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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western audiences until 2005. This standalone story follows the twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom and unravel the mystery behind their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this is the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Released 20 years ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside Japan and the last developed for the GBA. We praised Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones, giving it an 8.5/10 back in 2005, and noted: "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-based service for the Nintendo Switch, offering online multiplayer, and a collection of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying it out.

Speaking of Nintendo's upcoming console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was initially slated for release on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders were delayed in the U.S. due to import tariffs affecting financial markets. Now, pre-orders will begin on April 24, maintaining the same price of $449.99.

You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be distributed via email 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 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025.