Nintendo Switch Online Welcomes Timely GBA Classics

Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers can now explore three exciting new titles. As of October 14, the Game Boy Advance Online app has added the creature-raising adventure Monster Rancher Advance, the action-packed Metal Slug Advance, and Kururin Paradise, a puzzle game making its U.S. debut.

These three Game Boy Advance classics from the early 2000s—Monster Rancher Advance, Metal Slug Advance, and Kururin Paradise—are now available on the Switch. However, access to the Game Boy Advance Online app is exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers, so players will need to upgrade to enjoy these nostalgic games.

This October, players can “raise,” “blaze,” and “maze,” each word perfectly capturing the essence of the games. If you’re unsure which one to jump into first, here’s a brief overview of each title to help you choose.

Originally released in 2001, Monster Rancher Advance lets players step into the shoes of a monster breeder. Your mission is to raise, train, and prepare your monsters for battle. With over 400 unique monsters to collect, players can unlock them by entering special codes into the console. Each monster boasts its own skills, moves, strengths, and weaknesses, requiring players to devise strategies to gain the upper hand. While there are notable differences between Monster Rancher and Pokémon, they share enough similarities to make this a great 20-hour experience for those biding their time until the Mega Dimension DLC drops for Pokémon Z-A.

For those craving fast-paced side-scrolling action, Metal Slug Advance is the perfect pick. This title is ideal for fans eagerly anticipating the Mega Slug Ultimate Collection set to launch next year in celebration of the franchise’s 30th anniversary. Metal Slug Advance can be completed in just an hour or two, making it a quick yet enjoyable replay option when the collection arrives.

The most unique addition this month is Kururin Paradise, a puzzle game finally making its way to the U.S. This sequel to Kuru Kuru Kururin was showcased at E3 2002, with hopes of a U.S. release later that year. However, like its predecessor, Kururin Paradise never made it across the ocean—until now. After more than 20 years, puzzle enthusiasts can finally enjoy Kururin Paradise through the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.