"20-Year-Old Fire Emblem Game Now on Nintendo Switch Online!"

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 didn't make its way to Western audiences until 2005. This game follows the epic journey 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 reach international markets and the last to be crafted for the GBA. Our review from 2005 gave it an impressive 8.5/10, noting that "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 your Nintendo Switch experience with online multiplayer capabilities, allowing you to play with or against friends. Subscribers also gain access to a treasure trove of classic Nintendo titles from the past four decades, including games from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, the new GameCube libraries. Plus, there's a free seven-day trial available for newcomers.

Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, its release was initially scheduled for June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, due to delayed pre-orders in the United States following import tariffs introduced by President Trump, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date has been pushed back. Pre-orders will now open on April 24, maintaining the original price of $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. Notifications will be sent out 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 hours of gameplay by April 2, 2025.