A fresh look at retro gaming on the Nintendo Switch! Unlike some other consoles, the Switch boasts a smaller but still impressive selection of Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS titles. This list focuses on those available on the Switch eShop, excluding Nintendo Switch Online offerings. We've curated ten favorites: four Game Boy Advance and six Nintendo DS gems. No particular ranking applied – let's dive in!
Kicking things off with the shoot 'em up, Steel Empire. While the Genesis/Mega Drive version holds a slight edge in my book, this GBA port is a solid alternative. A fun comparison piece, and arguably a more streamlined experience. Regardless of the platform, Steel Empire is a captivating shooter, even for those who aren't typically drawn to the genre.
As the Mega Man X series on home consoles faltered, the Mega Man legacy found its true successor on the Game Boy Advance. Mega Man Zero launches an exceptional side-scrolling action series, though its initial entry shows some minor rough edges later refined in subsequent installments. This is the perfect starting point for this captivating series.
A Mega Man double feature! Mega Man Zero and Mega Man Battle Network offer vastly different gameplay experiences, both excellent in their own right. Battle Network is a unique RPG with a blend of action and strategic elements. The virtual world concept within electronic devices is brilliantly conceived and expertly executed. While later entries in this series saw diminishing returns, the original offers abundant fun.
The Castlevania Advance Collection is a must-have, but if forced to choose, Aria of Sorrow reigns supreme. For me, it even surpasses the phenomenal Symphony of the Night on occasion. The soul-collecting mechanic encourages exploration, and the gameplay is so engaging that the grinding feels worthwhile. A unique setting and hidden secrets solidify its status as a top-tier third-party Game Boy Advance title.
The original Shantae enjoyed cult status, but limited distribution hindered its reach. Shantae: Risky’s Revenge, initially released on DSiWare, catapulted the Half-Genie Hero to wider recognition, establishing her as a mainstay across console generations. Interestingly, this title's origins trace back to an unreleased Game Boy Advance game, slated for release soon, and potentially a future addition to this list.
Technically a Game Boy Advance game (though not initially localized), Ace Attorney is a must-mention. These engaging adventure games blend on-site investigations with dramatic courtroom sequences, offering witty humor and compelling narratives. The first game sets a high bar, although later installments also hold their own.
From the creator of Ace Attorney, Ghost Trick boasts equally compelling writing and a unique gameplay mechanic. As a ghost, you manipulate objects to save others, while unraveling the mystery behind your own demise. This wild ride deserves a playthrough. Capcom's continued support for this initially overlooked title is commendable.
The World Ends With You is a Nintendo DS masterpiece, ideally experienced on its original hardware. While ports haven't perfectly replicated the original experience, the Switch version provides a satisfactory alternative for those without access to a Nintendo DS. A truly exceptional game.
The recently released Castlevania Dominus Collection encompasses all Nintendo DS Castlevania games, each deserving a playthrough. Dawn of Sorrow stands out due to improved button controls replacing the original's touch controls. However, all three DS titles in this collection are excellent.
This franchise thrives on the DS/3DS ecosystem, but Atlus's Switch port is surprisingly playable. Each Etrian Odyssey title is a substantial RPG, with Etrian Odyssey III being the largest and most rewarding, despite its complexity.
That concludes our list! Share your favorite Game Boy Advance or Nintendo DS Switch games in the comments below! Thanks for reading!
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