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, this gem made its way to the West in 2005. The game follows the gripping narrative of twin heirs, Eirika and Ephraim, as they battle to reclaim their kingdom of Renais and unravel the mystery behind their once-trusted ally's betrayal.
For many, this could be the first chance to experience The Sacred Stones. Not only did it debut two decades ago, but it was also just the second Fire Emblem title to reach international audiences, marking the last in the series for the GBA.
Back in 2005, we at IGN gave Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones a solid 8.5/10, praising it with these words: "Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones is to the original Fire Emblem just as 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. It provides online multiplayer capabilities for competing or teaming up with friends, along with an extensive catalog of classic games from four decades, including titles from the NES, SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, and soon, the new GameCube libraries with the upcoming launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. You can also try it out with a free seven-day trial.
Speaking of the much-anticipated Nintendo Switch 2, it was initially slated to hit the market on June 5, 2025, with a starting price of $449.99. However, the Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order date faced a delay in the United States due to import tariffs introduced by President Trump, which caused a stir in financial markets. As a result, Nintendo Switch 2 pre-orders will now begin on April 24, maintaining the original price of $449.99.
You can register your interest with Nintendo to stay updated on pre-orders for the Nintendo Switch 2 and its accessories through My Nintendo Store. Invitations to purchase will be distributed via email on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to those who have a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership and have logged at least 50 gameplay hours by April 2, 2025.
