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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't make its way to the West 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 could be the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Released 20 years ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem game to reach Western audiences and the last to be developed for the GBA. We at [ttpp] awarded it an impressive 8.5/10 back in 2005, 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 online gaming service for the Nintendo Switch. It offers online multiplayer capabilities for gaming with friends, plus access to a rich catalog of classic Nintendo games from four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying it out.

Speaking of the highly anticipated new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was expected to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to import tariffs enacted by President Trump that caused financial market fluctuations, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been delayed in the United States. Pre-orders will now open on April 24, maintaining the original price of $449.99.

You can register your interest with Nintendo for Nintendo Switch 2 and accessory pre-orders through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent 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 as of April 2, 2025.