Amid all the commotion surrounding Switch 2, did you all forget that Nintendo Switch Online released 4 Game Boy bangers? There’s a timeless survival classic that’s getting an unexpected Switch 2 launch alongside 这Game Boy titles at the beginning of this month!
If you have an Online + Expansion Pack subscription, now you can play Survival Kids, Gradius： The Interstellar Assault, Kirby’s Stacker, and The Sword of Hope for free.
Here’s the twist. Survival Kids isn’t just another retro title. It’s a cult classic set to make its return on the Switch 2 with an entirely new sequel, and that return is around the corner!
If you’ve ever had the desire to be stuck on a deserted island, piloting a spaceship through stacking Kirby-shaped blocks, or pulling an evil dragon slayer, this is the opportunity of a lifetime!
Here’s why these titles are so important, starting with Survival Kids, undoubtedly the most impactful addition: Here’s what they got:
Survival Kids (1999) – The first ever survival game receiving a sequel on Switch 2!
Wait… does this game have a sequel in the works?
Before there was “The Forest”, “Stranded Deep”, and don’t get me started on “Don’t Starve”, there was a game Kids Survival and everything pales in comparison.
This game on the Game Boy is from 1999 but we truly believe that it was ahead of its time, you get to choose between ken or Mary, two children who after the sinking of a ship get stranded on an island.
But the most shocking detail is that it is coming back!
Rumors suggest that the immersion survival game “Lost In Blue” is in the works as part of the Switch 2 launching games. Which means, this time, Survival Kids won’t be competing with any serious titles for the holiday season!
Why should you play it now?
⦁ You start with some basic necessities stuff like hunger, thirst and even injuries which you need to take care of which resemble survival sims.
⦁ You can have more than one ending based on the decisions you make – pretty useful I’d say.
⦁ You are able to build tools, weapons, and even your own raft which makes you an advanced version of a crafter that everyone desired.
If you are someone who loves playing survival games, then this should be at the top of your list. But if the rumors going around are actually true then make sure to have some fun with the original before diving into the sequel!
Gradius: The Interstellar Assault (1991) – Pushing the limits of the hardcore space shooter genre
“Be prepared to die… a lot.”
If you’ve ever participated in a Gradius game once in your life, then there is one rule that you are aware of: you are going to suffer.
This side-scrolling shooter is brutal, but that’s why it’s so good: you pilot the Vic Viper, dash-dodging bullet hell and contending for power-ups.
What makes Gradius awesome?
⦁ Old School Difficulty – Classic Konami difficulty.
⦁ Breathtaking Boss Battles – Some of the epic overarching fights in the series.
⦁ Dream for compact times- It’s perfect for short bursts of intense gaming.
If you are an absolute fan of challenging retro shooters, then this is ideal for you.
Kirby’s Star Stacker (1997) – Tetris but cuter
Star Stacker combines both the simple charm of Kirby while implementing skills used in Tetris. You are no longer presented with blocks, but instead given Kirby and Waddle D to assemble stars.
Why should one break their nuts over this game?
⦁ Simple yet deep– Very easy to pick up, master, and highly difficult to put down.
⦁ Kirby Aesthetic—Charming look of Kirby, what more do I need to say?
⦁ Great for multiplayer- Pit your friends against each other with competing players.
If you are a fan of puzzle games, then this is the hidden gem you were looking for.
Game Boy – May 2025 Game Updates – Nintendo Classics. Watch on YouTube
The Sword of Hope (1989) – An Underrated RPG Classic
“Zelda Combined with Old School Dungeon Crawling”
In this first-person RPG, you take on the role of Prince Theo, who is tasked with saving his cursed father from the grip of an evil dragon.
It is a dungeon crawler that is turn-based and has puzzle solving (imagine ‘Mystery Dungeon’ crossed with ‘Zelda’).
What makes it stand out?
Atmospheric storytelling is uncommon in a Game Boy RPG.
The satisfaction of successful turn-based combat, simple yet gratifying.
Adorable pixelated visuals that are a treat for fans of retro console RPGs.
If you missed it before/now is your chance! Japanese version of Console Wars: Action RPGs USA vs. Europe goes out.
What did I miss?!
For the fans wishing to have a go at retro styles of gaming, these are four of the first titles to try.
If you like retro RPGs, The Sword of Hope should be your first pick!
Whether or not you’re a long-time customer or having a go at Addicting Games for the first time, these four titles are sure to spark interest.
