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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, bringing a classic back to life for modern gamers. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it made its way to the West in 2005. The game follows the journey of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the betrayal of a former ally. Now, thanks to its inclusion in the Nintendo Switch Online service, many fans will have their first chance to experience this gem. Released 20 years ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA.

Back in 2005, we gave Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones a solid 8.5/10, praising it by saying: "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-based service that enhances your Nintendo Switch gaming experience. It offers online multiplayer features, allowing you to play with or against friends, and a vast library of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. New users can also take advantage of a free seven-day trial.

Speaking of the much-awaited Nintendo Switch 2, its release was initially slated for June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market instability, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been delayed in the United States. Pre-orders will now begin on April 24, maintaining the original price of $449.99.

Interested in securing your Nintendo Switch 2? You can register your interest with Nintendo on the My Nintendo Store to receive notifications about pre-orders for the console and its accessories. Emails inviting you to purchase will be dispatched on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours as of April 2, 2025.