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

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, giving fans and newcomers alike a chance to experience this classic. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it made its way to the West in 2005. This game follows the compelling story of twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom and unravel the mystery of their former ally's betrayal.

For many, this marks the first opportunity to dive into 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 rated Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones highly, giving it an 8.5/10 back in 2005. Our review stated: "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 platform. It offers online multiplayer, allowing you to play with friends, along with a rich collection of classic Nintendo games from four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. New users can try it out with a free seven-day trial.

Speaking of Nintendo's much-anticipated new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was initially set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delays in the United States 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 for pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories via 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.