Nintendo Switch Online Is Receiving Third-Party GBA Games For The First Time

Key Takeaways:

• Namco’s Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 arrive on September 25
• These games are the first third-party GBA titles featured on Nintendo Switch Online
• All 25 existing GBA titles on the service are Nintendo-published
• Klonoa debuted in 2001 and has seen sparse releases in recent years
• This marks a groundbreaking step for Nintendo’s subscription-based retro catalog

Nintendo Switch Online Expands Its GBA Library

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is entering a new chapter by introducing third-party titles to its Game Boy Advance library, starting with two games from Namco. These new additions not only expand the scope of the catalog but also signal a greater collaboration with companies beyond Nintendo, which has historically kept its retro offerings focused on first-party titles.

Why Third-Party GBA Titles Matter

Until now, every GBA game on the service—25 in total—was originally released by Nintendo. Opening the door to third-party companies highlights the platform’s potential to host a more diverse catalog of classic titles, appealing to both nostalgic fans and newcomers curious about the handheld hits of the early 2000s.

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams

Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, released in 2001, puts players in the role of Namco’s recognizable mascot, Klonoa, who embarks on a side-scrolling adventure filled with puzzles and platforming challenges. The game revolves around the use of a Wind Ring, a signature mechanic for defeating enemies, collecting stars, and navigating through inventive level designs.

Mr. Driller 2 Arrives

Alongside Klonoa, Mr. Driller 2 joins the subscription service, adding variety with its puzzle-oriented gameplay. Also developed by Namco (now Bandai Namco), Mr. Driller 2 tasks players with drilling through colorful blocks while keeping track of oxygen levels—a premise that made the series a favorite among puzzle enthusiasts.

A Look at the Klonoa Series

Though Klonoa debuted to positive reactions, the series has remained relatively dormant. The last major installment appeared in 2008 on the Wii as a remake of the original game, while remastered versions of the first two titles appeared in 2022. For many players, the addition of Klonoa: Empire of Dreams to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is a rare opportunity to experience or revisit this fan-favorite adventure.

With these two releases arriving on September 25, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack continues to grow in unexpected directions, proving it can be a valuable home for retro gaming beyond Nintendo’s own classics.