Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western audiences 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 might be their first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Released 20 years ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem game to be available outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA. We found Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones impressive, awarding 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 service for the Nintendo Switch, providing online gaming capabilities and a library of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. A free seven-day trial is also available.
Speaking of the highly anticipated new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was originally set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, pre-order dates were delayed in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused financial market instability. Nintendo Switch 2 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 its accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Pre-order invitations will be sent out via email on a first-come, first-served basis. Priority will be given to users with a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and at least 50 hours of gameplay logged by April 2, 2025.
