18 Best GBA (Game Boy Advance) Games of All Time

The Game Boy Advance (GBA) is home to some of the most beloved titles in gaming history. With a diverse range of genres and unique styles, the GBA has become a classic among handheld consoles. If you’re looking for the best GBA games to add to your collection, here’s a curated list of must-play titles that capture the essence of this legendary console.

Overview of the Best GBA Games

Here is a quick reference table of the best GBA games, including key details and why they are considered must-plays:

Game	Release Year	Developer	Genre	Gameplay Highlights	Why It’s Among the Best
Metroid Fusion	2002	Nintendo R&D1	Action-Adventure	Atmospheric storytelling, tight controls, engaging narrative	Redefined the Metroid series with suspenseful gameplay and immersive atmosphere
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap	2004	Capcom, Flagship	Action-Adventure	Unique mechanics like shrinking in size, clever puzzles	Offers a rich handheld Zelda experience with inventive gameplay elements
Advance Wars	2001	Intelligent Systems	Turn-Based Strategy	Deep tactical gameplay, diverse multiplayer options	A staple in the strategy genre with challenging missions and charming art style
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow	2003	Konami	Action-Adventure, RPG	Tactical Soul system, platforming, RPG elements	Combines engaging story and innovative gameplay mechanics
Mario Kart: Super Circuit	2001	Nintendo EAD	Racing	New tracks, multiplayer options, classic Mario Kart charm	Perfect adaptation of the Mario Kart series for handheld gaming
Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade	2003	Intelligent Systems	Tactical RPG	Challenging gameplay, deep character development, robust combat system	Appeals to strategy fans with engaging story and complex tactical battles
Golden Sun	2001	Camelot Software	RPG	Captivating story, Djinn-based mechanics, impressive graphics	One of the best RPGs on the GBA with a rich world and memorable characters
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!	2003	Nintendo R&D1	Party/Microgames	Rapid-fire microgames, humor, creativity	Unique and addictive gameplay experience that stands out on the GBA
Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire	2002	Game Freak	RPG	New Pokemon, abilities, double battles, extensive gameplay	Introduces new features and vibrant worlds, making it a fan favorite
Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga	2003	AlphaDream	RPG	Clever writing, engaging combat, innovative control scheme	Combines humor and RPG elements with fresh gameplay mechanics
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance	2003	Square Enix	Tactical RPG	Complex strategy gameplay, deep story, countless hours of content	Builds on the success of its predecessor with improved mechanics and engaging narrative
Metroid: Zero Mission	2004	Nintendo R&D1	Action-Adventure	Updated graphics, refined controls, additional content	A modern remake that enhances the original Metroid adventure
Super Mario Advance Series	2001-2003	Nintendo EAD	Platformer	Classic Mario games re-released with new features	Retains original charm while adding improvements, essential for any Mario fan
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2	2001	Vicarious Visions	Sports/Skateboarding	Tight controls, faithful level recreation	One of the most impressive handheld sports games, capturing the essence of its console counterpart
Drill Dozer	2005	Game Freak	Platformer	Creative drill mechanics, vibrant art style, inventive puzzles	Unique platformer with excellent level design and innovative gameplay
Astro Boy: Omega Factor	2004	Treasure, Hitmaker	Action/Beat-’em-up	Fast-paced combat, compelling story, variety of levels and boss battles	Action-packed beat-’em-up with rich storytelling and engaging gameplay
Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town	2003	Marvelous Interactive	Simulation/Farming	Resource management, character interactions, farming, fishing, socializing	Relaxing yet addictive gameplay with numerous activities and charming world
Sonic Advance Trilogy	2001-2004	Sonic Team, Dimps	Platformer	Tight controls, well-designed levels, faithful recreation of classic Sonic	Brings Sonic’s speed and platforming action to the GBA with great success

1. Metroid Fusion

“Metroid Fusion” tops the list as one of the best GBA games ever made. Known for its intense atmosphere, engaging narrative, and expertly crafted gameplay, “Metroid Fusion” redefined the Metroid series for handheld gaming. Its story-driven approach and tight controls make it a masterpiece in the GBA library.

2. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Another standout in the list of the best GBA games is “The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.” Praised for its inventive mechanics and clever puzzles, this title allows players to shrink in size, adding a unique twist to the traditional Zelda formula. With a beautifully designed world, it offers a rich and immersive handheld Zelda experience.

3. Advance Wars

For fans of strategy games, “Advance Wars” is a must-play. This turn-based strategy game is celebrated for its deep tactical gameplay, charming art style, and diverse multiplayer options. It remains a staple in the strategy genre on the GBA, earning its place among the best GBA games.

4. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

“Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow” is a gem among the best GBA games, featuring the innovative Tactical Soul system, where players collect abilities from defeated enemies. This game masterfully combines platforming and RPG elements, delivering an engaging story that captivates players.

5. Mario Kart: Super Circuit

No list of the best GBA games would be complete without “Mario Kart: Super Circuit.” This game brings the excitement of the Mario Kart series to the handheld with new tracks, engaging multiplayer options, and all the charm fans have come to love.

6. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

“Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade” is an essential addition to any collection of the best GBA games. Known for its challenging gameplay, deep character development, and robust combat system, this tactical RPG offers a compelling story that keeps strategy fans hooked.

7. Golden Sun

“Golden Sun” is regarded as one of the best RPGs on the GBA, featuring a captivating story, unique Djinn-based mechanics, and some of the best graphics on the console. It offers a rich world filled with deep lore and memorable characters, solidifying its place among the best GBA games.

8. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames

“WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!” is a unique title on the list of best GBA games, known for its rapid-fire microgames, humor, and creativity. This addictive game provides a truly entertaining experience that stands out on the GBA.

9. Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire

“Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire” are essential titles among the best GBA games, introducing new Pokémon, abilities, and mechanics like double battles. These games offer vibrant worlds and extensive gameplay that continue to captivate fans.

10. Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga

This hilarious RPG adventure featuring Mario and Luigi is a must-play among the best GBA games. “Superstar Saga” combines clever writing, engaging combat, and an innovative control scheme, providing a fresh twist on the RPG genre.

11. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

“Final Fantasy Tactics Advance” brings complex strategy gameplay, a deep story, and countless hours of content to the GBA. Building on the success of its predecessor, this game is a classic in its genre and among the best GBA games available.

12. Metroid: Zero Mission

“Metroid: Zero Mission” is a superb remake of the original NES “Metroid.” With updated graphics, refined controls, and additional content, it offers a modern take on a classic adventure, making it a must-play among the best GBA games.

13. Super Mario Advance Series

The “Super Mario Advance” series includes several classic Mario games re-released for the GBA, such as “Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World” and “Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3.” These titles retain their original charm while adding new features, making them essential for any fan of the best GBA games.

14. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

“Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2” on the GBA is a technical marvel that faithfully recreates the levels and tight controls of its console counterpart. It remains one of the most impressive handheld sports games, solidifying its place among the best GBA games.

15. Drill Dozer

Developed by Game Freak, “Drill Dozer” is a unique platformer that stands out due to its creative drill mechanics and vibrant art style. With excellent level design and inventive puzzles, it’s a hidden gem among the best GBA games.

16. Astro Boy: Omega Factor

“Astro Boy: Omega Factor” is an action-packed beat-’em-up known for its fast-paced combat, compelling story, and a rich variety of levels and boss battles. It’s a must-play for fans of the genre and one of the best GBA games available.

17. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town

This farming simulation game offers a relaxing yet addictive experience with its resource management mechanics, character interactions, and numerous activities. It’s one of the best GBA games for those looking for a laid-back yet engaging experience.

18. Sonic Advance Trilogy

The “Sonic Advance” series brings the speed and platforming action of Sonic the Hedgehog to the GBA, offering tight controls, well-designed levels, and a faithful recreation of the classic Sonic experience. These titles are a must-have among the best GBA games.

Final Words on the Best GBA Games

The Game Boy Advance remains a beloved console, cherished for its diverse library and the unique gaming experiences it offers. From iconic adventures like “Metroid Fusion” and “The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap” to addictive strategy games like “Advance Wars” and “Fire Emblem,” these titles have stood the test of time and continue to captivate players of all ages. Whether you’re a longtime fan revisiting classic favorites or a new player discovering these gems for the first time, these best GBA games are sure to provide countless hours of entertainment, nostalgia, and fun.

Dive into this collection of GBA masterpieces, and experience the magic of handheld gaming at its finest