Switch 2 GBA emulator 3.0.0 update — what’s new
Several months into the new Nintendo generation, Nintendo has quietly updated the Game Boy Advance app on Nintendo Switch Online to version 3.0.0. The update adds a few quality-of-life features and some neat surprises, though no new GBA titles were added to the service.
Key changes
- Button remapping: You can now remap buttons from the in-game menu — a welcome addition for players who prefer custom controls.
- 1080p handheld on Switch 2 (reported): GBA titles launched through the app apparently run at 1080p in handheld mode on the Switch 2, improving sharpness over the original Switch’s 720p handheld output.
- Hidden original GBA startup screen: An Easter egg recreating the original GBA boot screen can be triggered by wiggling the analogue stick while the app boots.
There are still no new game drops in this update; the last addition to Nintendo Switch Online’s GBA library was Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones in April. If you were hoping for Mario Golf: Advance Tour or other GBA favorites, the wait continues.
How to trigger the hidden startup screen
Boot the GBA app and wiggle the analogue stick as the app starts — the original GBA startup screen will appear. It’s a small but delightful touch for fans and nostalgia seekers.
Want to try GBA hardware or accessories?
If you’re feeling nostalgic and want to play on real hardware, or browse cartridges and accessories, check this Amazon search for Game Boy Advance items: Game Boy Advance on Amazon.
Reported by community outlets; not an official Nintendo press release.
Which GBA game are you revisiting? Tell us in the comments below.