5 New GBA Games You Can Play Right Now

You’d think the Game Boy Advance would’ve slowed down by now, right? Nope. Devs are still out here pushing pixels and dropping full-on games for Nintendo’s 20+ year-old handheld—and they’re kind of crushing it.

Whether you’re rocking an original GBA, an emulator on your phone, or a souped-up handheld like the Analogue Pocket, these games aren’t just retro throwbacks. They’re modern titles built for old hardware, blending everything we love about GBA-era games with fresh design, better pacing, and legit polish.

Here are 5 new GBA games worth firing up right now—whether you're playing in your pocket or on a docked screen with a comfy controller.

1. Goodboy Galaxy

Genre: Exploration Platformer

This one's an instant classic. In Goodboy Galaxy, you play as Maxwell—a space-faring dog stranded on an alien planet. It’s got that Metroidvania DNA baked in, but with a modern storytelling twist. There are over 50 characters to meet, tight platforming, and a beautifully strange universe to explore.

Originally launched as a passion project, it's now available as a full cartridge or ROM—and yeah, it feels right at home on a real GBA screen.

Why it hits: The pixel art is stunning, the writing is surprisingly deep, and the whole game feels like a love letter to exploration-focused platformers.

2. Shantae Advance: Risky Revolution

Genre: Platformer / Metroidvania

This one's got some serious history. Originally developed in the early 2000s but canceled before release, Risky Revolution was basically a lost Shantae game—until WayForward brought it back in 2025.

It’s a new-but-old 2D platformer starring the half-genie hero you probably already know. Classic moves, new level designs, and a heavy nostalgia hit—without sacrificing playability.

Why it hits: It plays like the GBA game we should’ve gotten in 2004, but with all the lessons of modern design behind it.

3. ITAZURA MADNESS

Genre: Roguelike Fighter

This game is chaos in the best way. ITAZURA MADNESS is a rogue-style brawler with cutepop visuals and a punchy combat system that rewards style and aggression. It runs surprisingly smooth on GBA hardware and delivers fast, satisfying gameplay with a bit of that “one more run” energy.

It doesn’t look or feel like anything from the early 2000s—and that’s exactly the point.

Why it hits: If you’re into brawlers, bright visuals, and twitchy reflex games, this one’s gonna keep you busy.

4. Crypt Sweeper

Genre: Puzzle

Ever wondered what Minesweeper would feel like if it had ghosts, crypts, and an 8-bit horror vibe? Crypt Sweeper takes the classic gameplay loop and gives it a spooky twist, making it ideal for short bursts of puzzle-solving on the go.

You’re not just dodging bombs—you’re surviving a cursed labyrinth, and every move matters.

Why it hits: Perfect for quick sessions, and the retro-horror style is way more immersive than you’d expect from a puzzle game.

5. Blob Goes 3D

Genre: 3D Platformer

Yes, you read that right. This is a 3D platformer made for the Game Boy Advance.

Blob Goes 3D pushes the GBA hardware to its absolute limit, delivering smooth polygonal gameplay in a system best known for 2D sprites. You play as a little blob navigating floating platforms and environmental puzzles in full 3D space.

It’s techy. It’s impressive. And it’s way more playable than it has any right to be.

Why it hits: You’ll spend the first 5 minutes just being impressed that it works—and the next 20 actually having fun.

The GBA Era Isn’t Over

These games prove that the Game Boy Advance is far from finished. Between dedicated developers and a community that refuses to let good hardware die, we’re in a golden age of retro-modern hybrids. You’re getting authentic cartridges, slick ROMs, and experimental design—all in one tiny screen-sized package.

So whether you’re a collector, a handheld modder, or just someone who likes their games lean and weird—there’s something here worth playing.

Want Gear That Matches the Vibe?

At No Time to Win, we make apparel for gamers who know how to appreciate the classics without getting stuck in the past. Whether you're running through 8-bit dungeons or sipping cold brew with your emulator in your pocket, we’ve got clean, comfortable fits that actually work in real life.