"Fire Emblem Classic Now Available on Nintendo Switch Online"

Surprise! Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones has just been added to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2004, it didn't reach Western audiences until 2005. The game follows the journey of twin heirs to the throne of Renais, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to liberate their kingdom and unravel the mystery behind a former ally's betrayal.

For many, this might be the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Not only was it released two decades ago, but it was also only the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside Japan and the last to be developed for the GBA.

We found Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones to be exceptional, giving it an 8.5/10 back in 2005. Our review stated: "Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is to the original Fire Emblem what 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 service that enhances the Nintendo Switch experience. It offers online multiplayer, allowing players to compete or collaborate with friends, and access to a growing library of classic games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and, with the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. A free seven-day trial is available for those curious to try it out.

Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it was originally slated for release on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order dates were delayed in the United States due to import tariffs implemented by President Trump, which caused financial market fluctuations. Pre-orders will now begin on April 24, with the price remaining at $449.99.

You can register your interest with Nintendo for pre-orders of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories through the My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be sent out via email on a first-come, first-served basis, giving priority to users who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025.