Hitting the market in 2001, the Game Boy Advance was used by young gamers around the world. This handheld console is home to some iconic games that rank among the best. There were a lot of games available on the Game Boy Advance though, so which ones were truly the best?

Related: Every Game Boy Advance Game On Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked

Here, we are going to look at the best Game Boy Advance games of all time. Interestingly, the GBA only lasted around three years, until the Nintendo DS was launched in 2004. Still, within this short time span, the Game Boy Advance made quite a name for itself.

10 Pokemon Emerald

Pokemon Emerald start screen

Okay, we can't have a list about a Nintendo console without talking about Pokemon. This iconic series stretches back to 1996 and is still quite relevant today. Pokemon Emerald was released alongside Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, which served as the main third-generation games.

As a third game to the duo, Pokemon Emerald was fairly similar in gameplay, with a unique spin to the story. Additionally, Pokemon Emerald has some great replayability, as you can re-challenge gym leaders. Overall, this classic Pokemon game has left a lasting impression on Game Boy gamers.

9 Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

advance wars 2 black hole rising cover art

Advance Wars is another classic franchise that may not be as well known as Pokemon. Still, Advance Wars proves to be a powerhouse, with a Nintendo Switch remake even being released in April of 2023. While the first and second games are both available on the Game Boy Advance, the second one remains the more popular of the two.

With a well-rounded story and more content, Advance Wars 2 also presents quite a challenge, as many agree that it's more difficult. Over 20 years after its release, it can still be a challenge to beat the campaign.

8 Metroid Fusion

Samus holds onto a wall while Nightmare approaches from behind

Metroid Fusion is often regarded as one of the best 2D Metroid games out there. The game is complete with great level design, an amazing narrative, and tough bosses that make Metroid Fusion one of the best in the franchise.

Related: Metroid Fusion: The 10 Best Boss Fights

Of course, your favorite Metroid game definitely comes down to personal preference, but Fusion is a must-play for any fans of the series, as it's a bit different from many other Metroid games.

7 The Legend Of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Minish Cap Link shrinking down to Minish size

Next up, we have The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap. This is a bit of an underrated Zelda game, as it's often overlooked when talking about the franchise. In this game, Link has the ability to shrink down to the size of a Minish, adding a unique mechanic to the game.

Overall, the game is bright and whimsical-looking, especially when compared to the other Zelda games on the Game Boy Advance. Interestingly, The Minish Cap was developed by Capcom, making them the only third-party developer to work on the franchise.

6 Golden Sun

Isaac, Mia, Garet, and Ivan prepare for battle

Looking for a classic JRPG to play? Look no further than Golden Sun. This is a game that was originally released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance. While it's not as popular as the Final Fantasy series, it is still a very good JRPG that is worth playing.

In Golden Sun, you will control four characters called Adepts, as they have magical powers. With your party, you must, of course, get stronger and save the world. Golden Sun was actually split into two separate games during development, which means that Golden Sun: The Lost Age is the direct sequel, continuing the story.

5 Mario And Luigi: Superstar Saga

Mario and Luigi Superstar Saga Cackletta fight

Did you think we were going to leave out a Mario game? Of course not! Mario and Luigi: Super Star is very different from your average Mario game. Rather than a classic platformer, Superstar Saga is an RPG, where you control both Mario and Luigi at the same time.

With these two, you can explore the world and battle enemies through turn-based combat. This isn't your typical RPG either though, as the game itself is quite funny, filled with lighthearted comedy.

4 Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire

Pokemon Pinball Ruby & Sapphire

Pokemon Pinball is a criminally underrated game that has never seen the light of day on the Nintendo Switch, or any other modern Nintendo console. As such, it's not as popular as other spin-offs. The game is simple; play pinball! Of course, while playing, you can collect Pokemon too.

Related: The Best Non-Legendary Pokémon, Ranked

This is a fun and casual Pokemon game that hits the pinball machine nostalgia. Whether you want to catch them all, or just relax and play pinball, we desperately hope that Pokemon Pinball has a future.

3 Harvest Moon: Friends Of Mineral Town

harvest moon friends of mineral town

Next up is Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town. Harvest Moon is yet another widely popular franchise, with Friends of Mineral Town being a remake of the original game that was on the PlayStation. Harvest Moon is an iconic farming sim that has gone on to inspire games such as Stardew Valley and even Farmville.

Harvest Moon is still around today, however, the franchise now goes by Story of Seasons. In 2020, Story of Seasons: Friends of Mineral Town launched, which is a 3D remake of this Game Boy Advance game.

2 F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

Best F-Zero Games - F-Zero Maximum Velocity - The F-Zero Logo In Front Of A Space Background

F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is part of the F-Zero franchise, and is the first game to be released on a handheld console. If you aren't familiar, F-Zero is a futuristic racing game that has come on to inspire countless other racing games.

In Maximum Velocity, you don't just control any old car. Instead, you control a hovercraft that can go incredibly fast. While the game doesn't feature iconic characters such as Captain Falcon and Goroh, F-Zero: Maximum Velocity is worth trying for any fan of the franchise.

1 Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade

Eliwood and Lyn prepare to defend a castle

Last but not least, we have Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. This is the seventh game in the Fire Emblem franchise and one of three games that is available on the Game Boy Advance.

As a Fire Emblem game, Blazing Blades isn't the most groundbreaking, but as a JPRG, it's definitely held up. Overall, the game is a classic, with three separate modes for you to play through. Oh, and each mode has its own hard version, giving you tons of replayability.

Next: Modern Games That Would Have Fit Perfectly Into The Arcade Generation