Exciting news for fans of tactical RPGs—Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library! Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, and reaching Western audiences in 2005, this game follows the journey of twin heirs Eirika and Ephraim as they strive to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery behind a 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 hit the West and the last to grace the Game Boy Advance. Our review from 2005 gave it a solid 8.5/10, stating: "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 service that enhances your gaming experience on the Nintendo Switch. It offers online multiplayer, allowing you to play with or against friends, and access to a rich catalog of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon the new GameCube libraries with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. Plus, you can try it out with a free seven-day trial.
Speaking of the much-awaited next console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was initially slated for release on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delayed pre-orders in the United States following import tariffs introduced by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been pushed back. Pre-orders will now begin on April 24, maintaining the same price of $449.99.
You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories through My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be distributed 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.
