Exciting news for fans of tactical RPGs: Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has been freshly added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, and reaching Western audiences in 2005, this game presents the compelling story of twin monarchs, Eirika and Ephraim, who strive to reclaim their kingdom of Renais and unravel a plot of betrayal by a once-trusted ally.
For many, this marks the first chance to experience Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. Not only did it debut 20 years ago, but it was also only the second Fire Emblem title to be released outside Japan, and the last to grace the GBA platform. Back in 2005, we gave it a solid 8.5/10, noting: "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 gaming experience. Subscribers enjoy online multiplayer features, enabling them to compete or collaborate with friends, and access to a vast collection of classic Nintendo titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and the forthcoming new GameCube libraries upon the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. New users can explore the service with a free seven-day trial.
Speaking of the eagerly awaited new console, the Nintendo Switch 2 was initially slated for a June 5, 2025 release with a starting price of $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders faced a delay in the U.S. due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which affected financial markets. As a result, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders are now set to begin on April 24, maintaining the original price of $449.99.
Currently, 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 distributed through 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.
