Best 20 GBA Games You Are Missing Out On

The Minish Cap shrinks Hyrule and Link down to size for a charming adventure on GBA. Shrinking opens unique exploration avenues, like crawling inside flowers or riding beetles – a delightful twist on classic Zelda formula.

Dungeons retain the series' clever puzzle design, each themed around the shrinking mechanic. Boss battles are creative and often require switching between sizes for victory.

The world feels surprisingly vast for a handheld title, with towns bustling with personality and side quests galore. While the story is simple, it's well-told and endearing, focusing on friendship and courage.

Some may find it shorter than other Zelda games, but the tight pacing and satisfying gameplay make it a delightful portable adventure. Minish Cap is a polished gem, proving that shrinking the world can actually expand the possibilities for Zelda magic.

Double Dragon Advance delivers a side-scrolling beat-'em-up punch on the GBA, resurrecting the classic arcade game with a satisfying modern twist.

Dive into the shoes of Billy and Jimmy Lee, mastering a diverse library of punches, kicks, throws, and combos to pulverize a wide range of street thugs and martial arts masters. Here's what packs a punch:

• Expanded moveset: Unleash hurricane kicks, double dragons, and devastating special attacks to decimate your enemies.
• Weapon buffet: Grab nunchucks, knives, axes, and more to add variety to your beatdowns.
• Cooperative chaos: Team up with a friend for double the dragon fury in local co-op.
• Familiar, yet fresh: Classic levels receive a makeover, while new stages expand the Double Dragon universe.
• Challenge awaits: Difficulty spikes can be unforgiving, demanding precise timing and strategic attacks.

Sonic Advance zooms onto the GBA, bringing the blue blur's signature speed and adrenaline to the handheld scene.

While not without its flaws, its fast-paced romp that captures the essence of classic Sonic with a few clever twists. 

• Four playable characters: Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose each offer unique abilities and playstyles, adding variety to your runs.
• Blistering speed: Hold onto your rings as Sonic tears through vibrant levels full of loops, ramps, and hidden shortcuts.
• Multiple paths: Explore branching levels and uncover secrets, encouraging replayability and mastery.
• Catchy soundtrack: A rocking soundtrack keeps the energy high as you boost through each stage.

Mario Kart Super Circuit peels onto the GBA, bringing the beloved kart racing formula to your pocket in style. 

While it loses some 3D depth compared to its N64 predecessor, Super Circuit compensates with charming new tracks, tight controls, and portable perfection.

• New and Classic Tracks: Race across 16 original courses brimming with personality, plus four retro tracks from Super Mario Kart.
• Character Variety: Choose from eight familiar faces, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
• Classic Items: Dodge bananas, unleash red shells, and steal first place with familiar Mario Kart mayhem.
• Multiplayer Mayhem: Connect up to four GBAs for competitive races and chaotic battles.

Super Mario Advance 2: Super Mario World isn't just a port, it's a pixelated perfection on the GBA.

This faithful recreation of the SNES classic brings all the vibrant charm, dino-stomping goodness, and cape-fluttering joy to your handheld, with some delightful additions that make it even more enjoyable.

• Classic Platforming: Run, jump, spin, and Yoshi-gulp your way through 96 beautifully remastered levels across Dinosaur Island.
• Power-Up Parade: Grab feathers for fiery flights, collect Yoshi eggs for dino riding, and unlock secret exits for bonus challenges.
• Level Skip and Save: No more starting from scratch! Explore at your own pace and jump ahead if you get stuck.
• Luigi Playable: Take control of the green-clad brother for the first time in the main game, with slightly altered physics and jumps.
• Coin Rush Mode: Put your skills to the test in a rapid-fire coin-collecting challenge.

Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade ignites the GBA with a sprawling tactical odyssey, following Roy, son of Eliwood, as he rallies forces against Bern's tyrannical invasion.

Weave through political intrigue, forge bonds with diverse characters, and clash with fearsome foes in gripping turn-based battles.

• Master weapon triangles, terrain advantages, and unit synergies to outmaneuver your opponents in intricate turn-based encounters.
• Command over 40 unique units, each with distinct personalities, combat roles, and support conversations that build camaraderie.
• Unlockable classes, secret chapters, and strategic options offer endless replayability for dedicated tacticians.
• Navigate a world of alliances, betrayals, and hidden agendas, where every battle has ripple effects beyond the battlefield.
• Your choices impact relationships, recruitments, and even endings, weaving a web of consequence with each decision.

Mario Vs Donkey Kong throws a spunky wrench into the classic rivalry on the GBA.

Forget damsels in distress, this time Pauline's kidnapped by Donkey Kong in a fit of toy thievery, and it's up to Mario (and a posse of mini Marios) to rescue her through quirky contraptions and mind-bending puzzles.

• Build and Climb: Utilize platforms, springs, and ladders to guide mini Marios to the goal, collecting stars and avoiding hazards.
• Think Tank Time: Each level unveils a unique puzzle mechanic, demanding creative thinking and strategic manipulation of your tiny helpers.
• Boss Blitz: Face off against Donkey Kong in wacky contraption-based battles, testing your reflexes and platforming skills.
• Multiple Marios: Control up to four mini Marios at once, adding a chaotic layer of coordination to the puzzle-solving.
• Unlockable Levels: Master the main game to unlock bonus challenges with even trickier puzzles and faster-paced action.

Metroid: Zero Mission blasts onto the GBA, reimagining the original NES classic with a refined Metroidvania adventure.

Dive back into Samus Aran's iconic power suit and explore the labyrinthine caverns of Zebes, hunting Space Pirates and unraveling the mystery of the deadly Metroids.

• Tight Controls: More fluid controls for Samus, an upgrade from the NES original.  
• Expanded Arsenal: Familiar weapons like the Power Beam and Wave Beam return, alongside new additions like the Ice Beam and Plasma Beam for creative combat options.
• Reworked Story: Zero Mission delves deeper into Samus's past, adding emotional weight and context to her mission.
• Visually Stunning: The pixelated world of Zebes comes alive with vibrant colors and detailed environments, a significant upgrade from the NES original.
• Bonus Content: Unlockable boss fights, gallery features, and multiple endings add replayability and reward exploration.
• Save your progress wherever you standand explore at your own pace. 

Prepare to dive into a captivating tale within a tale with Final Fantasy Tactics Advance for the GBA. This charming spin-off transports you to Ivalice, a world born from the pages of a magical book, where four friends find themselves swept away on an epic quest.

Engage in intricate turn-based battles, forge powerful clans, and unravel the mysteries of their fantastical journey.

• Captivating Narrative: Uncover the secrets of Ivalice alongside Marche, Mewt, Ritz, and Doned as they navigate the line between reality and fiction.
• Choose Your Path: Shape the narrative through moral choices and clan decisions, influencing the world of Ivalice and your relationships within it.
• Pixelated Charm: Delight in the vibrant character designs and picturesque environments as the story unfolds in gorgeous pixel art.
• Law System Twists: Adapt to daily Law changes that alter the battlefield and challenge your strategic thinking.

Metroid Fusion injects a shot of fear and adrenaline into the series on the GBA. Samus returns, but not as we know her – infected by a parasitic X, she walks a tightrope between bounty hunter and biohazard.

Explore the eerily silent BSL station, battling grotesquely mutated creatures and desperately hunting for a cure before the X consume both her and the station.

• Infected Atmosphere: The BSL station oozes claustrophobia and dread, with shadowy corridors and haunting music amplifying the sense of isolation.
• Vulnerable Samus: Samus starts weak and reliant on upgrades, adding a constant sense of tension and progression.
• X Parasite Threat: The parasitic threat isn't just external; the X infect enemies and morph into gruesome bosses, raising the stakes in every encounter.
• Weapon Fusion: Combine classic beams for devastating new power-ups, adding strategic depth to combat.
• Counter System: Parry enemy attacks for devastating blowbacks, demanding precise timing and reflexes.

Forget Bowser, the Koopa Kingdom's got bigger problems in Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga for the GBA. Join the titular bros as they face off against the Bean Bean Kingdom, who've stolen Princess Peach's voice and replaced it with...a babbling baby.

Explore quirky Beanbean locales, from a bustling castle to a haunted mansion, each brimming with personality and puns. Here are some additional features of the game:

• Battles take a turn-based RPG twist, featuring timed button presses and strategic attacks
• Switch between Mario and Luigi on the fly to solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and unleash powerful double-team attacks.
• Equip badges found throughout the world to enhance your stats and abilities, adding strategic depth to battles.
• Trigger synchronized actions for devastating attacks, requiring perfect timing and coordination between the brothers.

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 brings back all the joy and charm of the SNES classic to the GBA, making it a timeless pixelated gem for both nostalgic veterans and curious newcomers.

Master a diverse array of power-ups, from the iconic Tanooki suit to the fiery Fire Mario and the bubble-blowing Penguin Suit. Here are additionals features of the GBA classic.

• Explore eight vibrant worlds filled with iconic enemies, tricky puzzles, and hidden secrets.
• Save your progress anywhere and jump back into the action whenever you wish.
• Battle Mario's nemesis Bowser in revamped boss fights, offering fresh challenges for seasoned players.
• Ypou can even link up with a friend using a Game Boy Advance link cable for some retro co-op mayhem.

Dive into a continent embroiled in conflict in Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade for the GBA.

Lead three distinct lords - Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector - each with their own story and motives, as you navigate political intrigue, forge alliances, and clash with fearsome enemies in tactical turn-based battles.

• Command a Diverse Army: Utilize knights, mages, archers, and more, strategically pairing their strengths and weaknesses against your foes.
• Terrain Tactics: Master the battlefield, using forests for cover, mountains for defensive advantages, and choke points to trap enemies.
• Weapon Triangle Mastery: Exploit the weapon triangle for devastating attack bonuses, adding depth and complexity to combat.

Astro Boy soars onto the GBA in Omega Factor, a charming action-adventure that captures the spirit of the iconic manga and anime.

• Play as Astro, the robotic boy with a human heart, and blast your way through colorful levels packed with robotic foes and thrilling challenges.
• Multiple Paths: Your choices throughout the game influence the story and unlock different endings, encouraging multiple playthroughs.
• Collectible Spree: Hunt for hidden Astro Chips to unlock bonus content and customize your robotic hero.
• Challenging Bosses: Put your skills to the test against memorable boss fights that demand strategic thinking and precise timing.
• Faithful Adaptation: Experience the heart and humor of Astro Boy's world, encountering familiar characters and facing off against iconic villains like Pluto.
• Fast-Paced action with puzzle platforming twists.

The Hoenn region bursts onto the GBA in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire, offering a vibrant new adventure filled with unique Pokémon, exciting challenges, and the thrill of capturing the ultimate team.

Dive into a world of double battles, weather systems, and the legendary Groudon and Kyogre, ready to reshape the land.

• Mix and match berries to create diverse Pokéblock treats, influencing your Pokémon's stats and battle prowess.
• Carve out your own hidden haven, decorate it to your liking, and battle friends for ultimate bragging rights.
• Explore the sun-drenched shores of Ruby or the ocean depths of Sapphire, each with exclusive Pokémon and trainers to encounter.
• Master the new double battle system, strategically pairing your Pokémon for devastating combos and dynamic team play.

Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 2 grinds and ollies onto the GBA, bringing the skateboarding phenomenon to your pocket in pixelated perfection.

Carve up iconic levels like Venice Beach and the School, busting sick combos and racking up high scores with your favorite pro skaters.

• Nail the Combos: String together grinds, manuals, flips, and lip tricks, building insane point-grabbing sequences.
• Iconic Skaters: Choose from legends like Tony Hawk, Rodney Mullen, and Bucky Lasek, each with unique stats and playstyles.
• Hidden Secrets: Explore levels for secret areas, unlockable characters, and bonus challenges to extend your shredding session.
• Tight on the D-Pad: The controls translate surprisingly well to the D-pad, allowing for precise board manipulation and combo execution.
• Pick-Up-and-Play Fun: Jump in for quick bursts of skateboarding action, ideal for short commutes or lunch breaks.

Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow paints the GBA screen with gothic elegance, injecting the classic Castlevania formula with RPG elements and a captivating storyline.

Play as Soma Cruz, a young man unwittingly entangled in a battle between light and darkness, wielding souls collected from vanquished enemies and unlocking a vast array of abilities.

• Soul Eater System: Absorb enemy souls to unlock weapon skills and spells, offering creative combat customization and progression.
• Dive deep into Dracula's sprawling castle, uncovering hidden passages, secret areas, and powerful relics.
• Unravel a complex narrative filled with ancient prophecies, forgotten pacts, and the struggle between human and demon.
• The game provides a gripping atmosphere, Soma's movements are fluid and it comes with multiple endings influnced by your choices and gameplay.

Prepare for the ultimate micro-game mayhem in WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames! for the GBA. Wario's not content with just running a video game company; he's throwing you into a whirlwind of 200+ rapid-fire minigames that will test your reflexes, logic,

From picking noses to dodging ninjas, each quirky minigame throws an absurd challenge your way, demanding quick thinking and frantic button mashing. Here are additional highlights of the game:

• Play as Wario and his wacky crew, each with their own hilarious animations and minigame styles.
• Earn coins to unlock new microgames, characters, and bonus modes, fueling the addictive gameplay loop.
• Master single-button or directional-pad controls that anyone can pick up and enjoy.
• The sheer variety and randomness of the microgames guarantees a fresh surprise every time you play.

Advance Wars conquers the GBA with charming pixelated charm and surprisingly deep turn-based combat.

YOu can link up and challenge friends in head-to-head battles for an extra layer of strategic competition. Here are more of the game's highlights:

• Lead memorable COs like Andy, Max, and Sami, each with unique combat bonuses and personalities.
• Deploy infantry, tanks, planes, and more, utilizing their strengths and weaknesses to overcome tactical challenges.
• Master fog-of-war, indirect fire, and CO powers to outsmart your enemies and secure victory.
• Bite-sized missions and quick turns make it ideal for on-the-go tactical warfare.
• Unlockable COs, hidden maps, and multiple difficulty levels keep you coming back for more.

Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past with Four Swords isn't just a remaster of the SNES classic; it's a celebration of Zelda on the go.

Whether you're a seasoned Hylian hero or a curious newcomer, this dynamic duo offers adventure, camaraderie, and perhaps a bit of friendly competition, making it a must-have for any GBA library.

Team up with three friends (or go solo with AI companions) to conquer Hyrule from a fresh, cooperative perspective. Here are additional highlights of the game:

• Explore the iconic Hyrule from the SNES in all its charming, blocky glory.
• Unlock a challenging new dungeon and story twist after conquering the original adventure.
• Minor gameplay tweaks improve the flow and offer a fresh feel to returning players.
• Work together to solve unique puzzles and navigate four interconnected worlds.