Nintendo has announced that two beloved Game Boy Advance titles from Bandai Namco, Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, will join the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on September 25th. Both games will be part of the Nintendo Classics GBA library, giving subscribers the chance to revisit these early 2000s gems on modern hardware. This marks yet another expansion of the service’s retro lineup, which continues to grow with fan favorite releases from multiple eras of Nintendo’s history.
Originally released as a launch title for the Game Boy Advance in Japan, Mr. Driller 2 tasks players with digging through colorful block formations to reach safety while managing a limited air supply. Players can choose between series protagonist Susumu Hori and the spirited Anna Hottenmeyer, tackling modes such as Mission Driller, Endless Driller, and Time Attack Driller. The game’s blend of puzzle-solving, quick reflexes, and strategic block-breaking made it a cult favorite, and its return offers both nostalgic appeal and a fresh challenge for newcomers.
Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, meanwhile, delivers a side-scrolling platforming adventure set in a whimsical dream world. The story follows Klonoa, who is imprisoned by Emperor Jillius for the crime of dreaming in a kingdom where dreams are forbidden. To earn his freedom, Klonoa must defeat four monsters causing chaos across the empire. The game features 40 stages filled with puzzles, platforming challenges, and Klonoa’s signature “Wind Bullet” mechanic, which allows him to grab and throw enemies to solve environmental obstacles. Its mix of charming visuals, inventive level design, and heartfelt storytelling has long made it a standout in the GBA library.
Both titles were previously available on the Wii U Virtual Console, but their arrival on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack makes them more accessible than ever to a new generation of players. With portable play, save states, and other modern conveniences, fans can experience these classics in a way that blends nostalgia with contemporary comfort. September 25th is a date worth marking on the calendar.
