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Best GBA Games of All Time: 20 Classics You Need to Play
Discover the 20 best GBA(Game Boy Advance) games of all time, from Super Monkey Ball Jr. to Ultimate Card Games. Find the must-play GBA classics in 2025!
In the glorious history of handheld games, Game Boy Advance is undoubtedly a shining star. Since its launch in 2001, it has transformed from a portable game console that swept the world to a retro collectible that carries the childhood memories of countless players. In the era when smartphones were not yet popular, it was worth remembering that you could take out the GBA in your pocket anytime and anywhere and play the best GBA game in your mind.
Today, thanks to the gradual expansion of the GBA game library, more and more new players have begun to get in touch with this batch of once-classic works. The GBA continues the classic 2D style and easy-to-use operation method but has achieved a leap in hardware performance and game depth. More importantly, the game lineup it carries encompasses a variety of genres, including platform jumping, role-playing, action-adventure, strategy battles, cultivation, and puzzle-solving, making it the favorite of countless players. GBA is no longer just a nostalgic symbol; it is also returning to the mainstream vision through digital form, attracting players of different ages to explore the charm and feelings behind the pixel screen.
Of course, it is not an easy task to select the top GBA games from such a large and exciting lineup of games. We not only considered the quality and innovation of the games themselves, but also considered their influence at the time and whether they are still worth playing today. Next, we will take you to review these 20 best GBA games. Are you ready?
Top 20 best GBA games you need to play
1. Super Monkey Ball Jr.
Super Monkey Ball Jr. is often regarded as one of the best GBA games. It is an action game originally popular on arcade and GameCube platforms. The Monkey Ball series quickly gained fans with its high-speed scrolling, precise control, and imaginative level design. Although THQ gave the Game Boy Advance version a joking nickname—"Junio"r." In the GBA version, British development studio Realism successfully brought such a game that should have relied on powerful graphics and physics engines to a handheld platform with limited performance, which is a technical miracle.
Although the hardware performance of the GBA is far inferior to that of the console, "Super Monkey Ball Jr." still provides amazing operational smoothness and rich game content. It not only retains the core rolling maze gameplay of the original but also features a large number of unlockable modes, allowing players to experience the essence and challenging fun of the original on a small handheld device.
2. Sonic Advance
Developed by Dimps and Sonic Team, Sonic Advance is a platform action game that perfectly reproduces the fast-paced running and layered level design of the classic Mega Drive era. For many old players, the addictive physical feedback of acceleration, bouncing, and spinning brings them back to their childhood, and for new players, it is also a high-speed entry experience full of challenges and fun. Unlike many later platform games that sacrifice rhythm in pursuit of complex systems, Sonic Advance maintains a strong compactness and rhythm control, without dragging and finishing in one go. It is the top GBA game.
3. F-Zero: GP Legend
If you think the story mode in F-Zero: GP Legend is a bit too tough, don't be discouraged. You can start with the Grand Prix mode with various difficulty levels and gradually master the essence of this high-speed racing game. These races are like "driving grounds" tailored for novices, allowing you to hone your skills and prepare for more difficult challenges as you gradually become familiar with the track layout, control the rhythm, and deal with unexpected situations.
4. Golden Sun
As one of the earliest role-playing games to spark a craze on the Game Boy Advance, Golden Sun is more than just a game; it is a declaration. It declares that handheld games can also have narrative, graphics, and system depth comparable to consoles. In the era when GBA was just starting out, the appearance of Golden Sun was undoubtedly a dazzling light, lighting up the possibility of mobile platform RPG for players. It is the top GBA game. In general, "Golden Sun" is a rare work in the GBA era that can truly represent the "complete RPG experience." It proves one thing: no matter how small the screen is, it can accommodate a magnificent world， thus why it's one of the best GBA games.
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5. Rhythm Tengoku
As Nintendo's first first-party game released on the GBA, Rhythm Tengoku is a top GBA game. Although the game has never officially been released in the Western market, its influence has long transcended language barriers and become a hidden treasure in the hearts of rhythm game enthusiasts around the world. Surprisingly, it is easy to get started with almost no knowledge of Japanese, as long as you have an ear, a sense of rhythm, and a little patience, you can be fully immersed in it. The game consists of a series of mini-games with different styles. Each level has a unique setting and challenge. "Rhythm Tengoku" focuses more on the rhythm itself. You are not playing a game, but "playing" each level.
6. Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
Rather than fighting monsters and leveling up, Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town is more like a gentle and lasting resource management trial. In fact, this series is not only the source of inspiration for many farm simulation games but also a microcosm of a philosophy of life. On the Game Boy Advance platform, the most unforgettable one is Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town.
What really touches people about this game is that it makes "day after day" no longer boring but full of meaning. Every fatigue after the busy farming season, every lively festival, and every greeting from the townspeople make people feel like they are slowly taking root in "Second Life." There are endless new games, but "Friends of Mineral Town" remains the gentlest and purest ranch experience in the minds of many players, making it one of the best GBA games and a memorable handheld title.
7. MARIO AND LUIGI SUPERSTAR SAGA
The most interesting design of this game is the clever use of "two-player control." During the adventure, you need to control Mario and Luigi at the same time. They not only have a clear division of labor in battle but also have to show their strengths when exploring the world. By combining jumping, hammering, digging, and other abilities to solve puzzles, the brothers' "family cooperation" not only becomes a combat weapon but also makes the puzzle design on the map more creative and challenging. When solving these regional puzzles, the sense of rhythm of operation is tested.
8. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
Developed by Capcom, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap is undoubtedly one of Link's best 2D adventures. Although it runs on a small handheld, the scale of this adventure is not limited at all, but rather it seems particularly grand because of the core mechanic of "getting small. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap has become one of the most underrated works in the entire series, thanks to its beautiful pixel art, stunning soundtrack, smooth combat rhythm, and ingenious level design.
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9. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords
This collection is not only an affectionate look back at the past but also a chance for a new generation of players to relive the classics. A full decade has passed since its first release on the SNES. The game has been fine-tuned to fit the handheld form factor of the Game Boy Advance. This GBA collection provides a great way to access and experience Link's Golden Age adventures. For many, this is not only an adventure but also a gentle and exciting handheld memory.
10. Tactics Ogre: The Knight of Lodis
Nintendo published the game in Japan, and Atlus brought it to North American players, although unfortunately, it never made it to Europe. Although it missed the European market, the Game Boy Advance is thankfully not region-locked. As long as you can get a copy of the American version, you can experience this strategy masterpiece on any GBA console. It is definitely one of the most worthwhile strategy games on the GBA.
11. Mario vs. Donkey Kong
With the power of the Game Boy Advance, the game has been given a completely new look, with more level mechanics and mind-blowing puzzle elements. From flipping switches to manipulating conveyor belts, each level is like a mini puzzle box waiting to be solved one by one. This level structure makes it perfect for the GBA's "open and play" mode—you can open the handheld at any time to solve a puzzle and then close it at any time to continue your daily life. It is the top GBA game.
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12. Mario Kart: Super Circuit
Mario Kart: Super Circuit can almost be called thebest GBA game. Although it was released a few months after the console's release, it was undoubtedly one of the most anticipated GBA games at the time. It proved to players with its excellent graphics and sound effects that a handheld game console can also provide a gaming experience comparable to that of the Super Nintendo and even surpass it in many aspects.
13. Kuru Kuru Kururin
Kuru Kuru Kururin has always been a puzzle game lover's paradise, but few are as addictive as Eighting's little gem, one of the most sophisticated puzzle games on the GBA.
14. Drill Dozer
Drill Dozer not only has a distinctive comic book style but also has won the love of a large number of players with excellent localization, challenging exotic boss battles, and a unique mechanism centered around the protagonist Jill's drill. Although it is not a Pokémon game, it undoubtedly showcases the creative side of Game Freak and is considered the best underrated GBA game.
15. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow not only boasts the best graphics performance among the three games but also introduces the epoch-making "Tactical Soul" system, which allows players to absorb enemy souls, unlock skills, enhance attributes, and even change combat styles, thereby injecting infinite changes into each battle.
From shocking boss battles to unforgettable soundtracks to a wide range of weapon choices, every step is immersive. The story of the protagonist Soma Cruz is so successful that he also ushered in a sequel, "Aria Waltz," on the Nintendo DS, which is called "one of the best horror adventure games on handheld consoles" by many players.
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16. Ultimate Card Games
Ultimate Card Games is such an underrated treasure created by Telegames, and it has become one of the few "must-have" third-party games on GBA. It includes classic card games such as solitaire, cribbage, blackjack, poker, etc. Whether you're a strategy-driven individual or a casual partygoer, you can find your own happiness.
In addition, this game has an excellent data tracking system and unexpected surprise soundtracks. You may even forget that this is a GBA game while playing. It is truly easy, convenient, and playable.
17. Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion has moderate game length and a tight rhythm, which is very suitable for beginners of the series. It is worth mentioning that its sequel landed on the Switch platform in 2021.
18. Sonic Advance 2
The game not only provides multiple playable characters to choose from but is also known for its highest-quality graphics in the history of Sonic 2D games. From the menu interface and beautiful background music to the detailed sprite design and carefully crafted levels, every detail reflects the high standard of Sonic series games that are difficult to surpass in the following years.
19. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance lets you upgrade your troops, find the most powerful weapons, and outsmart your enemies through strategy, bringing you endless combat fun.
20. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire
This Game Boy Advance game is rich in strategy, with new multiplayer and doubles games, a trait and nature system, and a variety of status effects. It is the top GBA game.
Conclusion
Whether you want to relive your childhood classics or pick up a Game Boy Advance for the first time to explore this golden age of gaming, these 20 must-play best GBA games will bring you endless fun and challenges. These games are not just memories of the past but also timeless classics. Stop hesitating, join us, and enjoy the best GBA games right now!
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Written by
Kimmy
Published on
Jun 3, 2025
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