20-Year-Old Fire Emblem Game Now Available on Nintendo Switch Online

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is now available on the Nintendo Switch Online service, giving a new generation of players the chance to experience this classic tactical RPG.

Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004 in Japan, the game made its way to Western audiences in 2005. It presents a self-contained story following Eirika and Ephraim, twin heirs to the throne of Renais, as they battle to reclaim their war-torn kingdom and uncover the truth behind a former ally's betrayal.

For many fans, this marks the first convenient opportunity to play Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. Given that it originally released two decades ago, and was only the second Fire Emblem title to reach Western markets, its arrival on modern platforms feels like a nostalgic milestone. Plus, it was the last Fire Emblem game developed specifically for the GBA.

Back in 2005, we praised the game with an 8.5/10, noting: “Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is to the original Fire Emblem what Advance Wars 2 was to the original Advance Wars — it’s only a letdown if you were expecting something dramatically different. What it delivers is a fresh storyline built atop a refined version of the gameplay introduced in the 2003 GBA release.”

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience. Subscribers gain access to online multiplayer features and a curated library of classic games spanning four decades—from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, thanks to the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, even titles from the GameCube era. A free seven-day trial is also available for those who want to test before they commit.

Speaking of which—Nintendo’s next big console, the Nintendo Switch 2, was initially slated to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to import tariffs introduced under President Trump that disrupted financial markets, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date was delayed in the United States. As a result, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will officially open later this week on April 24, with the price remaining unchanged at $449.99.

Currently, you can register your interest with Nintendo to receive updates about pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and compatible accessories via the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent by email on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to users who have held a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025.