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You can play Game Boy Advance games on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 through the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics app, but you need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. The standard Nintendo Switch Online plan does not include the GBA library, and the games are included as subscription access rather than sold individually in the app.
What you need
- A Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED Model, or Nintendo Switch 2.
- A Nintendo Account and an internet connection for download and setup.
- An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual membership, or a Nintendo Account covered by an Expansion Pack Family membership.
- About 515 MB of free storage. Nintendo lists the app at that size for both Switch and Switch 2.
Install the latest system update available for your console. Nintendo’s service requirements also call for a compatible system and current-enough software. Nintendo’s Nintendo Switch Online FAQ explains account and service requirements.
How to download the GBA app
- From the HOME Menu, open Nintendo eShop.
- Select the Nintendo Account that has the Expansion Pack membership or is covered by its Family membership.
- Choose Nintendo Switch Online in the eShop’s left-hand menu.
- Find Special Offers or Expansion Pack Content. The exact placement may vary as the eShop changes.
- Select Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics and choose the download option.
- When the download finishes, return to HOME and open the app.
- Choose a game from the available library to start playing.
If you do not see the app in those sections, search the eShop for its full name. Nintendo’s classic-game library access instructions cover the download route.
Which membership includes GBA games?
Only Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack includes the GBA library. The regular Nintendo Switch Online plan includes other classic libraries, but not Game Boy Advance.
#1 Best Overall
![Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41Y9KbnDQKL._SL160_.jpg)
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
| Membership | GBA library included? |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Online Individual | No |
| Nintendo Switch Online Family | No |
| Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Individual | Yes |
| Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Family | Yes, for accounts covered by the family group |
For the United States, Nintendo’s pricing page lists Expansion Pack at $49.99 for 12 months for an Individual membership and $79.99 for 12 months for a Family membership. These are U.S. prices, listed by Nintendo as checked August 18, 2026; prices vary by country and can change. A Family membership can cover up to eight Nintendo Accounts in the purchaser’s family group. Having several user profiles on one console does not by itself make those accounts members of that group. See Nintendo’s membership pricing and its Family membership details.
What games are included?
The app offers a selected catalog, not the complete GBA library. Nintendo’s U.S. catalog includes games such as Golden Sun, Metroid Fusion, The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Fire Emblem, and WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! Nintendo may add titles, and availability can differ by region, so check the current Nintendo catalog for a specific game.
Rank #2
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Individual Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-OKs2tCCL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
Playing games and using the app’s features
Launch the app from HOME, then select a title. Nintendo advertises save-progress support, screen-size options, a retro-style display filter, and rewind in single-player: press and hold ZL + ZR to rewind.
Some games support multiplayer, with capacity and setup varying by title; Nintendo describes support for two to four players depending on the game. Compatible games may also support voice chat through the Nintendo Switch App. Check the chosen game’s setup instructions rather than assuming every title supports online play. Feature details are on Nintendo’s GBA app page.
Rank #3
![Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack 12-month Family Membership – [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/4167UlUf-SL._SL160_.jpg)
- Library of classic Nintendo 64 games
- Collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games
- All Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Booster Course Pass* content as released
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Happy Home Paradise DLC *
- Splatoon 2: Octo Expansion*
Does it work on Switch Lite and Switch 2?
Nintendo lists the GBA library for Nintendo Switch systems, including Switch Lite and Switch OLED Model, and for Nintendo Switch 2. The app is digital software; Switch Lite can run it, but the Lite does not support TV mode. The same general download process applies on Switch 2, although eShop labels or library presentation may differ.
Can you use old GBA cartridges or previously purchased games?
No. A GBA cartridge cannot be inserted into a Switch, and owning a cartridge or previously purchased GBA game does not unlock a Switch copy. You can play only the titles in Nintendo’s current app catalog, through the qualifying subscription. The app does not provide individual GBA game purchases or transfer old hardware purchases into Switch versions.
Rank #4
![Nintendo Switch Online Family Membership 12 Month - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61OON0h5SHL._SL160_.jpg)
- Online Play – Battle it out or cooperate with players online in compatible games like Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Invite friends to your in-game island or visit theirs in Animal Crossing: New Horizons!
- NES and Super NES - Nintendo Switch Online – Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game. With the Nintendo Switch Online smartphone app, you can also voice chat during your play sessions in compatible games.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere! Face off against Wario in Super Mario Land 2 - 6 Golden Coins and thwart an intergalactic menace in Metroid II - Return of Samus as you revisit (or discover) these classics games.
- Save Data Cloud* – In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Smartphone app – Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games. In addition, the app gives players of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and Splatoon 2 access to special game-enhancing features.
What happens when the membership ends?
Access to the classic-game library depends on an active qualifying membership. If the membership expires, you should not expect to keep access to the GBA games. Turning off auto-renewal is different: it stops the next renewal charge, while access should continue through the time already paid for.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If the app is missing or a game will not launch
- Check the membership tier: Standard Nintendo Switch Online does not include GBA. Confirm that the account has Expansion Pack or is covered by an Expansion Pack Family membership.
- Check the selected account: Open eShop with the Nintendo Account that has the membership. For a Family plan, verify that the account belongs to the purchaser’s family group.
- Search eShop again: Look under Nintendo Switch Online, Special Offers, or Expansion Pack Content, or search for Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics. The exact menu placement can change.
- Check connection, updates, and storage: Connect to the internet, install available system updates, and make sure roughly 515 MB is free. Remove unused software or use compatible expanded storage if needed.
- Restart and retry: Restart the console, then check the eShop and HOME Menu again. If the app is absent, redownload it from eShop.
- Check the catalog and game instructions: A missing title may not be in the current catalog or available in your region. If multiplayer fails, confirm that the specific game supports it and follow its setup steps.
- Contact Nintendo Support: If the membership is active and the app is still unavailable after these checks, contact Nintendo.
Is Expansion Pack a good fit just for GBA?
It is more compelling if you want several of Nintendo’s classic-game libraries, supported multiplayer, or already use Nintendo Switch Online services. It is less compelling if you want only one particular GBA title, the full GBA catalog, or permanent ownership: the subscription grants access to Nintendo’s selection, not a separately owned copy of each game. Check the live catalog before subscribing, especially if one specific title is the reason you are considering it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy a curated library of 70+ classic Super NES and NES games. You can compete (or cooperate) online with friends, share your screen, or virtually pass the controller, depending on the game.
- Access a collection of Game Boy games to play anytime, anywhere!
- In addition to the game data regularly saved to your system, you’ll have online backup. This makes it easy to retrieve your game data if you lose your system or start using a new one.
- Enhance your online experience with the Nintendo Switch Online app. For example, you can use voice chat with players in compatible games.
- Redemption: Online
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