A New Chapter Begins for Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy Advance Library

Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA Library Enters a New Era

Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) has been steadily expanding its catalog of classic titles, offering fans a way to revisit retro favorites across generations. For years, the Game Boy Advance (GBA) library on NSO was exclusively filled with Nintendo-published games, keeping third-party titles out of reach. But that era has officially come to a close.

Starting this September, two beloved Namco titles—Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams—are making their way to the service. Their arrival doesn’t just add variety; it also marks a major turning point for the subscription model’s emulation offerings.

Nintendo Switch Online Finally Welcomes Third-Party GBA Games

Until now, every single GBA title available through the NSO + Expansion Pack plan was developed and published by Nintendo. That “Nintendo-only” rule is breaking for the first time, thanks to Namco.

Mr. Driller 2, originally released in 2000, is a colorful puzzle game where players control one of two drillers. The goal is simple but challenging: dig downward through layers of colored blocks while avoiding hazards and keeping an eye on oxygen levels. Running out of air or getting crushed by falling blocks spells defeat, making survival a careful balancing act.

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, released in 2001, takes a different approach with puzzle-platforming gameplay. Starring Klonoa and his iconic Wind Ring, players can capture enemies and hurl them to clear paths or defeat other foes. The story follows Klonoa after Emperor Jilius forces him into a mission to defeat four monsters, threatening imprisonment if he refuses. While not part of the series’ mainline entries, Empire of Dreams is considered a hidden gem among GBA fans.

With these two titles, Namco officially becomes the first third-party publisher represented in NSO’s GBA collection.

The Growing Lineup of GBA Games on NSO

Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams now join a strong lineup of classics already available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Here’s a full look at what subscribers can play today:

Densetsu no Starfy 1, 2, 3
F-Zero Climax, GP Legend, Maximum Velocity
Fire Emblem, The Sacred Stones
Golden Sun, Golden Sun: The Lost Age
Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
Kuru Kuru Kururin
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Metroid Fusion, Metroid: Zero Mission
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team
Super Mario Advance (1–4 series)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Wario Land 4
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

This collection offers a wide mix of genres, from platformers and RPGs to puzzle games and racing titles. One of the most celebrated additions in recent months was Golden Sun: The Lost Age, which completed the fan-favorite RPG series on NSO after years of being unavailable.

Why This Matters for the Future of NSO

The inclusion of third-party GBA games signals more than just two new titles—it could mark the beginning of a much larger shift. If Namco can add classics to the service, there’s no reason why other publishers couldn’t follow suit. Imagine a future where Capcom, Konami, or Square Enix bring their handheld hits to NSO.

It also solves one of the biggest criticisms of the GBA library: its narrow focus. While Nintendo’s first-party lineup is undeniably strong, third-party contributions helped shape the handheld’s golden years. Bringing those titles into NSO would make the service feel more complete, giving longtime fans the nostalgia they crave and introducing younger players to hidden gems from the early 2000s.

Closing Thoughts

The arrival of Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams on Nintendo Switch Online marks the end of Nintendo’s solo hold on the GBA library. For fans, it’s a welcome change that opens the door to a much richer and more diverse collection in the years to come.

Nintendo has shown with NSO that it’s willing to experiment and evolve, and this shift may be one of the most exciting yet. Whether you’re a longtime GBA fan or a curious newcomer, September’s update proves one thing: the best may still be yet to come for Nintendo Switch Online’s retro offerings.