Game Boy Advance games are making another splash on Nintendo Switch Online, and this time we’re getting two absolute gems. Nintendo just dropped the news that Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 will join the GBA library on September 25, 2025.
If you’re a Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscriber, you probably know the drill by now. Every month or so, Nintendo surprises us with classic games from their extensive back catalog. This September update brings two Namco classics that originally launched in the early 2000s.
What Makes These Game Boy Advance Games Special
Both titles represent different genres but share that unmistakable early 2000s charm that made the GBA such a beloved handheld.
Klonoa: Empire of Dreams takes our wind-powered hero into completely new territory. Unlike the console versions, this GBA entry focuses more on puzzle-platforming elements. You’re helping Klonoa escape from an emperor who’s banned dreaming (talk about a rough ruler). The game features 40 stages packed with brain-teasing puzzles and classic Klonoa gameplay mechanics like double-jumping and hover-boarding.
Mr. Driller 2 brings the addictive block-drilling action that made the series famous. You’re playing as either Susumu or Anna, drilling through colorful blocks while managing your air supply and avoiding falling debris. The GBA version includes three game modes: Mission Driller, Endless Driller, and Time Attack Driller.
Why These Game Boy Advance Games Matter
Here’s what makes this announcement particularly interesting. Both games showcase how developers adapted popular franchises for portable play during the GBA era. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams serves as an interquel between the main console games, while Mr. Driller 2 proves that arcade-style puzzle games translate beautifully to handheld format.
The timing also feels deliberate. Nintendo’s been steadily building their retro game library, and these Namco additions show they’re not just focusing on first-party titles. Third-party support for Nintendo Switch Online has been growing, giving subscribers access to games they might have missed during the original GBA run.
Game Features and Gameplay Details
Let’s break down what you can expect from each title:
Klonoa: Empire of Dreams Features
- 40 unique stages with varying difficulty levels
- Classic Klonoa mechanics adapted for 2D gameplay
- Puzzle-platforming focus with brain-teasing challenges
- Charming story about an emperor who banned dreaming
- Wind Bullet attacks and collectible stars system
Mr. Driller 2 Features
- Three distinct game modes for different play styles
- Two playable characters with unique personalities
- Strategic block-breaking mechanics
- Air supply management adds tension to gameplay
- Originally supported link cable multiplayer (though this likely won’t carry over to Switch)
The Bigger Picture for Nintendo Switch Online
These Game Boy Advance games represent Nintendo’s ongoing effort to make their subscription service more valuable. The GBA library on Switch Online has been growing steadily, though some fans still wait for certain heavy-hitters (looking at you, Pokemon games).
What’s encouraging is seeing third-party publishers like Namco contributing to the service. It suggests Nintendo is actively working with partners to expand beyond their own catalog, which benefits everyone who subscribes to the Expansion Pack.
The September 25 release date also follows Nintendo’s recent pattern of announcing games just a week before they drop. It keeps the surprise factor alive while giving subscribers something to look forward to regularly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do these Game Boy Advance games release on Nintendo Switch Online?
Both Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and Mr. Driller 2 launch on September 25, 2025, for Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers.
Do I need the Expansion Pack to play these games?
Yes, Game Boy Advance games are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack tier, not the basic subscription.
Are these the original versions or enhanced ports?
These appear to be the original GBA versions running through Nintendo’s emulation system, similar to other retro games on the service.
Will the multiplayer features work on Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo hasn’t specified whether Mr. Driller 2’s original link cable multiplayer will be supported through online play.
How many Game Boy Advance games are now available on Switch Online?
With these additions, the GBA library continues to grow, though Nintendo doesn’t always announce exact totals with each update.
Are more Game Boy Advance games coming to Nintendo Switch Online?
Nintendo regularly adds new titles to their retro game libraries, so subscribers can expect more GBA games in future updates.
Can I play these games offline?
Yes, like other Nintendo Switch Online games, you can download and play these offline as long as your subscription remains active.
Conclusion
September’s Game Boy Advance games update brings two solid additions to Nintendo Switch Online’s growing retro library. Whether you’re drawn to Klonoa’s puzzle-platforming adventure or Mr. Driller’s addictive block-breaking action, both titles offer that nostalgic GBA experience that made portable gaming so special in the early 2000s.
For Expansion Pack subscribers, these releases continue to justify the higher subscription cost by delivering consistent content updates. And for anyone who missed these games during their original run, September 25 offers the perfect opportunity to discover what made the Game Boy Advance such a remarkable handheld system.