Namco Classics Arrive on Switch: A New Era for Game Boy Advance on Nintendo Switch Online

In a long-awaited and significant shift, the Nintendo Switch Online service is finally breaking its first-party-only tradition for its Game Boy Advance library. In a new announcement, Nintendo confirmed that two beloved Namco classics, Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2, will be joining the GBA catalog for Expansion Pack subscribers on September 25, 2025. This marks the very first time that a third-party-published Game Boy Advance game will be available on the service, a move that opens the floodgates for a host of future additions and signals a new, more expansive direction for Nintendo’s retro gaming offerings.

Up until this point, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack’s GBA library has been exclusively curated with first-party titles from Nintendo, including classics like Metroid Fusion, Fire Emblem, and the two-part RPG saga of Golden Sun. This has led to speculation and frustration from fans who were eager to see some of the GBA’s most iconic third-party gems, such as the Castlevania titles or the beloved Mega Man Battle Network series, make their way to the console. The addition of these two Namco titles is a clear and welcome sign that Nintendo is listening to its community and is prepared to expand the scope of its emulation service beyond its own titles.

Klonoa and Mr. Driller: A Perfect Fit

The choice of Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 is a fantastic one. Both are not only cult classics in their own right but also represent the diversity and creativity that the Game Boy Advance handheld was known for. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams is a 2D side-scrolling platformer that, while a spin-off from the 3D console games, is a brilliantly designed puzzle-platformer that stands on its own. It’s a game filled with intricate puzzles, charming characters, and the signature creative world design of the Klonoa series. The addition of this title is especially exciting for fans who have recently experienced the series for the first time with the Klonoa Phantasy Reverie Series, as it allows them to fill a gap in the series’ long and convoluted story.

Meanwhile, Mr. Driller 2 is a fast-paced and addictive puzzle game that originally began as an arcade title. The game, which is a spiritual successor to the classic arcade game Dig Dug, tasks players with digging through a cascade of colored blocks while managing a constantly depleting air supply. It’s a game of quick reflexes and careful planning, and its simple-to-learn, hard-to-master gameplay makes it a perfect fit for a pick-up-and-play session on the Switch. Both games were also previously available on the Wii U’s Virtual Console, so this is not their first re-release, but their arrival on the more popular and accessible Switch platform will give them a much-needed second chance with a wider audience.

The Future of Third-Party GBA Games on Switch

The addition of these two titles is not just about the games themselves; it’s about the doors that it opens. This move is a clear indication that Nintendo and third-party publishers are now willing to collaborate on their retro gaming catalogs. This could mean we see a host of other highly-requested GBA titles in the future. Imagine a world where classics like the Final Fantasy Tactics Advance, Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, or even the beloved Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, are available to a new generation of players. This is a massive win for the gaming preservation community and a huge boon for all Switch Online subscribers. The recent updates to the GBA app itself, which added button remapping and a higher resolution for the Switch 2, show that Nintendo is committed to making the GBA emulation experience as good as it can be. The addition of these two games is the perfect way to show that commitment to a broader and more diverse library of games. It’s a move that not only celebrates the past but also signals a promising future for the service.

What third-party Game Boy Advance games are you hoping to see added to the service next?