Twenty-two years ago, in 2004, a fantastic Game Boy Advance game was released. It was only available on that handheld system, and now you can play it for free if you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription on either Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2. Interestingly, this game also has roots as a remake of a classic NES title, making it a great game on two different consoles!
Today marks the 22nd anniversary of Metroid: Zero Mission, a remake of the original Metroid game for the Game Boy Advance. While it’s a highly-rated game, many fans actually consider Metroid Fusion, released in 2002, to be the better Game Boy Advance title. Metroid Fusion is often ranked among the top three best games on the system, alongside Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords.
Playing in 2025 via Nintendo Switch Online
Today marks the 22nd anniversary of Metroid: Zero Mission, and it still plays remarkably well. Like many games originally made for the Game Boy Advance, it has aged gracefully compared to games from the same period that were built for home consoles. The core gameplay and immersive atmosphere are just as strong as they were back in 2002. However, the game was notoriously difficult at times, and those challenging moments haven’t gotten any easier – they might even feel a bit harder now, considering games generally had higher difficulty and less hand-holding back then.
To play this classic game, you’ll need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, but not just the standard one. You’ll need the more expensive Expansion Pack, which costs $50 annually, compared to the $20 yearly fee for the regular Nintendo Switch Online service.
To play Metroid: Zero Mission in 2026, your best option is a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. Otherwise, you’d need the original Game Boy Advance game and a working Game Boy Advance console, or explore unofficial methods like ROMs and emulators.
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2026-02-10 00:10