The 50 Best GBA Games of All Time

What are the best GBA games of all time?

It’s hard to believe that the Game Boy Advance was released 20 years ago this year. Feel old yet?

In the three years it lasted as the main portable console, it played host to some of the best GBA games that, even today, are much beloved by gamers.

To pay homage to these classics, we’ve compiled a list of the 50 best GBA games of all time so you can relive your childhood nostalgia all over again.

The Best GBA Games of All Time

Our ranked lists are created by researching and rounding up information from the most reputable web sources.

If you enjoy this list, don’t forget to check out our other Nintendo game lists:

• The 50 Best GameCube Games of All Time
• The 50 Best Gameboy Color Games of All Time
• The 50 Best Nintendo DS Games of All Time
• The 50 Best Nintendo Wii Games of All Time
• The 50 Best Nintendo Wii U Games of All Time

Here’s our list of the 50 best Game Boy Advance games of all time:

50. Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand

Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand was the first game released on the Game Boy Advance that used sunlight to impact gameplay.

The game itself revolves around a young vampire hunter, Django, who ventures through traps, puzzles, and enemy dungeons on a quest to rid the world of evil.

The cool thing about this game was that it utilized a real-time clock and solar sensor that made it really feel immersive.

49. Final Fantasy V Advance

Although the original game was released in 1992, it was ported to the Game Boy Advance in 2006.

As a top-down RPG, the Game Boy Advance version featured improved graphics, a new dungeon, a new backstory, and four new jobs.

Released to overwhelmingly positive reviews, this game has since been hailed as a classic for the Game Boy Advance.

48. GT Advance Championship Racing

Featuring 45 cars for players to choose from and 32 different tracks, this racing game is a favorite on the Game Boy Advance.

Players can also upgrade their cars using nine categories, such as suspension, engine, and aerodynamics, to be the fastest on the track.

47. Super Monkey Ball Jr.

If you love addicting puzzle games, Super Monkey Ball Jr. is right up your alley.

Showing off the 3D capabilities of the Game Boy Advance, this game has you controlling a monkey in a ball as it speeds down tracks to get to the end as quickly as you can.

46. Sonic Advance 2

Featuring everyone’s favorite characters, Sonic returns to this game to stop the evil Dr. Eggman’s schemes.

Between the enemies, obstacles, secret areas, and Super Sonic form in the final battle, this game stood out as one of the best GBA games and a favorite for Sonic fans.

45. Rayman 3

Hailed as a masterpiece platformer and one of the biggest classics of all time, Rayman 3 is a huge piece of nostalgia for many gamers.

This game stands out so much because the incredible level design makes it engaging and innovative.

44. Street Fighter Alpha 3

If you’re a fan of the Street Fighter titles, this game was probably in your collection at one point or another.

Featuring over 31 characters, multiple gameplay modes, fantastic animation, and three different fighting styles, this game was essentially an arcade fighting game that you could take with you anywhere.

43. ChuChu Rocket!

Capable of supporting between one to four players, ChuChu Rocket! has a lot of fun moments that are perfect for killing time.

Although the controls could take some getting used to, once you got them down, this game quickly became a go-to for long car rides or relaxing at home.

42. Gunstar Super Heroes

A sequel to Gunstar Heroes, this game allowed players to choose one of three weapon types to battle through six unique levels.

Every character featured a different story that added to this title’s replay value and helped this 2D platformer stand out from the others.

41. Super Puzzle Fighter II

Often called the best puzzle game ever created, Super Puzzle Fighter II certainly lives up to its name.

Tasking players with stacking colorful gems into specific combinations, this game requires a lot of strategic thinking to get the most combos to fill your opponent’s screen with gems.

40. Racing Gears Advance

Another great racing game for the Game Boy Advance, Racing Gears Advance allows you to choose from 12 different supercars from well-known manufacturers like Mitsubishi and Dodge.

Along with this, you can pick up offensive and defensive weapons during races to help protect yourself and eliminate other drivers so that you can get to the finish line first.

39. Virtua Tennis

Compacting SEGA’s Tennis 2k2 into an easy-to-play Game Boy Advance format, Virtua Tennis was one of the foremost tennis games for GBA and one that was highly popular with fans.

Although it may seem simple on the outside, the player controls and emphasis on simplicity without sacrificing quality make this game a must-play for sports game lovers.

38. Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda

In this classic game, players set off to rescue Zelda, slay Ganon, and find the Triforce by trudging through dungeons, solving puzzles, and beating enemies.

It’s hard to go wrong with a character as iconic as Link, and this game — while no Breath of the Wild — is still one of the best Zelda games available on the Game Boy Advance.

37. Rayman Advance

Coming back to one of the most well-known video game characters, we have Rayman Advance.

As a port of the original Rayman Adventure, this game takes players through six colorful worlds where extra abilities abound to help make Rayman even more formidable.

36. Puyo Pop

This bright game is as addicting as it is challenging, and you can spend hours playing it without even realizing how much time has passed.

The point of this game is similar to Super Puzzle Fighter, as you need to fill your opponent’s screen, but there is just something adorable about the characters that help set it apart.

35. Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2

In the same way, Tony Hawk games make you feel like a skateboarding legend, Freestyle BMX will make you feel like a bike-riding badass.

Between the awesome jumps, incredible tricks, and journey to become the best rider around, this game will have you wishing you could actually be a BMX pro in real life.

34. Super Mario Advance

The first Mario game to be available on the Game Boy Advance, this game acts as an updated version of Super Mario Bros. 2 and a four-person version of the old arcade game.

Featuring even harder challenges, improved graphics, and brand-new enemies, you can join the Mario gang as they travel through seven worlds to save the world.

33. Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace

As the master of Illusion starts terrorizing New York City, it’s up to everyone’s favorite web-slinger to save the day.

Spider-Man games are always incredibly fun to play, and Mysterio’s Menace is no exception. With seven unique stages and a final boss at the end of each, this game provides players with plenty to do.

32. Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros.

This is one game that is guaranteed to make many gamers feel nostalgic as it takes you back to the very first fight between Bowser and Mario.

It’s like opening presents as a kid on Christmas morning, except, instead of presents, you get pipes, mushrooms, and Koopas.

31. Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival

Another nostalgia-inducing masterpiece is Capcom’s Street Fighter, and Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival stands as one of the best fighting games of all time. It certainly earns its place as one of the best GBA games.

Playing as 1 of 16 characters, gamers can brawl to become the best street fighter in the digital world as they perform special moves and execute devastating combos.

30. Mario Golf: Advance Tour

You simply can’t go wrong with a Mario game, and Mario Golf proves that.

While golf may not sound overly exciting, this game is insanely fun, and tackling various courses with your favorite Mario characters is just something special.

29. F-Zero: Maximum Velocity

Now, this is pod racing! Well, not exactly, but it’s close enough.

In this galactic racing game, players can unlock brand-new vehicles, tackle original GBA tracks, and race against up to three friends with the Game Boy Advance Link.

28. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4

With huge open levels and 190 challenge goals that get gradually harder as you check them off, this game will keep you coming back until you become the best pro skater.

The best thing about this game is that while you need to complete challenges, there is no time limit confining you, so you can get them done at your leisure and enjoy the world at your own pace without worrying about needing to rush through missions.

27. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones

As only the second Fire Emblem game to be released outside of Japan, it was extremely well received by Western gamers when it was released.

Utilizing turn-based battles, The Sacred Stones falls into the realm of strategy games as it will require tactical thinking to get through.

26. Moto Racer Advance

As a motocross racing game, Moto Racer features several modes but emphasizes the progression mode in which players must complete races in unique environments.

Well received upon release, this game was perfect for portable play, and many fans spent hours racing down the tracks to be the best of the best.

25. Tony Hawk’s Underground

Tony Hawk’s Underground is a classic and overall fantastic game.

Between being able to play as some of pro skating’s biggest names, customize tricks, and upload your own face to a custom player, this game was one of the best ever released.

Players can easily lose time skating through the nine expansive levels in the Underground as they work their way up to being number one.

24. Golden Sun: The Lost Age

Although players should play the Golden Sun games to understand the story in this second game, it is well worth it since both of these games are simply amazing.

In this game, players work their way through the world, pursued by the heroes in the original game.

Using the turn-based interface, the main goal is to stop the world from falling into darkness and becoming lost to the ages.

23. Sonic Advance

As the first Sonic game to be released on a Nintendo console, this game set a standard that helped pave the way for future installments.

While the premise of collecting rings and Chaos Emeralds is similar to other games, this game introduces Dr. Eggman for the very first time.

22. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance

The strategic gameplay of Final Fantasy Tactics is some of the best, and it can require a lot of patience to get through.

However, if you stick with it, this game is one of the most satisfying and rewarding Game Boy Advance titles you can play.

21. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance

This Castlevania game is the second released for the GBA, and in this one, we see the Belmont clan return to take on Dracula.

With 2D side-scrolling gameplay, difficult enemies, and really great scenery, this game holds its own even if it may not be the most popular of the Castlevania games.

20. WarioWare: Twisted!

While it may be the last WarioWare game on the Game Boy Advance, it is incredibly fun and offers a great way to kill an evening.

Following the same theme as previous games, players must make their way through multiple-party games that are both wacky and confusing.

Each game is quick and requires players to move and twist their GBA to win. This action set it apart from other games of the time and made it unforgettable to fans.

19. Fire Emblem

The first to be released in the West, Fire Emblem was a huge success, and fans of this tactical RPG praise it for its grandiose battles, interesting conflicts, and fantasy inspirations.

If you haven’t played through this incredible series, it may be time to add it to your collection.

18. Wario Land 4

Wario is just a crazy character, and because of that, we can’t help but love him.

With levels that get increasingly more complex, sharp graphics, and a boppin’ soundtrack, this game is nearly perfect in every way.

17. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald

You can’t list the best games on the GBA without mentioning these Pokémon games.

These games forever changed how fans played Pokémon and set a standard for all Pokémon games going forward.

If you love relaxing with a good Pokémon game but haven’t played any of these, you’re definitely missing out.

16. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$!

If you haven’t caught on yet, Wario games are in a league of crazy all their own.

Filled with fast-paced mini-games that will have you laughing the entire time, this game is simply good wholesome fun.

15. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising

This award-winning strategy game can be fairly challenging, and you’re going to need to think hard to advance.

Despite that, once you’re able to defeat Sturm and his invasion force, you’ll feel a great sense of accomplishment that makes it all worth it. It definitely lives up to what fans have come to expect from Advance Wars titles.

14. Metroid: Zero Mission

Metroid games are classics in their own right. This remake of the very first Metroid game boasts enhanced graphics and incredible gameplay that truly does the original the justice it deserves.

The GBA version also comes with new levels, bosses, and areas, meaning there’s more to explore even if you know the original inside and out.

13. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3

Similar to the other titles, this game allows you to play as 13 of the world’s best skaters or a custom character as you travel across the globe to show off your skills and prove that you’re the best.

Boasting brand-new tricks and a skate park editor, this is a fan favorite and one of the most beloved Tony Hawk games for the GBA.

12. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga

In the Superstar Saga, Mario returns with his brother to take on enemies and defeat anything that gets in their way.

Between the bright and colorful graphics and the hilarious banter between these plumbers, this game is worth playing for any Mario fan.

11. Golden Sun

The first of the two, and arguably the most impressive, Golden Sun truly shines as you rush to stop the world from being consumed by the forces of darkness.

With impressive companions, awesome weapons, and a great storyline, this game really is one of the best on the GBA.

10. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

Along with Mario, Yoshi is a much-beloved character, making it no surprise that this game ranks at number 10.

As Yoshi, players attempt to reunite baby Mario with baby Luigi by working through puzzles and turning enemies into eggs.

Between the incredible amount of collectibles and enjoyable gameplay, this game isn’t lacking in great content.

9. Final Fantasy VI Advance

This game single-handedly manages to capture everything fans love about Final Fantasy and roll it into one.

From the monsters, the combat, the magic, and the characters, there is something for every fan in this installment, and it even stands as the last Nintendo game ever released for the Game Boy Advance.

8. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon

Surprise! Dracula’s back! (Again.)

Playing as Nathan Graves and wielding his impressive whip, players are tasked with taking the fight to the infamous vampire’s castle to put an end to him once and for all.

(Though he’ll probably be back eventually.)

7. Advance Wars

This turn-based strategy game has incredible depth and tasks players with commanding their forces to survive impending wars.

While not an easy game in the slightest, it is incredibly fun to play and really makes you feel like a master strategist as you command your troops toward victory.

6. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3

Including everything exciting about the Super Mario world, this release allows you to play this classic no matter where you are.

With eight amazing worlds to work through, numerous engaging mini-games, and fantastic boss battles, this game is by far one of the best Mario titles for the GBA.

5. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap

Created by Capcom instead of Nintendo, this Zelda game features incredible gameplay that highlights all the best Link has to offer.

Now able to shrink down to explore the world of Picori thanks to the power of his hat, Link really shines in this installment, and any Zelda fan needs to experience this game at least once.

4. Mario Kart Super Circuit

When it’s not ruining friendships, Mario Kart is a really fun-to-play game.

With 40 tracks filled with weapons, obstacles, and other bad drivers, this game is packed with fun gameplay that will keep you engaged for hours upon hours.

3. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2

If you couldn’t guess, Tony Hawk was kind of a big deal back when the Game Boy Advance was the king of portable play.

You can bust some serious moves in this game and not worry about getting confused by overly complicated controls.

2. Metroid Fusion

Metroid Fusion takes the number 2 spot due to just how much of a beloved classic it is.

Playing as Samus fighting her way through space was basically the GBA version of Commander Shepard before Mass Effect had even been conceived.

Coupled with a compelling story and open-world adventuring, this game stands as a legend of the GBA world.

1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Of course, a Zelda game takes first place, and for good reason.

As one of Link’s greatest adventures ever undertaken, this game brings back the classic game and even adds a multiplayer function.

Between the fantastically designed puzzles and sword-wielding action, A Link to the Past will forever reign as one of the best GBA games ever created.

Summary

When it comes to handheld consoles, the Game Boy Advance was one of the best, and it paved the way for the ones we have now.

While nailing down the best games created for this platform wasn’t an easy job, these were all chosen for their impeccably fun gameplay and the impact they had on gaming as a whole.

Here’s a quick recap of the 50 best Game Boy Advance games of all time:

1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
2. Metroid Fusion
3. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2
4. Mario Kart Super Circuit
5. The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
6. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
7. Advance Wars
8. Castlevania: Circle of the Moon
9. Final Fantasy VI Advance
10. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
11. Golden Sun
12. Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
13. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3
14. Metroid: Zero Mission
15. Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising
16. WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$
17. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald
18. Wario Land 4
19. Fire Emblem
20. WarioWare: Twisted!
21. Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance
22. Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
23. Sonic Advance
24. Golden Sun: The Lost Age
25. Tony Hawk’s Underground
26. Moto Racer Advance
27. Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones
28. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4
29. F-Zero: Maximum Velocity
30. Mario Golf: Advance Tour
31. Super Street Fighter II: Turbo Revival
32. Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros.
33. Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace
34. Super Mario Advance
35. Dave Mirra Freestyle BMX 2
36. Puyo Pop
37. Rayman Advance
38. Classic NES Series: The Legend of Zelda
39. Virtua Tennis
40. Racing Gears Advance
41. Super Puzzle Fighter II
42. Gunstar Super Heroes
43. ChuChu Rocket!
44. Street Fighter Alpha 3
45. Rayman 3
46. Sonic Advance 2
47. Super Monkey Ball Jr.
48. GT Advance Championship Racing
49. Final Fantasy V Advance
50. Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand

What’s the best GBA game of all time, in your opinion? Leave a comment below.