Surprise! This 20-Year-Old Fire Emblem Game Has Just Stealth-Dropped onto Nintendo Switch Online

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, this title made its way to the West in 2005. It presents a standalone story featuring the twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, who embark on a quest 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 game to reach Western audiences and the last to be developed for the GBA.

We rated Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones highly back in 2005, giving it an impressive 8.5/10. 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 service that enhances your Nintendo Switch experience. It provides online multiplayer capabilities, allowing you to connect and play with friends, and offers a growing catalog of classic games from across four decades. This includes titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, games from the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying it out.

Speaking of the eagerly awaited new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was originally 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 in the United States has been postponed. Pre-orders will now open later this week 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 via the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent out 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.