Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally launched on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it made its way to the West in 2005. This game introduces players to the captivating narrative of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery of their former ally's betrayal.
For many, this marks the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Released two decades ago, it was only the second Fire Emblem title to be released outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA. Our review back in 2005 gave it an impressive 8.5/10, stating: "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, offering online play, cooperative gaming, and a rich catalog of classic Nintendo titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries. With the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, members can explore even more gaming history. A free seven-day trial is available for those interested in trying out the service.
Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, its release was initially set for June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delayed pre-orders in the United States following import tariffs by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been postponed. Pre-orders are now scheduled to open on April 24, maintaining the same price of $449.99.
Interested in securing your Nintendo Switch 2? You can register your interest with Nintendo to receive notifications about pre-orders for the console and its accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations will be distributed via email 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.
