It’s hard to deny that portables are the perfect system for RPGs. To be more specific, turn-based RPGs likeFinal Fantasyand tactical RPGs likeFire Emblemflourish at a slower pace. This makes it easy to multitask while watching a show — compared to an intense action game which demands near-full attention. Many would agree, then-handheld juggernautGame Boy Advancenaturally has a great library of RPGs. Most of them are still trapped on the system, but many have withstood the test of time.
Whether they get ported anytime soon is hard to say, but fans are hopeful that the advent of Nintendo Switch Online on the system ensures that players will have access to these old, classic games from Nintendo’s library. Thebest GBA RPGsare engaging in their own right and do a great job of keeping players invested with a mix of great stories, memorable characters, and classic role-playing systems that let players enjoy a palpable sense of progression.
Updated on July 13, 2025 by Stephen LaGioia:Even following the era of DS, and at a time of modern handheld dominance (Switch, mobile, and Steamdeck), Game Boy Advance is still hailed by many as one of the greatest portable consoles ever. The vast improvements Nintendo made to the Game Boy helped GBA stand out, and with tremendous third party support, it gained a library of awesome games that fans still look back on fondly. This includes a suite of thebest GBA RPGsNintendo and RPG fans can get lost in. Some of these games don’t get the love they deserve, despite Nintendo Switch’s Online service doing a good job of exposing these games again to Switch owners, who can experience their rich history in all their glory.
30Summon Night: Swordcraft Story
Critic Metascore: 77
Overshadowed somewhat by the heavier hitters on GBA bearing the namesGoldsun Sun,Pokemon, andMario, this late arrival to the library (in North America, at least), never quite got the widespread attention it deserved.Summon Nightshines amidst a massive GBA lineup for its unique system of crafting and progression, balanced by fun action-based combat and dungeon-crawling.
The experience is also distinct (especially for an old Nintendo handheld game) by utilizing an in-game clock that plays out for ten days, while players venture through the lush town of Wystern and the deep Labyrinth Dungeon. Each day concludes with a boss battle, tournament, and/or expansion of the dungeon.
With its depth in world-building, elemental-based items and weapons, as well as a blending of genres,Summon Night: Swordcraft Storynot only holds up, but feels quite ahead of its time.
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29Mario Tennis: Power Tour
Metascore: 81
While the console renditions ofMario Tennisleaned more in the direction of thrilling party romps, the handheld side actually took a more in-depth, quasi-RPG approach. This blend seems less bizarre when considering the fact that Nintendo tasked development to Camelot — makers of the rich GBA classicGolden Sun.
This blend of sports and role-playing would serve as thebasis for the indie hitsGolf StoryandSports Story. But while a bit more simplified and slower-paced here,Power Tourdoes veer in some interesting directions with its story-based campaign and progression.
Of course, tennis is still the star attraction here, and for a 2D title using a stiff D-pad, it plays surprisingly well — rounding out a rare great sports experience on GBA.
Sure, it may lack some of the allure and depth of the mainlinePokemonhandheld romps, but regardless,Mystery Teammakes for a fun and charming spin-off in its own right. The game strips down some of the slower, more convoluted traits of the main titles, while mixing in somerewarding, quasi-Roguelike traits.
These titles, and theMystery Dungeonseries at large, bring a couple (relative) novelties toPokemongames. For one, they’re mission-based games that emphasize dungeon crawling and exploration. In addition, they focus on and star the lovable creatures themselves — rather than having pesky human trainers get in the way of their adventures.
27Dragon Ball Z: Buu’s Fury
Metascore: 62
TheDragon Ball Zaction RPG trilogy that came out on the Game Boy Advance was pretty spectacular. The first game in thisLegacy of Gokuseries was pretty rough, with the second game making a valiant effort to address the faults of the original and make the game way more accessible.
Buu’s Furyis the final chapter of this trilogy, and it’s a mighty fine game that perfects the formula established by its predecessors. It might be a bit easy and has its fair share of flaws, but most fans with nostalgic memories of this game won’t care. There aren’t many great games that cover the official story ofDragon Ball Z, makingBuu’s Furya must-play for hardcoreDBZ fans.
26DemiKids
Metascore: 62 (Light Version)
Most people who picked upDemiKidsassumed that it was nothing more than a game for kids. This assumption couldn’t have been more erroneous, especially once they found out which series this title belonged to.
DemiKidsis also known asShin Megami Tensei: Devil Children, which is a surprising fact for many people. The Game Boy Advance saw the release of bothDemiKids LightandDemiKids Dark, with the latter being slightly more challenging.
This was a remake of the first game in the Mana series,Final Fantasy Adventure. The biggest change, other than the more dynamic and colorized graphics, was the new ability to choose a gender.
That’s not the only change, as the scenario was reforged as well, adding in more story content, for example. It’s not the best of the Mana games, but it is indeed a fine action RPG on the GBA. With the various refinements, the experience feels more akin to the SNES classicSecret of Mana.
TheLegacy of Gokutrilogy is one of the best ways for gamers to experience the epic story ofDragon Ball Z. The first game is rough around the edges and can be a slog to get through at times, so players were glad to see the improvements made to the title’s presentation in the sequel, withLegacy of Goku 2being a memorable romp that ends at the end of the Cell Saga.
The combat is more enjoyable than before and doesn’t frustrate players if they don’t grind out weaker foes before progressing. While there are some difficulty spikes that can be hard to deal with, that doesn’t take away anything fromLegacy of Goku 2’s allure as one of thebest GBA RPGsthey can get their hands on, especially if players happen to be massiveDragon Ball Zfans too.
23Lufia: The Ruins Of Lore
Metascore: 76
Lufiahas always been an RPG series most forget about since it debuted on the Super Nintendo.Lufia 2is considered the best of them all, but this GBA entry is right up there with it.
The game is a classic turn-based RPG with a world map and everything. The easy-to-understand mechanics, catchy music, and colorful graphics make it well worth looking into — even now. Hopefully,Lufia: The Ruins of Lorewill eventually be added to Nintendo Switch Online.
22Riviera: The Promised Land
Riviera: The Promised Landisaunique RPG that combines traditional role-playing elements with dating sim mechanics, allowing players to develop relationships with their party members and shape the game’s narrative in meaningful ways. The game’s story follows a group of heroes on a quest to seal the Accursed, the antagonist of this game.
The game’s combat system is fast-paced and challenging, requiring players to think strategically and use the OverDrive Gauge in creative ways. Overall,Riviera: The Promised Landis a refreshing and memorable take on the RPG genre that even has an updated version on the PSP!
While some lauded it for rehashing the areas of the first game,Chain of Memoriesis a top-notch card RPG. Why did Square Enix need to put them in there in the first place when a normal action RPG like its predecessor could have worked just as easily?
No one knows the answer to that question, but one thing is for sure — this was a fun way to wait things out until the proper sequel. It is better than the PS2 remake, thanks to the gorgeous pixel art.
