Fire Emblem Game from 20 Years Ago Now Available on Nintendo Switch Online

Exciting news for fans of tactical RPGs: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is now available on the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004 and reaching Western audiences in 2005, this game follows the epic journey of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they strive to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the betrayal by a former ally.

For many, this marks the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. It was the second Fire Emblem game to be released internationally and the last developed for the GBA. Back in 2005, 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 for the Nintendo Switch, offering online multiplayer, cooperative play, and a vast collection of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries. With the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the library will expand even further. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying out the service.

Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, originally set for release on June 5, 2025, at $449.99, its pre-order date faced delays in the United States due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now scheduled to go live on April 24, with the price remaining at $449.99.

Interested in securing your Nintendo Switch 2? You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the console and accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent out 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.