellent map design
- ✓ Highly varied soul system
- ✓ Satisfying combat
- ✓ Great replay value
Things to consider
- • Some abilities depend on obtaining specific souls
- • Finding every secret requires considerable exploration
If you like this game: Castlevania: Circle of the Moon if you want to try another entry in the series on GBA.
Best racing game
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart: Super Circuit brought the series’ racing to the Game Boy Advance while retaining items, familiar characters and a large number of circuits.
Why is it still worth playing?
It is one of the handheld’s most complete racing experiences and perfectly preserves the competitive spirit of Mario Kart.
Ideal for
Fans of Mario Kart, arcade racing and quick gaming sessions.
Highlights
- ✓ Plenty of circuits
- ✓ Quick sessions
- ✓ Very accessible gameplay
- ✓ Great replay value
Things to consider
- • The controls may require some adjustment
- • The original multiplayer mode requires additional hardware
If you like this game: F-Zero: Maximum Velocity if you prefer faster futuristic racing.
Best classic JRPG
Final Fantasy VI Advance
Final Fantasy VI Advance brought one of the great JRPG classics to the Game Boy Advance with additional content and the ability to enjoy its lengthy adventure in handheld form.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its story, characters and combat system continue to make it a benchmark for the genre.
Ideal for
Players looking for a classic JRPG with a long campaign and a particularly memorable story.
Highlights
- ✓ Highly memorable story
- ✓ Large cast of characters
- ✓ Many hours of content
- ✓ Excellent example of a classic JRPG
Things to consider
- • It has the pacing typical of classic RPGs
- • Original copies can be difficult to find
If you like this game: Final Fantasy V Advance if you want another classic Final Fantasy game on the handheld.
Most original
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
WarioWare builds its entire experience around microgames that last only a few seconds and force the player to quickly understand what needs to be done.
Why is it still worth playing?
Its frantic pace and unpredictable design mean it remains one of the most original experiences in the library.
Ideal for
Players looking for quick sessions, humor and a completely different experience.
Highlights
- ✓ Highly original concept
- ✓ Perfect for short sessions
- ✓ Wide variety of microgames
- ✓ Packed with personality
Things to consider
- • Its structure may not appeal to players looking for a traditional adventure
- • The microgames are deliberately very short
If you like this game: WarioWare: Twisted! if you want to continue with an even more experimental formula.
Quick comparison
| Game | Genre | Players | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Emerald | RPG | 1–4 players | Best overall |
| Metroid Fusion | Action and exploration | 1 player | Best action and exploration |
| The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap | Adventure | 1 player | Best adventure |
| Golden Sun | RPG | 1 player | Best RPG |
| Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga | RPG | 1 player | Best Mario RPG |
| Advance Wars | Turn-based strategy | 1–4 players | Best strategy game |
| Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow | Action and exploration | 1 player | Best metroidvania |
| Mario Kart: Super Circuit | Racing | 1–4 players | Best racing game |
| Final Fantasy VI Advance | RPG | 1 player | Best classic JRPG |
| WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! | Minigames | 1 player | Most original |
Which one should you try first?
If you want to start with one of the most representative Game Boy Advance titles, Pokémon Emerald offers a huge adventure and a great amount of content.
For action and exploration, Metroid Fusion and Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow are two particularly strong choices, while The Minish Cap is an excellent option for Zelda fans.
If you prefer RPGs and strategy, Golden Sun, Final Fantasy VI Advance and Advance Wars perfectly demonstrate the variety and depth the handheld could offer.
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