Nintendo released the Game Boy Advance in 2001, bringing its Game Boy line into the 32-bit era. Thanks to this upgrade, we got a lot more colours and some amazing sprite work—it was basically a SNES in the palm of your hand. And because of that portability and enhanced gaming experience, you could find a little corner and relax with a GBA game. But which one, I hear you ask. Well, I’ve compiled another list, this time full of relaxing Game Boy Advance games for you to enjoy. Please note that this is not a complete list so I’ll be adding to it every so often.
What’s the criteria for a relaxing GBA game?
People define comfort and relaxation differently but for the games I’ve chosen, they need to have more emphasis on brighter colours and softer graphics, as little peril as possible, and nothing that requires quick button presses (so beat ’em ups and other fighting games are out). The concept of a relaxing game is coziness and chilled out gameplay. You don’t want anything mentally taxing and the following games should cater for all in that regard.
(Please note: games with asterisks next to them are Japan-only titles)
- Boulder Dash EX
- Chocobo Land: A Game of Dice*
- Chuchu Rocket
- Final Fantasy Tactics Advance
- Golden Sun: The Lost Age
- Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak and Hamtaro: Rainbow Rescue
- Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town
- Hello Kitty Happy Party Pals
- Kingdom Hearts: Chain Of Memories
- Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land and Kirby & The Amazing Mirror
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- Mario Golf: Advance Tour
- Mario Kart: Super Circuit
- Mario Party Advance
- Mr.Driller
- Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald (particularly the contests)
- Puyo Pop
- Sheep
- Super Monkey Ball Jr.
- The Legend of Zelda Minish Cap
- The Sims 2
- Tomato Adventure*
- Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
