The Game Boy Advance collection within the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack is set to welcome significant new additions, specifically its first two third-party titles.
Starting September 25, subscribers to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack will gain access to classic Namco (now Bandai Namco) games: the side-scrolling adventure Klonoa: Empire of Dreams and the puzzle game Mr. Driller 2. This marks a historic moment, as these two titles are the very first third-party games to join the GBA library on the service, which previously consisted solely of 25 Nintendo-published titles.
Originally released in 2001, Klonoa: Empire of Dreams stars Namco`s beloved mascot, Klonoa. His adventure unfolds as he strives to defeat four monsters after dreaming itself becomes outlawed in his world. Gameplay involves Klonoa utilizing his Wind Ring to overcome enemies, solve intricate puzzles, and collect stars. The Klonoa series saw a period of dormancy, with its last major installment being a Wii remake of the first game in 2008, before remasters of the initial two titles were released in 2022.
Mr. Driller 2, a 2000 title from Namco, serves as a sequel to the popular arcade puzzle game, Mr. Driller. Players navigate a subterranean world, drilling through multi-colored blocks with the objective of reaching the goal while carefully managing their dwindling air supply. Both Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams are not strangers to re-release, having previously been available on the Wii U`s Virtual Console.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of Nintendo`s most recent Direct presentation, which delivered surprising news regarding the Nintendo Classics service: Virtual Boy games are slated for inclusion. All 14 games from the Virtual Boy library are expected to arrive on February 17, 2026, though they will necessitate a specific accessory for play.
Highlights from Nintendo Direct September 2025
