Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, giving fans and newcomers alike a chance to dive into this classic. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western audiences until 2005. This game follows the gripping 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 opportunity to experience The Sacred Stones. Not only did it launch 20 years ago, but it was just the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA. We rated Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones highly back in 2005, giving it an 8.5/10 and describing it as, "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 that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience. It offers online multiplayer, allowing you to connect with friends for competitive and cooperative gameplay, and access to a vast collection of classic Nintendo games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Plus, you can try it out with a free seven-day trial.
Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, its release was initially set for June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delays caused by import tariffs in the United States, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been postponed. Pre-orders will now open on April 24, maintaining the price at $449.99.
You can register your interest with Nintendo to stay updated on pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories 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 by April 2, 2025.