These 10 Game Boy Advance Games Still Feel Incredible Years Later

The Game Boy Advance was a small handheld video game console, yet it delivered some of the most memorable video game experiences of all time. From RPGs and strategy games to creative platformers and action-adventure titles, the console had something for everyone.

Even after all these years, some of the best GBA games of all time remain worth playing because of their gameplay, music, and pixelated visuals. In this article, we will discuss the titles that defined the gaming handheld. That said, here are the best GBA games of all time.

Top 10 GBA Games of All Time

Whether you’re an RPG fan or a strategy gamer, an action gamer or a platformer, GBA has titles catering to every genre out there. Choosing from the vast majority of such titles, we handpicked the best GBA games below:

If you are on a different Nintendo-based platform, consider checking out our separate list of the best DS games.

10. Wario Land 4

Wario Land 4 is a unique game in the list of the Top GBA games because of its creative level design, humorous content, and great music. Its graphics and creative gameplay ensure its place in the list of the Best GBA games.

9. Metroid: Zero Mission

Metroid: Zero Mission, a great remake of the original Metroid game, is a popular action game. The title features responsive controls and an engaging storyline. Its high replay value and smooth gameplay earn it a spot on the list of the best GBA games in the action category.

8. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising is a well-made sequel that improves everything from the original game. This is a good strategy game with balanced gameplay and interesting campaign-mode maps. It is one of the top-rated GBA top games in the tactical strategy genre.

If you are on a Wii U, then do not worry. We have also listed the best Wii U games of all time on our official website.

7. Pokémon Emerald

To get the Gen 3 Pokemon experience, Pokémon Emerald improves upon its predecessors, Ruby and Sapphire, with a more engaging storyline and the addition of the Battle Frontier. To many, it stands as one of the top GBA games and one of the best games in the Pokémon series. Speaking of the Pokemon series, check out our coverage of the best Pokemon Games on PC.

6. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga is a lighthearted RPG with a battle system that combines turn-based and timing-based combat. The result is an engaging and entertaining battle system. In the quirky Beanbean Kingdom, it’s a polished RPG that is one of the best GBA games.

5. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

A beginner-friendly strategy RPG with replayability, Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is a classic tactical title with grid-based combat and memorable characters. Its beginner-friendliness and good design make it one of the top GBA games for strategy RPG lovers everywhere.

4. Golden Sun

As an RPG game on the GBA console, Golden Sun was a well-rated game because of its puzzle-filled dungeons and the ability to customize the characters’ Djinn. Even though this game had long conversations, the game’s visual appeal makes it a top choice for RPG lovers and ranks among the best GBA games. If Golden Sun had a cross-platform release, it could feature on the list of the best RPG PC games.

3. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow

As one of the top-rated Castlevania games on this handheld console, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow is among the more popular releases on the GBA because of its innovative 'soul' system. As a result, it finds a place among the best GBA games of all time and the top Metroidvania titles.

2. Metroid Fusion

As a dark game from the Metroid series, Metroid Fusion is one of the top GBA games because of its dark content and scary SA-X boss fights. Even though this title is more linear than the other Metroid series, the pacing and boss fights make Metroid Fusion one of the best GBA games for action and adventure lovers.

1. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is possibly the best Zelda game that isn’t a remake on the GBA. The sprites look good, the shrinking concept is great, and the dungeons are well-designed. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap follows the story of Link and his quest with the help of Ezlo to take down the evil Vaati. This game is our top recommendation among the best GBA games for its gameplay, graphics, and charm.

Ranking Factors

Below are the ranking factors that we used to rank our list of the best GBA games:

• Gameplay & Controls
• Replay Value
• Innovation & Mechanics
• Visuals & Music

This was our complete coverage of the best GBA games. You can also check out our separate list of the best NES titles by visiting our website.