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, offering fans a chance to revisit or discover this classic game. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it made its way to Western audiences in 2005. The game follows the journey of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they strive to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery behind their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this marks the first opportunity to experience The Sacred Stones. Released two decades ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem title to be released outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA. In our 2005 review, we gave it an impressive 8.5/10, noting: "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 that enhances the gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. It offers online multiplayer capabilities, allowing you to play with or against friends, and access to a growing library of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying it out.

Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, its release was initially set for June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delays caused by import tariffs enacted by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been pushed back. Pre-orders will now open on April 24, maintaining the original 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 sent out 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 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025.