How to Add GBA Games to Your Switch Online

To add GBA games to your Switch Online, you need to have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which grants access to a collection of classic and colorful Game Boy Advance games to play anytime, anywhere, and then download the Game Boy emulator from the eShop on your console. The Game Boy Advance games are only available to players with this specific membership, and once you’ve downloaded the emulator, you can start playing GBA games immediately, but first, you have to scroll down to the Nintendo Switch Online section on your eShop and find the Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online download.

Understanding the Requirements

Membership and Accessibility

To play GBA games on your Switch, you must have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, which includes access to NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and SEGA Genesis games.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will GBA games come to Switch?: Yes, GBA games are available on Nintendo Switch for members with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
2. How do I download GBA games on Switch?: You can download GBA games by accessing the Nintendo Switch Online section on your eShop, finding the Game Boy – Nintendo Switch Online download, and selecting Free Download.
3. Can you add GBA ROMs to Switch?: No, you cannot directly add GBA ROMs to your Switch without hacking your console, which is against Nintendo’s terms of service and considered piracy.
4. Is there a GBA emulator for Switch?: Yes, Game Boy Advance emulation is available on Switch but only for members with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
5. Can I play any GBA game on Switch?: Not all GBA games are available on Switch, only those included in the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
6. Why can’t I play GBA on Switch?: You need a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership to play GBA games on Switch.
7. Can I put emulators on my Switch?: Only Switch consoles with CFW (Custom Firmware) can run emulators, which is a result of hacking the console.
8. Can you play GBA ROM hacks on Switch?: No, playing GBA ROM hacks on Switch requires a hacked console, which is against Nintendo’s terms and can result in your console being banned from online services.
9. Does Nintendo eShop have GBA games?: Yes, GBA games are available on the Nintendo eShop for members with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
10. Can you put ROM games on Nintendo Switch?: No, you cannot play downloaded ROMs on Switch without hacking your console, which is illegal and against Nintendo’s policy.
11. How to get Switch ROMs legally?: The legal way to obtain Nintendo ROMs is by purchasing the original game cartridges or discs from online marketplaces like eBay or Amazon.
12. Is it illegal to hack Nintendo Switch?: Yes, under DMCA Section 1201, modding your Nintendo Switch in any capacity is illegal in the United States.
13. Which GBA emulator can use cheats?: John GBA is a GBA emulator that offers built-in cheats among other features like turbo buttons and SD card support.
14. What is pkNX?: pkNX is a ROM editor for Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, used to edit various game data.
15. Does Nintendo care about emulation?: Yes, Nintendo respects intellectual property rights and expects others to do the same, considering the use of illegal emulators or game copies as harmful to development and innovation.