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Ashely currently works as a news writer for Polygon. After getting her Translation degree, she was hired as a guide and news writer for GameRant and TheGamer. She enjoyed working as an author for these sites for six years, and in 2026, she started at Polygon, where she is able to continue to do what she loves: writing about video games.
Play these quick classics while waiting for the next big release
Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers have three new games to dive into. As of Oct. 14, the Game Boy Advance Online app includes the creature-raising game Monster Rancher Advance, the action-riddled Metal Slug Advance, and Kururin Paradise, a puzzle game making its first appearance in the United States.
Nintendo brought three Game Boy Advance classics back from the early 2000s to the Switch and its successor: Monster Rancher Advance, Metal Slug Advance, and Kururin Paradise. The Game Boy Advance Online app is exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers, so players will need to get the upgrade in order to access any of these games.
In October, players will be able to "raise," "blaze," and "maze," each word accurately summarizing a game's theme. If you're not sure which one you'd like to try first, we'll provide a quick rundown of each game to help you decide.
Monster Rancher Advance was originally released in 2001. Players take on the role of a breeder and they must raise, train, and prepare each monster to fight and do well in battle. There are more than 400 monsters to collect, and players can obtain them by finding and entering special codes into the console. Each monster is different, with its own set of skills, moves, strengths, and weaknesses, so gamers must come up with a strategy that puts their monster at an advantage. Even though there are key differences between Monster Rancher and Pokémon, they still have a fair bit in common; this might be the perfect 20-hour game for players to delve into while waiting for the Mega Dimension DLC to release for Pokémon Z-A.
If you're looking for fast-paced side-scrolling action, then Metal Slug Advance is for you. This title is perfect for fans waiting for the Mega Slug Ultimate Collection set to release next year for the franchise's 30th anniversary. Metal Slug Advance can be completed within an hour or two, so even though it's one of the games included in the collection, it's short enough for players to have an easy time replaying it next year.
The most obscure addition to the service this month is Kururin Paradise, a puzzle game that is reaching the United States for the first time. Kururin Paradise, a sequel to Kuru Kuru Kururin, was shown at E3 2002, as it was expected to come to the US later that year. However, just like its predecessor, Kururin Paradise never made the journey. Finally, more than 20 years later, puzzle game fans can now play Kururin Paradise thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack.