We already published the list of best GBA games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBA action games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBA definitely has a great library of action games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBA and action games, there’s a chance you’ll like this list.
And some of you may already know some of the games mentioned in this list.
#25. Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros.
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The concept of Super Mario Bros. is incredibly simple, and that’s mostly why it was such a resounding hit in its heyday.
Controlling Mario, you run and jump through eight worlds of side-scrolling levels, with each world tougher than the last one.
As a GBA game, Super Mario Bros. is an excellent way to relive a classic on the go.
#24. Spider-Man: Mysterio’s Menace
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Activision, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you’re a fan of the Spider-Man universe, you’ll definitely enjoy this game.
It features a slew of popular villains, like Rhino, Scorpion, and Hammerhead.
You’ll use a wide variety of Spider-Man’s powers to navigate the platforming levels, making you feel like the webslinger himself!
Along the way, you can even upgrade Spider-Man’s suit to improve your powers and gain new abilities.
#23. Medal of Honor: Infiltrator
- Release Data: Netherock Ltd./Electronic Arts, 2003
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Third-Person » Arcade
This military shooter blends top-down action with third-person shooter action, by mixing them together in an awesome way.
You battle through fifteen unique missions in the game’s story mode, which takes you to various historic battlefields.
The end result is a fun handheld game that should please anyone who’s looking for a great action game.
#22. Duke Nukem Advance
- Release Data: Torus Games/Take-Two Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action » Shooter » First-Person » Arcade
Visually speaking, this game is very similar to Duke Nukem 3D, but features entirely new levels.
The story sees Duke Nukem visiting a wide array of places, such as Egypt, Area 51, night clubs, and outer space.
As an added bonus, there are multiple control schemes, so you can find the controls that feel best for you.
#21. Donkey Kong Country 2
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a re-release of Donkey Kong Country 2 for the Super Nintendo, and contains most of the same content.
The game feels much quicker than the original Donkey Kong Country, thanks to the speedy cartwheels that you can pull off.
In the end, Donkey Kong Country 2 is definitely one of the best platforming games for the GBA.
#20. Sonic Advance 3
- Release Data: Dimps Corporation/Sega, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Like other Sonic games, this title is a fast-paced sidescroller that has you racing from start to finish.
However, you are able to choose from five different characters, including Knuckles, Amy, Tails, Sonic, and Cream.
Each character has unique abilities, and can access various portions of the different levels.
If you like Sonic, this is a must-play.
#19. Drill Dozer
- Release Data: Game Freak/Nintendo, 2006
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This side-scroller puts the Drill Dozer front and center, as Jill has to use it in a slew of ways to navigate each stage.
Using the shoulder buttons, you dash back and forth across the hectic levels, discovering upgrades and defeating enemies.
The difficulty offers a great experience for seasoned gamers, and the story pushes you forward when things get tough.
#18. Mega Man Zero
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This Mega Man entry keeps the expected run and gun gameplay that the series is known for, but changes up the level structure.
Instead of playing individual stages and fighting bosses, Zero fights across an interconnected world.
This game is great for fans of the classic Mega Man gameplay who don’t mind a new kind of experience.
#17. Super Mario Advance
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
As a launch title for the Game Boy Advance, this Mario game knocked it out of the park.
The main attraction is the remake of Super Mario Bros. 2, which has upgraded visuals and plenty of new features.
Overall, this is a great Mario package with plenty of content to keep you playing.
#16. Mega Man Zero 2
- Release Data: Inti Creates/Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Once again, players control Zero, a powerful robotic hero with a good collection of new weapons and abilities.
The biggest change in this game is the mission structure, which returns to the classic Mega Man formula.
There are a great variety of enemies and the difficulty is a bit tougher than before, which provide you with an excellent challenge.
#15. Rayman 3
- Release Data: Ubisoft, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This handheld port of Rayman 3 plays as a sidescrolling game, instead of a 3D platformer.
Players guide Rayman through a variety of levels, fighting dark enemies known as lums.
The combat and platforming is fun and snappy, and there are plenty of collectibles to keep you exploring.
Overall, this is a fun adventure that feels more like a classic Rayman title.
#14. Super Street Fighter II Turbo: Revival
- Release Data: Capcom, 2001
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
Unquestionably, Turbo Revival is a perfect choice for any Game Boy Advance owner looking for some great fighting action on the go.
And for longtime fighting game fans who may not have a Game Boy Advance yet, this is the perfect reason to get one.
#13. Klonoa: Empire of Dreams
- Release Data: Now Production/Namco, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This fun sidescrolling game is full of fun platforming, exciting action, and interesting puzzles.
Each level of the game contains three hidden stars and collecting them opens up the next level, where you’ll continue to beat enemies, find secret areas, and flap your wings.
Overall, this is a lighthearted and enjoyable sidescrolling adventure that’s a blast to play.
#12. Gunstar Super Heroes
- Release Data: Treasure/Sega, 2005
- Genre: Action » Shooter » Shoot-‘Em-Up » Vertical
Like the first game, Gunstar Super Heroes is a fast-paced sidescrolling action game with an emphasis on blasting your enemies.
There are various storylines depending on which character you pick, but they all revolve around traveling moons and locating the Treasure Gems.
This fun and hectic title is a blast to play with friends, so be sure to try it out!
#11. Sonic Advance
- Release Data: Sonic Team/Sega, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Once again, Sonic and his friends must hunt down the evil Doctor Eggman and collect the Chaos Emeralds.
Much like the original Sonic the Hedgehog game for Sega Genesis, players blast through sidescrolling levels with blistering speed.
And although it’s a bit short, Sonic Advance is a great portable game that feels fast and fun.
#10. Street Fighter Alpha 3
- Release Data: Crawfish Interactive/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 2D
This is a fun and compact port of the arcade fighting game of the same name.
The colorful visuals and upbeat music keep things charming, and the great fighting mechanics are enjoyable to learn.
It also serves as a prequel to Street Fighter II, revealing some background information about popular characters.
#9. Ninja Five-O
- Release Data: Hudson/Konami, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This exciting action sidescroller is full of fun ninja gameplay, exciting weapons, and quick movement.
In the story, you play as a powerful ninja who attempts to take down terrorists wearing magical masks.
Using his grappling hook and a variety of other equipment, you’ll control Joe through six different missions.
If you’re a ninja fan, this is a must-play game!
#8. Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance
- Release Data: Criterion Games/Midway, 2002
- Genre: Action » Fighting » 3D
Mortal Kombat: Deadly Alliance is by no means the most polished fighting game available for the GBA.
It has just enough combos and reversals to make it fun, and the real star of the game is the violence you’ll see during each match.
That said, it sticks to the spirit of its violent predecessors and is enjoyable on its own merits.
#7. Rayman Advance
- Release Data: Digital Eclipse/Ubisoft, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
In the game, you control Rayman, an interesting character that floats and punches his way to victory.
The visuals are beautiful and great to look at, and the gameplay is smooth and enjoyable.
It’s a great platformer and one among many games in the Game Boy Advance launch lineup that’s easy to recommend.
#6. Wario Land 4
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2001
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
If you’re looking for a quality 2D platformer for your GBA, look no further than Wario Land 4.
The gameplay is tight and varied, the graphics are detailed and bright, and the sound is great.
Wario Land 4 does have some puzzles in its later stages that may be too difficult for kids, but for everyone else, it’s highly recommended.
#5. Sonic Advance 2
- Release Data: Dimps Corporation/Sega, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Once again, Eggman is trying to take over the world, and it’s up to Sonic and his pals to collect the Chaos Emeralds and thwart his plans.
The gameplay is a bit more difficult than the original game, but the new characters and fun graphics make it easy to keep trying.
#4. Astro Boy: Omega Factor
- Release Data: Hitmaker/Sega, 2004
- Genre: Action » Beat-‘Em-Up » 2D
This exciting action game has an interesting sci-fi story, including robot rebellions and time travel.
In it, you play as Astro Boy, a strong fighter with rocket boots.
Using a variety of attacks and powers, you smash your way through the game’s various levels.
#3. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a port of Yoshi’s Island for the Super Nintendo, and it keeps all the same features and gameplay from the original.
In the game, you play as a group of Yoshi dinosaurs attempting to carry Baby Mario to safety.
Yoshi’s Island is one of the best platforming games of all time, and it’s just as amazing on the GBA!
#2. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This is a remake of Super Mario Bros. 3, with fresh graphics and some brand new content.
Like in the original, players control either Mario or Luigi and jump their way through eight worlds of exciting side-scrolling platforming.
Also, this version of the game allows players to scan physical cards using an attachment, which unlocks new content and levels.
#1. Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2
- Release Data: Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This version lets you play as both Mario and Luigi, and both characters jump and move differently.
There’s also an additional multiplayer mode similar to the arcade game Mario Bros., which supports up to four players with the Link Cable.
With well over 90 levels to complete, Super Mario World is packed with some of the best platforming gameplay ever.
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See also: Best GBC Games & Best GameCube Games
Are your favorite games on the list?
Deciding which GBA action game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
