Two New GBA Games Coming to Nintendo Switch Online: Complete Guide 2025

Nintendo continues expanding its retro gaming library with two new Game Boy Advance titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on September 25, 2025. The announcement reveals Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 will join the growing collection of Nintendo Classics available to subscribers, bringing more early 2000s gaming nostalgia to modern hardware.

This addition marks another step in Nintendo’s strategy to gradually build out the GBA library on Switch Online, which has seen consistent monthly updates since its initial launch. Both games represent different genres from the GBA era – an action-platformer and a puzzle-action title – providing variety for subscribers looking to experience classic handheld gaming on their Nintendo Switch.

Meet the New GBA Titles

The September 25 update brings two distinct gaming experiences to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, each representing a different facet of GBA gaming history.

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams brings the beloved Dream Traveler to the GBA in a side-scrolling adventure that combines platforming with puzzle elements. Originally released in 2001, this title represents one of the more unique platformers from the GBA era, featuring a distinctive 2.5D art style that was impressive for handheld hardware of its time.

The game follows Klonoa as he navigates through the mystical world of dreams, using his iconic wind ring to inflate enemies and solve environmental puzzles. The GBA version adapts the console series’ signature gameplay to the portable format while maintaining the charming visual style and creative level design that made the franchise popular among fans of action-platformers.

Mr. Driller 2

Mr. Driller 2 offers a completely different experience with its fast-paced puzzle-action gameplay. Players control Susumu or Anna as they drill through colorful blocks, creating chains and managing oxygen levels in their race to reach the bottom of each stage. The game builds upon the simple yet addictive formula that made the original Mr. Driller a cult classic.

This GBA version, released in 2000, successfully translated the arcade-style gameplay to handheld form with responsive controls and vibrant graphics. The game’s straightforward mechanics – drilling through matching-colored blocks – hide a surprising amount of depth, requiring quick thinking and strategic planning to achieve high scores and clear increasingly challenging stages.

How to Play GBA Games on Nintendo Switch Online 2025?

Accessing these new Game Boy Advance titles requires a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which provides access to an extensive library of classic games from multiple Nintendo platforms. The higher tier subscription service includes not only GBA games but also Nintendo 64, Sega Genesis, and additional features not available in the standard membership.

1. Subscribe to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Visit the Nintendo eShop on your Switch and subscribe to the premium tier
2. Launch the Nintendo Switch Online app: Find the NSO application on your Switch home screen
3. Navigate to Nintendo Classics: Select the Game Boy Advance library from the main menu
4. Download and play: Choose from the available GBA titles and start playing instantly

Current GBA Library on Switch Online

These two additions join an increasingly diverse collection of Game Boy Advance titles already available on Nintendo Switch Online. The current library includes games from multiple genres, offering something for every type of retro gaming enthusiast. Nintendo has been steadily releasing GBA games since the service launched, typically adding 2-4 titles per month.

Notable titles already available include F-Zero: Maximum Velocity, Fire Emblem, the Metroid Fusion and Zero Mission games, and various sports and puzzle titles. The growing collection represents a curated selection of the GBA’s best games, though some fan favorites like the Pokémon series and Golden Sun have yet to make an appearance.

GBA Emulation on Nintendo Switch

Nintendo’s implementation of GBA emulation on the Switch hardware offers several advantages over playing on original hardware. The Nintendo Switch provides excellent performance with perfect frame rates, eliminating any lag that might have been present in the original games. Additionally, the service includes modern quality-of-life features like save states, rewind functionality, and customizable controls that enhance the classic gaming experience.

The Switch’s screen also displays the games beautifully, with sharp pixel-perfect rendering that often exceeds the visual quality of original GBA hardware. Players can choose between perfect pixel scaling or screen filters that recreate the soft look of the original LCD screens, allowing for a customized retro experience that suits individual preferences.

Community Reactions and Future Expectations (2025)

The gaming community has generally welcomed these additions, though many fans continue to express hope for more flagship GBA titles. Discussions on forums and social media reveal a strong desire for games like the Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald trilogy, the Golden Sun series, and various Mario & Luigi RPGs that defined the GBA era for many players.

Despite these wishes, most subscribers appreciate the gradual approach Nintendo is taking with GBA releases. The steady monthly additions ensure quality over quantity, and Nintendo has been focusing on games that represent different genres and play styles rather than just the most famous titles. This strategy helps introduce lesser-known gems to a new generation of players while still satisfying longtime fans.

Frequently Asked Questions

The addition of Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 continues Nintendo’s commitment to preserving and making accessible classic gaming experiences. As the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library grows, subscribers gain access to an increasingly diverse collection of games that defined handheld gaming in the early 2000s. These titles not only provide nostalgia for longtime Nintendo fans but also introduce younger players to innovative games that might have otherwise been lost to time.

With consistent monthly updates and a focus on quality over quantity, Nintendo’s approach to GBA games on Switch Online ensures that each addition provides genuine value to subscribers. Whether you’re a retro gaming enthusiast or simply curious about Nintendo’s handheld history, the expanding Game Boy Advance library offers something for everyone.

For those interested in the technical capabilities of modern Nintendo hardware, check out our Nintendo Switch performance specs to understand how the console handles retro gaming emulation. If you’re exploring other Nintendo Switch content, our Nintendo Switch game guides offer insights into both modern and classic gaming experiences on the platform.