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When Nintendo announced they were releasing some of their classic games catalog for Switch Online subscribers, fans instantly clamored for Gameboy Games to be announced. At long last, Nintendo has released options to play classic Gameboy and Gameboy Advance Games on the Switch. Classic titles such as Tetris and Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga were released on day one, but there are others fans hope to see make the jump. From classics to underrated gems, here are ten games fans hope to see make an appearance.
10. Sonic Advance
The Sonic the Hedgehog series is famous for its hits and misses. One hit most fans agree on is Sonic Advance for the Gameboy Advance. The game returned to the classic side-scrolling formula Sonic fans had come to love, and many consider it a true successor to Sonic the Hedgehog 3. Everything one would want from a Sonic game is here including characters, stunning visuals, and of course fast gameplay. The Sonic Advance series received three total games, and fans would love to see all of these classic Gameboy games make an appearance on the Switch.
9. Rhythm Tengoku
One aspect fans have noticed from Switch Online, is they are able to play Japanese-exclusive NES and SNES games on their American consoles. They are hoping this will be the case for their handheld games as well, and one game fans would love is Rhythm Tengoku. In a similar vein to games such as Pa Rappa the Rapper, Rhythm Tengoku (or Rhythm Heaven) has levels based on rhythm. Players use simplistic controls to follow the rhythm of a level’s music to complete challenges and puzzles. This game was only released in Japan and was actually the last game released on GBA.
8. Super Mario Land
One of the first games that were released with NSO’s Gameboy catalog was Super Mario Land 2: 6 Golden Coins. The game is one of the best-received Gameboy games for several reasons. It takes everything the first game did and drastically improved on it. On top of this, it is the first appearance of Wario. While releasing the sequel first was a smart move, there should be some love shown to the original. The game takes the traditional side-scrolling formula and put it in handheld form. Even today, the Super Mario Land series are fan favorites, so both games should be available.
7. Kid Icarus: Of Myths and Monsters
One Nintendo property that gets overshadowed by the likes of Mario and Link is the Kid Icarus series. The original game was released on the NES tier of Switch Online, so it only makes sense for the sequel to make an appearance as well. This Gameboy exclusive sequel enhances the original’s gameplay by allowing players to control Pit in all four directions instead of a straight line. The Kid Icarus series has many fans, so releasing this classic to be rediscovered would be a smart move by Nintendo.
6. Mario Vs. Donkey Kong
Even casual gamers know that Mario’s first video game appearance was as Jumpman in the arcade classic Donkey Kong. It is widely accepted that the Donkey Kong in the original game is actually Cranky Kong, and the ape that rides in carts and has parties with Mario is a different character altogether. However, this doesn’t mean the modern incarnation of DK doesn’t have issues with Mario. Just look at the Mario Vs Donkey Kong series. While most fans know the series as a touch-screen-heavy DS property, it actually got its start on the GBA. This classic Gameboy game would fit right alongside other classic titles, and deserves a boost in popularity.
5. Kirby’s Dream Land 2
It is hard not to love the adorable Kirby and his games. Nintendo knows this, as one of the first games released on the Gameboy tier was Kirby’s Dream Land. The beloved Kirby title was a welcome addition to the first wave of games, and fans are hoping the sequel will be joining soon. While the basic gameplay is similar, Kirby’s Dream Land 2 includes the addition of three animals. Each animal allows Kirby to unlock various abilities such as speed to flight. There is no shortage of Kirby games over on the NES and SNES tiers, so fans are hoping the Gameboy tier gets the same love.
4. Densetsu no Stafy Series
Another Japanese exclusive series Nintendo didn’t give a worldwide release is Densetsu no Stafy or The Legendary Starfy. While the fourth entry did see a Western release on the DS, the other games went unplayable in any official capacity. This can all change now, as long as Nintendo releases it on Switch Online. The follows a cute starfish as he traverses an underwater world. The platformer series is popular in Japan and has received a cult following in Western regions. Nintendo owes it to the fans of this underrated series to release at least one of the classic GBA games on their online service.
3. Metroid: Zero Mission
A surprising addition to the online Gameboy games was Super Mario Advance 3. The game is just a repurposed version of Super Mario Bros 3. While there is nothing wrong with this game, in fact, many fans claim this is the best way to play it, the game also appears on the NES and SNES tiers. This leaves the door open for Metroid: Zero Mission to make an appearance. The GBA game is just a remake of the original NES Metroid, but many claims it to be superior. The plot carries over from the original game, but it includes powerups and gameplay mechanics from Super Metroid almost making it feel like a different game. If Mario 3 can make three separate appearances, there is no reason for Metroid: Zero Mission not to appear.
2. Pokemon Titles
Pokemon and Gameboy are practically synonymous. The legendary franchise skyrocketed in popularity thanks in no small part to the Gameboy series of consoles. These classic RPGs are known worldwide, even by people who have never touched a Gameboy. The title Pokemon: The Trading Card Game has already been announced, so it isn’t outside the realm of possibility for some of the proper titles to appear. These games alone would make people want to by an online subscription, so it seems like a no-brainer for these titles to drop sometime in the future.
1. Mother 3
The Mother series is known as one of the best RPG franchises of all time. Popular in Japan, the first game originally wasn’t released in Western regions. The second game did get a release under the title Earthbound. The first game was eventually released digitally as Earthbound: Origins. Both of these games are available on the SNES and NES tiers, respectively. The third title, however, has never seen an official Western release. The third and final entry was released on GBA and fan translations are popular online. As soon as the Gameboy games were announced for Switch Online, fans hoped to see the game finally receive an official release in Western territories.