Items14The creator’s order
  1. 1WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (2003)WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgame$! (2003)Released Dec 31, 2003A one-word instruction flashes up and you have a few seconds to work out what it means. Then another game takes its place. Start here when you want something brisk and funny that teaches you as you play. This is the first WarioWare on GBA.0
  2. 2Kuru Kuru Kururin (2001)Kuru Kuru Kururin (2001) 7.3/10 on IGDBReleased Mar 21, 2001Guide a constantly rotating craft through a narrow course and wait for the right angle to slip past a corner. Start with the gentler courses to get used to reading the spin. The rule takes seconds to understand, and a cleaner run gives you an immediate reason to try again.0
  3. 3Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004)Mario vs. Donkey Kong (2004) 7.7/10 on IGDBReleased May 24, 2004Look over the stage, work out how to bring the key to the locked door, then go after the toy on the other side. The original GBA game gives Mario’s jumps and handstands a puzzle to solve. Play one room when you’re short on time, or replay a favorite to tidy up the route.0
  4. 4Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land (2002)Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land (2002) 8.2/10 on IGDBReleased Oct 25, 2002Copy an enemy’s ability and see what it does to the next stretch of the stage. Kirby can also float past a tricky jump, which gives you room to learn the controls. This GBA remake of Kirby’s Adventure is a welcoming way into platforming and a good pick when you want to finish a stage in one sitting.0
  5. 5Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire (2003)Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire (2003) 8.0/10 on IGDBReleased Aug 1, 2003Pick one of two tables and get a feel for where the ball goes before you worry about filling the Pokédex. The flippers and targets give you a straightforward game to start with, and catching Pokémon adds a goal beyond the score. This is the GBA pinball game with the Ruby and Sapphire tables.0
  6. 6Advance Wars (2001)Advance Wars (2001) 8.4/10 on IGDBReleased Sep 10, 2001Begin with Field Training and let it introduce the rules one situation at a time. The fights run in turns, so you can read the map before deciding which unit to move. It’s a good starting point for strategy if you want to learn by trying a plan and seeing where it goes wrong.0
  7. 7The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004)The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (2004) 8.4/10 on IGDBReleased Nov 4, 2004When Link shrinks, a familiar room becomes a different space. Start by looking for paths too small to use at full size, and you’ll quickly see what this GBA Zelda adds to the usual town-and-dungeon rhythm. Ezlo, the talking cap, accompanies you as you learn the trick.0
  8. 8Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003)Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (2003) 8.5/10 on IGDBReleased Nov 17, 2003Mario and Luigi each have their own button, and their jumps and attacks build on that pairing. Start with ordinary fights to learn when to press for an extra hit or a dodge. The timing keeps the original GBA adventure lively even when you’re playing it as a turn-based RPG.0
  9. 9Metroid: Zero Mission (2004)Metroid: Zero Mission (2004) 8.6/10 on IGDBReleased Feb 9, 2004A map and occasional guidance give you somewhere to head while you learn what Samus’s new abilities can open. If a passage looks out of reach, make a mental note and come back when your equipment changes. It’s the GBA remake of the first Metroid and a good first look at the series’ exploration.0
  10. 10Drill Dozer (2005)Drill Dozer (2005) 7.5/10 on IGDBReleased Sep 22, 2005Get used to shifting the drill into higher gears and listen for when the machine is ready. The drill opens routes and solves puzzles as well as taking on enemies. On the original cartridge it can also make the game rumble in your hands, which is a good reason to try the hardware if you have it.0