The Game Boy Advance library is stacked with timeless games, some of which have aged like fine wine. While modern consoles dazzle with 4K visuals and massive open worlds, there’s still something magical about the simplicity and charm of a handheld that could fit in your back pocket and yet delivered hours of unforgettable gameplay. Many of its standout titles weren’t just good for their time, they still hold up today, making them essential for collectors, retro gamers, and handheld enthusiasts alike.
Going back through my collection recently, I was reminded of how much the GBA got right. Whether it was pixel-perfect platformers, refined RPGs, or clever puzzle games, the handheld had an identity all its own. Even now, I find myself returning to these cartridges more than I expect. So let’s take a trip down memory lane with a curated list of Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, and explain exactly why they continue to deserve a spot in your collection.
Metroid Fusion
Metroid Fusion remains one of the most polished entries in the entire Metroid series. It took the iconic exploration and atmosphere of its predecessors and adapted them to the GBA with precision. Tight controls, haunting environments, and a gripping story that introduces the creepy SA-X clone all combine to make this game a standout.
There’s a sense of vulnerability that really stands out. Unlike Super Metroid, which gives you more freedom, Fusion pushes you through a more narrative-driven experience. Some fans didn’t love the linearity, but I found it refreshing. The tension of being stalked by a stronger version of Samus added horror elements that hadn’t been fully explored in the series before.
If you love a good sci-fi adventure with perfectly tuned mechanics, this is one of the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying. It’s not just good, it’s essential.
Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow
The GBA saw several Castlevania entries, but Aria of Sorrow is easily the best of the bunch. It ditches the usual vampire-hunting Belmonts in favor of Soma Cruz, a high school student who gets sucked into Dracula’s castle during a solar eclipse. The twist? Soma has the ability to absorb enemies’ souls and use their powers.
That mechanic added incredible depth. I found myself hunting specific monsters just to get their abilities. From projectile attacks to support powers to transformations, the variety made every playthrough unique. Add in tight combat, memorable bosses, and beautiful sprite work, and it’s easy to see why this title is still celebrated.
Even if you’re not usually into Castlevania, this one might surprise you. Among Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, Aria of Sorrow sits right near the top.
Advance Wars
I didn’t think a turn-based strategy game on a handheld could hook me for hours, but then Advance Wars proved me wrong. On the surface, it’s colorful and cartoony, but underneath that charm lies a brilliant strategy game with tons of depth and endless replayability.
Each CO (Commanding Officer) has different strengths, and planning your unit deployment, terrain usage, and attack orders becomes a beautifully addictive process. The story is lighthearted, but the tactics are serious. It’s the kind of game where one small decision can snowball into a win or a loss several turns later.
Even now, I find it tough to put down once I start a mission. This is one of those Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying whether you’re a longtime strategy fan or new to the genre entirely.
Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
The Mario RPG formula made a seamless jump to the GBA with Superstar Saga. This game combines platforming, clever humor, and turn-based combat that actually keeps you on your toes. You control both Mario and Luigi simultaneously, using timed button presses to dodge and counter during battles.
The story is light and hilarious, filled with quirky characters like Fawful, whose absurd dialogue still makes me laugh years later. What surprised me was just how much of the game felt like a love letter to older Mario games while being its own unique experience.
It’s not just a great Mario title, it’s a great RPG. And it definitely earns its place on any list of Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
While most Zelda fans talk about A Link to the Past or Ocarina of Time, The Minish Cap often flies under the radar. That’s a shame, because it’s one of the most charming and well-designed entries in the entire series.
The shrinking mechanic, where Link becomes tiny to explore hidden parts of the world, adds a clever twist to exploration and puzzle-solving. The art style is bright and full of character, and the dungeons are expertly crafted. It feels like a classic Zelda game with just enough innovation to make it stand out.
I revisit it every few years, and it always holds up. For anyone building a GBA collection, this is one of the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, no question.
WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames!
No GBA list would be complete without WarioWare. The concept is ridiculous, hundreds of five-second microgames thrown at you at breakneck speed, but it works better than it has any right to. The fast pace keeps you engaged, and the random nature of the games makes every session feel fresh.
What I love most is the sense of controlled chaos. One moment you’re dodging traffic, the next you’re pulling nose hairs or balancing a spoon. It’s hilarious, frantic, and shockingly addictive. There’s also a layer of strategy, as you quickly learn to recognize and react to each microgame type.
This is one of those games that defines the GBA’s spirit: creative, portable fun that anyone can enjoy. Definitely one of the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying for sheer entertainment value.
Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
There’s no denying that the GBA was a haven for strategy RPGs, and Final Fantasy Tactics Advance is one of the best. It combines the deep job system from the original Final Fantasy Tactics with a vibrant world full of quests, customization, and turn-based battles.
What really struck me was how much content the game packed in. Between missions, side quests, clan management, and laws that changed battle conditions, there was always something to think about. I easily sank dozens of hours into it, and I barely scratched the surface.
If you’re a fan of tactical depth and fantasy storytelling, this is one of the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying without hesitation.
Golden Sun
Golden Sun took classic JRPG elements and polished them to perfection on the GBA. Gorgeous animations, an engaging story, and a unique magic system built around Djinn made it one of the system’s most ambitious titles.
The puzzles in the overworld and dungeons reminded me of Zelda, while the turn-based battles stayed fast and strategic. What kept me hooked, though, was the way your Djinn affected everything, from stats to classes to elemental summons.
It’s not just a great GBA RPG, it’s one of the best RPGs of its generation. If you’re collecting or just looking to dive into an adventure that still shines today, this is one of those Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying.
Fire Emblem
Fire Emblem finally made its Western debut on the GBA, and I was instantly obsessed. The permadeath mechanic adds real tension to every decision, and the characters are memorable in a way that makes each loss sting. It’s not just about winning battles, it’s about keeping your team alive.
The mix of strategy, RPG leveling, and storytelling made it unlike anything else I’d played on handheld. Each map felt like a chessboard of danger, and every move had consequences. It’s also one of the more accessible entries in the series for new players.
If you’re looking for challenge and character-driven gameplay, this is one of the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying.
Ninja Five-O
This one flew under the radar when it launched, but Ninja Five-O has gained cult status for a reason. It’s a side-scrolling action game that blends ninja combat, grappling hook mechanics, and precise platforming. Think Shinobi mixed with Bionic Commando.
What stands out is the tightness of the controls. Every jump, slash, and grapple feels responsive, and the level design rewards creative movement. It’s tough but fair, and finishing a level cleanly feels incredibly satisfying.
Copies are expensive these days due to low print numbers, but if you find it or don’t mind emulating, this is one of the most exciting Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying.
Pokémon Emerald
It’s hard to talk about the GBA without mentioning Pokémon. While Ruby and Sapphire were strong in their own right, Emerald perfected the formula with added content, the Battle Frontier, and enhanced team-building options.
Even now, it’s one of the most replayable games on the system. The sprite work is charming, the soundtrack is memorable, and the competitive mechanics laid the groundwork for modern Pokémon battles. Whether you’re revisiting Hoenn or trying it for the first time, this one never gets old.
Among Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, Emerald remains one of the most timeless and beloved entries in the entire franchise.
Why These Games Endure
Part of what makes these GBA titles so special is how well they blend depth with portability. The best games on the system weren’t dumbed-down versions of console hits, they were fully realized experiences, designed to fit perfectly into the handheld format.
These games focused on gameplay first. Whether it was WarioWare’s chaos, Golden Sun’s worldbuilding, or Advance Wars’ strategic brilliance, they respected the player’s time and attention. And because the visuals were rooted in beautiful 2D pixel art, they’ve aged better than many early 3D games of the same era.
Revisiting these titles today isn’t just a nostalgia trip, it’s proof that great design never goes out of style.
Where to Find Them
With the resurgence of retro gaming, GBA cartridges are back in demand. Some, like Ninja Five-O, have skyrocketed in price, while others like Advance Wars or Final Fantasy Tactics Advance are still reasonably affordable if you shop around.
If you’re not a physical collector, there are other options. Some titles have made their way to the Nintendo Switch Online service or were re-released on the Wii U Virtual Console. Flash carts and emulation are also an option if you’re just looking to play rather than collect.
No matter how you choose to experience them, these are the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, worth playing, and worth preserving.
Final Thoughts
The Game Boy Advance was a golden era of handheld gaming. It brought console-quality experiences to the palm of your hand and did so with incredible variety. From tactical masterpieces and RPG epics to lightning-fast platformers and offbeat experiments, its library has aged with style and grace.
If you’re just getting into GBA collecting, or if you’re looking to revisit a few gems from your childhood, make sure these titles are on your list. They’re not just classics, they’re reminders of what made handheld gaming so magical in the first place.
And in a world where retro games are more celebrated than ever, these are the Game Boy Advance titles still worth buying, and playing, all over again.