Big news! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones just landed in the Nintendo Switch Online game collection.
Originally hitting Game Boy Advance shelves in 2004 (2005 for Western fans), this tactical RPG follows twins Eirika and Ephraim as they battle to reclaim their kingdom of Renais while unraveling a shocking betrayal. Many will be experiencing this gem for the first time - not only is it celebrating its 20th anniversary, but it was only the second Fire Emblem title localized for Western audiences and marked the series' final GBA installment.
Back in 2005, we gave Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones an impressive 8.5/10, praising it as "the perfect evolution of the GBA Fire Emblem formula, delivering a fresh narrative while building on the stellar tactical combat established in 2003's original."
Nintendo Switch Online gives subscribers access to classic titles across multiple Nintendo eras - from NES and SNES to Game Boy and N64, with GameCube games coming soon alongside the Nintendo Switch 2 launch. The service also enables online multiplayer functionality across compatible games. New users can test the waters with a free 7-day trial.
Speaking of Nintendo's next-gen console: While the Nintendo Switch 2 was originally set for June 5, 2025 with a $449.99 starting price, unexpected U.S. tariff changes caused a brief delay in pre-order availability. The wait is nearly over though - pre-orders officially open April 24 at the unchanged $449.99 price point.
Fans can currently register interest directly with Nintendo to receive pre-order notifications. Priority access will go to active Nintendo Switch Online members (12-month subscriptions) who've logged at least 50 gameplay hours before April 2, 2025. Emails will roll out in the order requests were received.
