Nintendo’s portable console conquered entire generations with titles that combined graphic quality and impressive gameplay for the time. The compilation of the 15 best Game Boy Advance games, based on Metascore (weighted average from specialized critics), reveals the diversity of genres and the technical excellence that characterized the device.
Zelda and Tony Hawk dominate the historical ranking
The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past / Four Swords took first place with a score of 95, being recognized by many experts as the best version of one of the greatest classics in the history of video games. The title brought the legendary SNES to the handheld, adding an all-new multiplayer mode that significantly expanded the appeal of the original. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 tied on the same note, representing a technical feat by Vicarious Visions in adapting 3D gameplay to a stunning isometric perspective. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 closed the podium with 94 points, consolidating itself as the definitive remake of the NES classic with improved graphics and additional levels that expanded the original experience.
Successes off the podium
Mario Kart: Super Circuit achieved 93 points in fourth place, maintaining the quality expected from the Nintendo racing franchise. Advance Wars and Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 shared the fifth and sixth positions with 92 points each, while Metroid Fusion and Final Fantasy VI Advance also reached the same level. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 is in ninth position with 91 points. Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow and Castlevania: Circle of the Moon accumulate 91 and 90 points respectively, marking a significant presence in the ranking alongside Golden Sun.
Tabela completes the 15 best titles on the console
- 1st place:The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past / Four Swords (95)
- 2nd place:Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 2 (95)
- 3rd place:Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (94)
- 4th place:Mario Kart: Super Circuit (93)
- 5th place:Advance Wars (92)
- 6th place:Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 (92)
- 7th place:Metroid Fusion (92)
- 8th place:Final Fantasy VI Advance (92)
- 9th place:Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3 (91)
- 10th place:Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow (91)
- 11th place:Golden Sun (91)
- 12th place:Castlevania: Circle of the Moon (91)
- 13th place:Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (90)
- 14th place:Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 (90)
- 15th place:Metroid: Zero Mission (89)
Onde find these masterpieces in 2026
The vast majority of these titles are available on the Nintendo Switch through the Nintendo Switch Online + Pacote Adicional service, including the era-defining games on the original handheld. The recently released Nintendo Switch 2 also offers access to these classics for those who want to revisit these milestones in video game history. Castlevania presents a particular situation: in addition to subscription options, the franchise has gained modern collections such as Castlevania Advance Collection, which was released on all current platforms and allows direct access to games without the need for game streaming services. Essa diversity of options democratizes access to the titles that shaped the portable experience in the 2000s, allowing new generations to discover why the Game Boy Advance remains revered among enthusiasts and expert critics alike.