Fire Emblem for Game Boy Advance is coming to Switch

It’ll hit the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on June 23

After a short drought, we’re finally getting more Switch Online + Expansion pack games in the form of the Super Mario Advance series. Now, the service is hosting another Game Boy Advance (GBA) Fire Emblem on June 23.

In case you’re wondering: yes, this entry is also called Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade. As it arrived in 2003 on the GBA, Blazing Blade was the first entry that was localized outside of Japan and helped put the series on the map worldwide. As such, it had that bit of weird ’90s localization nomenclature, and was brought over as “Fire Emblem.”

What’s the deal with this game anyway?

Although it’s technically a prequel to 2002’s The Binding Blade, given that this was a lot of people’s first introduction to the series, it also stands alone. If you’ve ever wanted to break into a conversation with old-school Fire Emblem fans, this would be a great start.

Here’s a quick plot summary from Nintendo:

“In Fire Emblem [The Blazing Blade], the nation of Lycia stands on the precipice of war after centuries of peace. Turmoil grows as noble houses plot treason, allies become enemies and armies stand poised for combat … all while a mysterious figure manipulates empires from the shadows. Now Lyn, along with Eliwood and Hector, must amass their own army to fight back against the forces that would destroy everything they hold dear – and before the world is burned to ash. Over the course of the story, you’ll gather heroes to your side, train them to excel with a wide array of weapons and classes, and further hone their skills on the battlefield. In battle, strategize your course of action around a variety of terrain and conditions. Then take command of the field and lead your units to victory by fulfilling specific objectives. But be warned: In this Fire Emblem game, if your soldiers meet their end, they’re gone forever.”

Yep, it sounds like Fire Emblem! It’s also highly beloved and one of my favorite games in the series, so it’s worth a shot if you’re looking for something to do on a rainy weekend.