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 shores until 2005. The game follows the story of 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 marks the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Not only did it launch 20 years ago, but it was also only the second Fire Emblem title to be released outside Japan 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 gaming platform. It offers online multiplayer functionality, allowing you to play with or against friends, and access to a growing library of classic Nintendo games 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 new subscribers.Speaking of the much-anticipated new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delays caused by import tariffs enacted by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been pushed back. Pre-orders will now begin on April 24, with the price remaining at $449.99.
You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent out 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.
