We already published the list of best GBA games of all time, now it’s time to discover the best GBA platform games of all time.
With amazing titles available, the GBA definitely has a great library of platform games.
So, if you’re a fan of both the GBA and platform 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. Donkey Kong Country
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./Nintendo, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Donkey Kong Country may not impress you with its play mechanics, but it’s easy to understand just from looking at and listening to the game why it was able to smash the competition.
There’s a lot to like here, provided you haven’t already played the game to death.
#24. Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure
- Release Data: Vicarious Visions/Universal Interactive, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This colorful and addictive platformer game feels similar to the main Crash Bandicoot series, and is a joy to play on handheld.
Like the original game, players must navigate treacherous levels to collect crystals and other collectibles.
Your main goal is to collect all 20 crystals and defeat Cortex, but there are plenty of other features to keep you playing.
#23. Mario vs. Donkey Kong
- Release Data: Nintendo Software Technology/Nintendo, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
All in all, this is a mighty fine platformer with mixed with puzzle element.
It’s got a good balance between being both thoughtful and fun and is perfect to pick up for a quick play; the sizeable amount of unlockable content also means there’s plenty to get stuck into.
#22. Sabre Wulf
- Release Data: Rare Ltd./THQ, 2004
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This colorful title encourages player to think rather than act, as it focuses on interactive puzzles littered throughout platforming levels.
When you encounter an obstacle, you’ll have to decide what creature will best overcome it.
With a number of unique creatures to use, plenty of inventive puzzles, and some awesome visuals, Sabre Wulf is definitely a good time.
#21. Mega Man & Bass
- Release Data: Capcom, 2003
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
This action/platformer is similar to other games in the Mega Man franchise.
You’ll complete side-scrolling levels and fight unique bosses at the end of each, ultimately gaining their weapon and power.
This game lets you play as either Mega Man or Bass, and both characters play differently.
A great collection of bosses and fantastic stage design makes this really engrossing and entertaining.
#20. Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts
- Release Data: Affect/Capcom, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
The original version of the game for the SNES was known for being incredibly difficult, and that’s still true for this Game Boy Advance remake.
With only a limited amount of health and weapons, you must guide Arthur through many brutally difficult stages.
You’ll fight demons, nightmarish creatures, and other fantastical beasts as you fight for your life.
#19. Kirby: Nightmare in Dream Land
- Release Data: HAL Labs/Nintendo, 2002
- Genre: Action » Platformer » 2D
Like the original game, this side-scrolling adventure has players controlling Kirby.
And this remake keeps the original level designs, but adds bright new colorful graphics and brand new sound effects.
Simply put, this is one of the best Kirby games on any Nintendo handheld system.
#18. 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.
#17. 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.
#16. 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.
#15. 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.
#14. 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.
#13. 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.
#12. 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.
#11. 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.
#10. 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.
#9. 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.
#8. 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.
#7. 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!
#6. 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.
#5. 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.
#4. 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.
#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 platform game is the best is no doubt a never ending topic, but it’s fun to do!
