Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library, offering fans and newcomers alike a chance to dive into this classic strategy RPG. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western audiences until 2005. This game follows the gripping narrative of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they strive to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the betrayal of a once-trusted ally.
For many, this is the first opportunity to experience Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones. Released two decades ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem title to hit international markets and the last to be developed for the GBA. We at IGN gave it a solid 8.5/10 back in 2005, 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 for the Nintendo Switch that offers online multiplayer, a growing library of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries. With the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, this collection will expand even further. New subscribers can enjoy a free seven-day trial.
Speaking of the eagerly awaited Nintendo Switch 2, it was initially set to launch on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delays in the United States caused by import tariffs enacted by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been pushed back. Pre-orders will now open on April 24, maintaining the original price of $449.99.
You can register your interest with Nintendo for pre-orders of 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 those with a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and at least 50 hours of gameplay logged by April 2, 2025.
