Free Games Update | Nintendo Switch Online - Game Boy Additions
Konami classics headline the handheld library catalog selections
Mike Lind
5/24/20252 min read


Nintendo adds more titles to its Switch Online digital service, this time to the Game Boy line. With these four re-releases, subscribers to the service can enjoy RIGHT NOW. Two from Konami, the survival role-playing game, Survival Kids and the on-going adventures of Vic Viper, Gradius: Interstellar Assault. From Hal Laboratories, the puzzle title Kirby Star Stacker. And from Kemco, the first entry in the Sword of Hope series.

Kirby Star Stacker - Titled Kirby's Twinkle Kids in Japan, this title is an action puzzle game for the Game Boy that was released in 1997. Kirby's three familiar friends from the "Kirby of the Stars" series, Rick, Cain, and Coo, play an active role as "Friend Blocks." Move pairs of blocks that fall from above and eliminate star-shaped "star blocks" by sandwiching them between the same type of friend blocks to catch the star. There are also "bomb blocks" that can eliminate a horizontal row of blocks, and "hard blocks" that can transform into star blocks. Original release date: July 14, 1997
Survival Kids - This title is a survival experience RPG for the Game Boy Color released in 1999. The protagonist goes on a voyage with his adventurer father to celebrate his 10th birthday, but is suddenly thrown into the sea by a high wave and washed up on a deserted island. On a deserted island with no help from anyone, the only person you can rely on is yourself. To survive, you must search for food and water, and combine items to create the tools you need for life. If you explore every corner of the island, you should be able to see hope for escape. Now, the survival begins! Original release date: November 23rd, 1999
The Sword of Hope - This title is a role-playing game for the Game Boy that was released in 1989. The main character, Prince Hein, was born with the mark of the chosen one (a sword-shaped birthmark) on his arm. In order to save his country from a king possessed by darkness, he sets out on a journey in search of Wish, the sword of hope that can defeat the darkness. Hein uses his sword and magic to defeat monsters that get in his way as he progresses. Three commands are essential to the adventure. Use "See" to observe people and the surroundings to obtain information, or "Open" to open treasure chests and find important tools. If you choose "Hit" carelessly, you will be scolded, but sometimes unexpected things will happen. Original release date: June 1991
Gradius Interstellar Assault - This title is a shooting game for the Game Boy released in 1991. After a fierce battle on the planet Nemesis, Big Viper is attacked again by his arch enemy Big Core. A space shooter that goes beyond the limits of the Game Boy is about to begin again... Players can set their favorite type to one of three weapons (MISSILE, DOUBLE, LASER). Since DOUBLE and LASER cannot be equipped at the same time, players should consider which weapon is most suitable for the terrain and enemies of each stage before equipping them. Original release date: January, 1992