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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, bringing a classic from the Game Boy Advance era back into the spotlight. Originally launched in 2004, it made its way to Western audiences in 2005. The game follows the gripping tale of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they strive to reclaim their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery behind their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this marks the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones, given its initial release two decades ago. It was one of the earliest Fire Emblem titles to be released globally, and the last developed for the GBA platform. Our review from back in 2005 gave it a solid 8.5/10, stating, "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 service that enhances the Nintendo Switch gaming experience. It offers online multiplayer capabilities, allowing you to play with friends, and access to a vast library of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. New subscribers can try it out with a free seven-day trial.

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

You can register your interest with Nintendo to stay updated on pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories via the My Nintendo Store. Notifications will be sent out on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to users who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025.