14 Best Game Boy Advance Platformer Games

During the early 2000s, the release of the Game Boy Advance revolutionized the portable gaming world, by delivering the full 16-bit experience at the palm of your hands. Platformer games were one of the most popular genres offered, providing a smooth experience and a large number of first-party titles.

With its colorful screen and simple controls, the GBA provided an ideal platform for developers to build memorable platforming games with basic yet enjoyable principles and gameplay. The GBA platformer collection has a lot to offer, with classic ports and new games making their console debut. In today’s article, we’ll go deep into the world of GBA platformer games, including various first-party releases as well as hidden gems.

Super Mario World™: Super Mario Advance 2 Handheld Adaptation スーパーマリオアドバンス2 スーパーマリオワールド+マリオブラザーズ (Sūpā Mario Adobansu 2 Sūpā Mario Wārudo + Mario Burazāzu)

About
	Release Date December 14, 2001 Initial Release: November 21, 1990
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2001-12-14
2002-02-09
2002-04-02
2002-04-12

Originally released on the Super Nintendo, Super Mario World is known as one of the best 2d platformer games if not the best. At its core the port remains the same aside from the addition of voices for both Mario and Luigi, a save feature was also added to ease things a little bit compared to the original game, allowing the player to save anytime at ease.

Multiplayer was also added allowing players to link up to four devices at the same time, to play co-op. This feature offered a new way to experience the game for old veterans and even newbies who are looking for help to finish a tough level. As a whole, Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2 is an amazing showcase of the GBA power, adapting a timeless classic that should be played at least once before you die.

Drill Dozer™ 2005

About
	Release Date September 22, 2005
	Developer Game Freak
	Publisher Nintendo
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2005-09

Drill Dozer is a one-of-a-kind game that offers an incredible visual experience as well as engaging gameplay. The tale revolves around Jill, a young girl who controls a miniature mech suit capable of drilling through walls and foes. Jill sets off on a trip to retrieve her valuable stolen Red Diamond from the Skullers, a thief’s gang.

The drill mechanic is what distinguishes this game; it allows the player to dig through obstacles, destroy adversaries, and discover hidden treasures. This technique is cleverly employed to break up the game’s repetition, allowing each player to enjoy a unique experience. The visuals are equally unique, offering one of the best-looking games on the Game Boy Advance, with a beautiful art style, detailed backgrounds, and smooth framerates.

Super Monkey Ball Jr. 2002

About
	Release Date November 20, 2002
	Developer Realism
	Publisher THQ
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Third-Person
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

GBA Releases
2002-11

Super Monkey Ball Jr. successfully translated the first game experience to the Game Boy Advance. The goal remains simple: tilt the floor to guide a monkey inside a ball from point A to point B while avoiding obstacles and mastering your spins. While moving, the player can collect bananas to increase his score, but the ultimate goal is to cross the finish line. While the GBA is vastly inferior to the Gamecube, developers successfully exploited the hardware to offer an acceptable look and seamless experience with responsive controls and consistent framerates.

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3 2002 Handheld Adaptation スーパーマリオアドバンス３ (Sūpā Mario Adobansu 3)

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: August 05, 1995
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2002-10

Yoshi’s Island Super Mario Advance is a straight port of the highly regarded Super Nintendo game. The game follows Yoshi’s adventure, which takes place back when Mario was a baby. Yoshi must use his unique powers to protect Mario from the evil Kamek and Baby Bowser navigating through various worlds.

This port includes six new levels as well as various modifications to existing levels, such as new items and small gameplay changes. Multiplayer was another major innovation, allowing two players to participate locally, one as Yoshi and the other as Mario. The visuals retain the original game’s characteristic of a gorgeous hand-drawn style and brilliant colors inspired by children’s books.

Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure / Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced 2002 / 2003

About
	Full Name Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure
	Release Date February 26, 2002
	Developer Vicarious Visions
	Publisher Universal Interactive
	Franchise Crash Bandicoot
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBA Releases
2002-03

About
	Full Name Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced
	Release Date January 07, 2003
	Developer Vicarious Visions
	Publisher Universal Interactive
	Franchise Crash Bandicoot
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBA Releases
2003-03

While many of us grew up playing Crash Bandicoot on the powerful PlayStation 1, you might be surprised to learn that some Crash Bandicoot games were released solely for the Game Boy Advance. Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure ingeniously converts the 3D world of crash into 2D following Crash Bandicoot’s battle with his antagonist Dr. Neo Cortex. As always, Crash may move, jump, and spin around the levels; the goal is to get from point A to point B while gathering fruits, powerups, and defeating monsters.

Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced build-up to the idea of the first game offering a whole new story and several tweaks and upgrades. The story follows the adventure of Crash and Coco as they go against N.Trance who hypnotized their friends and recruited them into his evil army. One of the standout additions to this sequel is the ability to switch back and forth between Crash Bandicoot, and Coco each with its own unique abilities. The game features a mix of classic platforming, creative segments, and vehicle levels.

Super Mario Advance™ 4: Super Mario Bros™. 3 2003 Handheld Adaptation スーパーマリオアドバンス４ (Sūpā Mario Adobansu 4)

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: October 23, 1988
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 8-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2003-10

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 serves as an enhanced port of the NES masterpiece Super Mario Bros. 3. The game offers an identical experience to the original game with new sprites and revisioned controls. As always the game follows the adventure of our beloved mustached plumber, as he embarks through various worlds deafening enemies and eventually saving the princess from the clutch of evil Bowser.

One of the most notable improvements added to this port is the ability to use e-Reader capabilities. The user could use the Game Boy Advance e-Reader accessories to scan various cards, which would unlock additional game elements as well as multiple powerups and bonuses. Any player who is looking for a pure classic platformer experience should play this game as it represents one of the best platforming games of the 8-bit era.

Donkey Kong Country / Donkey Kong Country 2 / Donkey Kong Country 3

About
	Release Date June 06, 2003 Initial Release: November 18, 1994
	Developer Rare
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Donkey Kong
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2003-06-06
2003-06-09
2003-12-12

About
	Release Date June 25, 2004 Initial Release: November 21, 1995
	Developer Rare
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Donkey Kong
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

GBA Releases
2004-06-25
2004-07-01
2004-11-15

About
	Release Date November 04, 2005 Initial Release: November 18, 1996
	Developer Rare
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Donkey Kong
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 16-Bit
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Multiplayer, Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United Kingdom

GBA Releases
2005-11-04
2005-11-07
2005-12-01

The Donkey Kong Country trilogy, which was first launched on the Super Nintendo, was a watershed moment in the history of 2D platformers, featuring one of the best platformers ever created. All three games have been transferred to the Game Boy Advance, with the same visuals and challenges.

The first game puts you in the shoes of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, who start on a long adventure around Donkey Kong’s realm, beating opponents and collecting bananas. Following the popularity of the first game, the sequel continues the heritage with Diddy Kong and Dixie Kong on a mission to rescue Donkey Kong from the hands of the evil Kaptain K. Rool.

The most recent installment introduces new playable characters on a fresh adventure to save Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong from a wicked robot. The game introduces novel abilities, gameplay concepts, and level themes, creating an interesting experience while maintaining the traditional game’s hallmark. Overall, these three games were faithfully transferred to the GBA, providing a convenient way to play the games while on the go, as well as some minor adjustments to make things easier for new players.

Wario Land™ 4 2001

About
	Release Date August 21, 2001
	Developer Nintendo
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Mario
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2001-08-21
2001-11-16
2001-11-18

Wario Land 4 marks the fourth installment in the highly acclaimed Wario Land series and became one of the classic games in the humongous GBA library. The game starts with Wario stepping inside a mysterious Pyramid, once WArio is in the pyramid close down trapping Wario inside. To escape Wario must discover numerous secrets inside the pyramid including numerous enemies and a ton of treasures.

What distinguishes this game from other Mario games is the creative use of transformations, in which Wario gains numerous powers as he progresses through each level. Each transformation is essential for solving puzzles and finding a way out of each level, eventually leading to another transformation, and so on. The visuals were equally great, with a gorgeous clean 2D image and incredibly detailed levels that varied in themes and ambiance.

Klonoa® Empire of Dreams 2001

About
	Release Date July 19, 2001
	Developer Now Production
	Publisher Namco
	Franchise Klonoa
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2001-07-19
2001-09-11
2002-03-29

Klonoa Empire of Dreams is a cult classic among Game Boy Advance platformer aficionados. Inspired by a 2.5D platformer game launched on the PlayStation 1, this sequel returns to the 2D concept, giving a conventional 2D platformer game with new world and level designs. The plot revolves around our one-of-a-kind hero Klonoa, who sets out on a new adventure through a dream-like world.

As I said above the game is a classic 2d platformer to its core, you get to move back and forth in a side-scrolling environment using Klonoa’s unique abilities, as well as enemies to reach higher platforms and eventually the end of the level. The stages are thoughtfully constructed to test the player’s intelligence, as he must blend Klonoa’s powers with the environment to unlock new paths and eventually reach the exit. Despite the GBA underpowered hardware, developers cleverly made the game 2D with a beautiful pixel art style, that aged very well even by today’s standards.

Sonic™ Advance / Sonic Advance 2™ / Sonic Advance 3™ 2001 / 2002 / 2004

About
	Full Name Sonic™ Advance
	Release Date December 20, 2001
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2001-12-20
2002-02-04
2002-03-08

About
	Full Name Sonic Advance 2™
	Release Date December 19, 2002
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2002-12-19
2003-03-10
2003-03-21

About
	Full Name Sonic Advance 3™
	Release Date June 07, 2004
	Developer Dimps
	Publisher SEGA
	Franchise Sonic™
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2004-06-07
2004-06-17
2004-06-18
2005-12-09

Sonic Advance brings up the joy of the original 2d sonic games to the Game Boy Advance with three consecutive titles. Sonic Advance follows the adventure of Sonic and his friends as they embark on a new adventure across the world. Up to four characters are fully playable including Tails, Knuckles, Sonic, and Amy. Just like the classic games, the player moves from point A to Point B on a linear level, where speed and precision are crucial to make your way to the other side.

The second game expanded the roster of playable characters, adding a new face Cream the Rabbit, as well as some minor tweaks to the gameplay. The game retains the same formula where you move from one side to the other while collecting golden rings and defeating enemies. The third game concluded the Sonic Advance trilogy, introducing a new tag team element that allowed you to switch between playable characters while playing. The game also included multiple routes through levels, pushing players to backtrack and uncover new things.

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror / Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land 2004 / 2002

About
	Release Date April 15, 2004
	Developer HAL Laboratory
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Kirby
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2004-04-15
2004-07-02
2004-10-18
2004-12-23

About
	Release Date November 30, -0001 Initial Release: March 23, 1993
	Developer HAL Laboratory
	Publisher Nintendo
	Franchise Kirby
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2002-10

Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land and Kirby & the Amazing Mirror are two brilliant 2d platformer games continuing the legacy of the amazing Kirby series. The first game follows the adventure of Kirby as he attempts to claim back the Star Rod from evil King Dede to turn Dream Land back to its previous state. The gameplay is fairly simple, with Kirby moving back and forth in a side-scrolling environment, Kirby can inhale enemies to claim their powers turning into various states including a sword-wielding knight, bomb-throwing, and many more.

Kirby & the Amazing Mirror holds on to the same formula offering some minor tweaks, and the ability to travel through the world using magic mirrors. What sets the game apart is the open-world formula, where the player can explore the world in a non-linear way. Each world offers a unique challenge filled with numerous monsters and eventually a boss fight. As always the player can use Kirby’s copy ability to acquire the enemy’s power, helping him with boss fights as well as tough enemies.

Spyro Season of Ice™ / Spyro™ 2 Season of Flame 2001 / 2002

About
	Full Name Spyro Season of Ice™
	Release Date November 07, 2001
	Developer Digital Eclipse
	Publisher Universal Interactive
	Franchise Spyro
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Isometric
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBA Releases
2001-11-07
2001-11-16
2002-12-26

About
	Full Name Spyro™ 2 Season of Flame
	Release Date September 25, 2002
	Developer Digital Eclipse
	Publisher Universal Interactive
	Franchise Spyro
	Genre 3D Platformer
	Graphics 3D
	Perspective Isometric
	Interaction Real-Time
	Concept Dragon
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin United States

GBA Releases
2002-09-25
2002-11-01

Spyro Season of Ice and Spyro 2 Season of Flame are two portable versions of the renowned 3D platforming game that first debuted on the powerful PlayStation 1. In Season of Ice, you take control of Spyro as he starts on an adventure to rescue the kidnapped fairies from the evil Rhynocs. Despite the game’s 2D appearance, the player can still move in all directions, just like in the original game. To progress through the unique stages, the player can use Spyro’s firepower to fight foes, as well as a variety of other abilities.

Season of Flame expands upon its predecessor offering a refined experience with some minor tweaks here and there. Spyro now has a range of fire breath attacks including bubbles, ice, and fire. The game also featured a longer gameplay with larger levels, and new collectibles and hidden items. Visually the game has the same signature as Season of Ice offering a beautiful look that still holds up to this day. Overall, I hugely recommend checking both games, if you like these two titles you can also check Spyro™ Attack of the Rhynocs and Spyro™ Orange The Cortex Conspiracy.

Rayman Advance Handheld Adaptation

About
	Release Date June 11, 2001 Initial Release: September 01, 1995
	Developer Ubisoft Paris
	Publisher Ubisoft
	Franchise Rayman
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin France

GBA Releases
2001-06-11
2001-06-22

Rayman Advance is a direct port of the original game released on several consoles and PCs. This port preserves everything from the original game, allowing players to enjoy the full experience on the go. The player controls a limbless hero known as Rayman, as he embarks on a quest to restore peace and balance to his world.

Similar to classic 2D platformers, the goal of each stage is to move from one side to the other while avoiding obstacles and defeating enemies. Rayman can use his detached limbs to throw a long-ranged punch against his enemies, as well as his hair to glide in the air and reach higher platforms. One of the standout features of the game is the colorful world, including diverse landscapes, forests, and caves.

Densetsu no Stafy 2002

About
	Release Date September 06, 2002
	Developer Tose
	Publisher Nintendo
	Genre 2D Platformer
	Graphics 2D
	Perspective Side Scroller
	Interaction Real-Time
	Players Single Player
	Monetization Buy to Play
	Country of Origin Japan

GBA Releases
2002-09

Densetsu no Stafy is your typical 2d platformer game with a cutesy art style and a unique environment. The player takes control of Starfy an energetic starfish who embarks on a journey through the ocean to save his best friend. What makes this game unique, is the environment where you embark on several levels under the water.

Starfy can use a bunch of abilities to navigate each level including, diving, spinning, and gliding. The level design is a testament to the developer’s creativity, with each stage offering a unique feel and numerous hidden collectibles and challenges. Overall, Densetsu no Stafy is a fine game with simple yet fun control and a cutesy art style that would appeal to any gamer who wants a relaxing experience.