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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, this gem didn't make its way to the West until 2005. The game weaves a captivating standalone narrative around the twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom and unravel the mystery of their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this might be the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Not only did it launch two decades ago, but it was also the second Fire Emblem title to be released outside Japan and the last to grace the GBA platform.

We were thoroughly impressed with Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones back in 2005, giving it a solid 8.5/10. Our review stated: "Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is to the original Fire Emblem just as Advance Wars 2 was to the original Advance Wars. It's only a letdown in the sense that all this game really offers is an entirely different storyline on top of the pre-existing gameplay built for the GBA Fire Emblem released in 2003."

Nintendo Switch Online is a subscription service that enhances your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch platform. It offers online multiplayer capabilities, enabling you to play with or against friends, and a rich catalog of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying out the service.

Speaking of the much-awaited new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was slated to debut on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump, which caused market fluctuations. Now, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will go live on April 24, maintaining the $449.99 price point.

You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories via the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to users who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025.