The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is a 32-bit handheld video game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was released in Japan on March 21, 2001, in North America on June 11, 2001, and in Europe on June 22, 2001. The GBA is the successor to the Game Boy Color and is part of the sixth generation of video game consoles. The GBA features a 2.9-inch reflective thin-film transistor (TFT) LCD screen, a 32-bit ARM7TDMI processor, and 32 megabytes of RAM. It is backward compatible with Game Boy and Game Boy Color games.
The GBA was a commercial success, selling over 81 million units worldwide. It is one of the best-selling handheld video game consoles of all time. The GBA has a large library of games, including many popular franchises such as Pokémon, Super Mario Bros., and The Legend of Zelda. The GBA also has a strong modding community, which has created custom games, emulators, and accessories for the console.
In this article, we will take a look at some of the best Game Boy Advance games. We will discuss their gameplay, graphics, and overall quality. We will also provide some tips on how to find and play GBA games.
Game Boy Advance Games
The Game Boy Advance has a large and varied library of games. Here are 9 of the best Game Boy Advance games:
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
- Super Mario Advance
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- Metroid Fusion
- Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
- Advance Wars
- Golden Sun
- Mega Man Battle Network 3
- WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
These games offer a wide range of genres and experiences, from classic adventures to RPGs to puzzle games. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Game Boy Advance or just getting started, there's sure to be a game on this list that you'll enjoy.
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. They are the first installments in the third generation of the Pokémon video game series. The games were released in Japan in November 2002 and in North America and Europe in March 2003.
- Vast and diverse world
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire feature a large and diverse world to explore, with over 100 new Pokémon to catch. The games also introduced new features such as double battles and abilities.
- Improved graphics
The graphics in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are a significant improvement over previous Pokémon games. The games use a new 3D engine that allows for more detailed and realistic environments and character models.
- New and innovative gameplay features
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire introduced a number of new and innovative gameplay features, such as double battles, abilities, and contests. These features added depth and strategy to the Pokémon gameplay.
- Strong critical and commercial success
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire were both critical and commercial successes. The games received praise for their improved graphics, gameplay, and story. They also sold over 16 million copies worldwide.
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are widely considered to be some of the best Pokémon games ever made. They are essential playing for any fan of the Pokémon series.
Super Mario Advance
Super Mario Advance is a series of four platformer video games developed by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. The games are remakes of the original Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Super Mario Bros. 2, and Super Mario Bros. 3 games that were originally released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Super Mario Advance was released in Japan in 2001 and in North America and Europe in 2002. The games were critical and commercial successes, selling over 10 million copies worldwide. Super Mario Advance is widely considered to be one of the best platformer series on the Game Boy Advance.
The Super Mario Advance games feature updated graphics and sound, as well as new features such as a save system and the ability to play as Luigi. The games also include new levels and challenges that are not found in the original NES games.
Super Mario Advance is a great way to experience the classic Super Mario Bros. games on the go. The games are faithful to the originals, but they also offer new features and challenges that make them worth playing even for fans of the original NES games.
Here is a summary of the key features of the Super Mario Advance games:
- Updated graphics and sound
- New save system
- Ability to play as Luigi
- New levels and challenges
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is an action-adventure game developed by Capcom and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in November 2004 and in North America and Europe in 2005.
- Shrink to solve puzzles and explore new areas
Link can shrink down to the size of a Minish, which allows him to access new areas and solve puzzles that would otherwise be impossible. This shrinking mechanic adds a unique twist to the traditional Zelda gameplay.
- New items and abilities
The Minish Cap introduces a number of new items and abilities, such as the Gust Jar, which can be used to blow away obstacles, and the Roc's Cape, which allows Link to glide through the air. These new items and abilities add depth and variety to the gameplay.
- Classic Zelda gameplay
Despite its unique features, The Minish Cap is still a classic Zelda game at heart. It features the same top-down perspective, dungeon-crawling gameplay, and puzzle-solving that fans of the series have come to expect.
- Beautiful graphics and sound
The Minish Cap is one of the most visually impressive games on the Game Boy Advance. The graphics are colorful and detailed, and the sound is top-notch. The game's world is full of life and personality.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is a must-play for fans of the Zelda series and anyone looking for a great action-adventure game on the Game Boy Advance.
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion is an action-adventure game developed by Nintendo R&D1 and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in November 2002 and in North America and Europe in 2003.
- A dark and atmospheric story
Metroid Fusion has a dark and atmospheric story that is unlike any other Metroid game. The game takes place after the events of Metroid and follows Samus Aran as she investigates a deadly parasite that is threatening to destroy the galaxy.
- New abilities and upgrades
Metroid Fusion introduces a number of new abilities and upgrades for Samus, including the Fusion Suit, which gives her new powers and abilities. The game also features a new emphasis on stealth and exploration.
- Stunning graphics and sound
Metroid Fusion is one of the most visually impressive games on the Game Boy Advance. The graphics are detailed and atmospheric, and the sound is top-notch. The game's soundtrack is particularly memorable.
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
Metroid Fusion is a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of the Metroid series and anyone looking for a great action-adventure game.
Metroid Fusion is a must-play for fans of the Metroid series and anyone looking for a great action-adventure game on the Game Boy Advance.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is an action-platformer game developed by Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo and published by Konami for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2003 and in North America and Europe in 2004.
- Unique soul system
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow introduces a unique soul system that allows Soma Cruz to absorb the souls of defeated enemies and use their abilities. This system adds a new layer of depth and strategy to the gameplay.
- Classic Castlevania gameplay
Despite its unique features, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is still a classic Castlevania game at heart. It features the same side-scrolling gameplay, gothic atmosphere, and challenging boss battles that fans of the series have come to expect.
- Beautiful graphics and sound
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is one of the most visually impressive games on the Game Boy Advance. The graphics are detailed and atmospheric, and the sound is top-notch. The game's soundtrack is particularly memorable.
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of the Castlevania series and anyone looking for a great action-platformer game.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is a must-play for fans of the Castlevania series and anyone looking for a great action-platformer game on the Game Boy Advance.
Advance Wars
Advance Wars is a turn-based strategy game developed by Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2001 and in North America and Europe in 2002.
Advance Wars is set in a fictional world and follows the story of two rival nations, Orange Star and Blue Moon, as they engage in a war over the continent of Omega Land. The game features a variety of units, including infantry, tanks, and aircraft, which players must use to defeat their opponents.
Advance Wars is known for its innovative gameplay, which combines traditional turn-based strategy with real-time elements. The game also features a number of unique features, such as the Fog of War, which obscures the map from players, and the CO system, which allows players to use special abilities to turn the tide of battle.
Advance Wars was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its addictive gameplay, deep strategy, and charming characters. The game has spawned a number of sequels and spin-offs, and it is considered to be one of the best strategy games on the Game Boy Advance.
Here is a summary of the key features of Advance Wars:
- Turn-based strategy gameplay with real-time elements
- Variety of units, including infantry, tanks, and aircraft
- Fog of War obscures the map from players
- CO system allows players to use special abilities
- Addictive gameplay, deep strategy, and charming characters
Golden Sun
Golden Sun is a role-playing game developed by Camelot Software Planning and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2001 and in North America and Europe in 2002.
- Unique elemental combat system
Golden Sun features a unique elemental combat system that allows players to use the powers of fire, water, earth, and wind to attack their enemies. The game also features a deep and complex magic system that allows players to customize their characters to their liking.
- Epic story and characters
Golden Sun has an epic story that follows a group of young heroes as they journey to save the world from darkness. The game features a cast of memorable characters and a well-written plot that will keep players engaged from beginning to end.
- Beautiful graphics and sound
Golden Sun is one of the most visually impressive games on the Game Boy Advance. The graphics are detailed and colorful, and the sound is top-notch. The game's soundtrack is particularly memorable.
- Challenging and rewarding gameplay
Golden Sun is a challenging and rewarding game that will appeal to fans of the RPG genre and anyone looking for a great game on the Game Boy Advance.
Golden Sun is a must-play for fans of the RPG genre and anyone looking for a great game on the Game Boy Advance.
Mega Man Battle Network 3
Mega Man Battle Network 3 is an action-RPG game developed by Capcom and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2002 and in North America and Europe in 2003.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 is the third game in the Mega Man Battle Network series. The game follows the story of Lan Hikari and his NetNavi, MegaMan.EXE, as they investigate a series of mysterious incidents that are threatening the internet.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 introduces a number of new features to the series, including the ability to fuse MegaMan.EXE with other NetNavis to create powerful new forms. The game also features a new battle system that is faster and more dynamic than in previous games.
Mega Man Battle Network 3 was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, deep story, and charming characters. It is considered to be one of the best games in the Mega Man Battle Network series.
Here is a summary of the key features of Mega Man Battle Network 3:
- Action-RPG gameplay with a focus on real-time combat
- Ability to fuse MegaMan.EXE with other NetNavis to create powerful new forms
- New battle system that is faster and more dynamic than in previous games
- Deep story with a cast of charming characters
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! is a microgame compilation game developed by Nintendo R&D1 and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. It was released in Japan in 2003 and in North America and Europe in 2004.
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! is a collection of over 200 microgames, which are short, simple games that can be completed in a few seconds. The games are presented in a variety of styles, including action, puzzle, and rhythm games.
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! is known for its fast-paced and chaotic gameplay. The games are designed to be challenging and addictive, and they are sure to keep players entertained for hours on end.
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and addictive nature. It is considered to be one of the best games on the Game Boy Advance.
Here is a summary of the key features of WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
- Collection of over 200 microgames
- Variety of game styles, including action, puzzle, and rhythm games
- Fast-paced and chaotic gameplay
- Challenging and addictive
- Charming characters
Tips
Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Game Boy Advance games:
1. Use the shoulder buttons. The shoulder buttons on the Game Boy Advance can be used to perform a variety of actions, such as shooting, jumping, or using items. Get familiar with the shoulder buttons and how to use them in each game.
2. Take advantage of the save states. The Game Boy Advance allows you to save your game at any point, even in the middle of a level. This can be very helpful if you're stuck on a difficult part of the game or if you need to take a break.
3. Don't be afraid to experiment. The Game Boy Advance has a wide variety of games to offer, so don't be afraid to try something new. You might be surprised at what you find.
4. Use the link cable. The link cable allows you to connect two Game Boy Advance consoles together so that you can play multiplayer games or trade items. This can be a great way to have fun with friends.
Closing Paragraph for Tips
With these tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying all that the Game Boy Advance has to offer.
Conclusion
The Game Boy Advance is one of the most popular handheld video game consoles of all time. It has a large and varied library of games, including many classic titles. The GBA is also known for its innovative features, such as the shoulder buttons and the ability to save your game at any point.
In this article, we have taken a look at some of the best Game Boy Advance games. These games offer a wide range of genres and experiences, from classic adventures to RPGs to puzzle games. Whether you're a long-time fan of the Game Boy Advance or just getting started, there's sure to be a game on this list that you'll enjoy.
So what are you waiting for? Pick up a Game Boy Advance and start playing some of the best games that the handheld has to offer.