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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been freshly added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, giving fans a chance to dive into this classic once more. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western shores until 2005. This game follows the gripping journey of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they strive to reclaim their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery of their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this marks the first chance to experience Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. Released two decades ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem title to venture outside Japan and the last to be crafted for the GBA. We praised it highly back in 2005, giving it an 8.5/10 and 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 your Nintendo Switch experience. It offers online multiplayer, allowing you to connect and play with friends, and a rich catalog of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. New users can try it out with a free seven-day trial.

Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it was initially slated for release on 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 same 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 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 those who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025.