Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams are drilling and dreaming their way onto Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on September 25, 2025, bringing two beloved Game Boy Advance classics back into the spotlight. Available exclusively to Expansion Pack subscribers through the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics app, these additions continue to strengthen a retro lineup that already features more than 20 GBA favorites like Metroid Fusion, Fire Emblem, and The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, alongside its Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis libraries and planned Virtual Boy releases.
Both titles hail from Bandai Namco and originally launched in the early 2000s. Mr. Driller 2 first appeared in Japanese arcades in July 2000 before arriving on GBA in 2001 for the handheld’s debut in Japan, eventually reaching Western audiences in 2005. In this colorful, fast-paced arcade puzzler, you play as Susumi Hori or Anna Hottenmeyer, tunneling through cascading, multicolored blocks while carefully managing a dwindling air supply. The tension ramps up as you chase air capsules, plot your drilling route, and avoid getting crushed—easy to learn, tough to master, and perfect for quick sessions or high-score chasers.
Klonoa: Empire of Dreams, a GBA-exclusive 2D platformer from 2001, offers a different flavor of nostalgia. Imprisoned by decree and guided by his ring spirit companion, Huepow, Klonoa journeys through 40 imaginative stages filled with physics-driven puzzles, enemy tossing, and collectible hunts for stars and Dream Stones. It struck a chord with critics, earning a 34/40 from Famitsu and an 83 Metacritic score, thanks to its clever level design, heartfelt charm, and timeless platforming mechanics.
These game announcements arrive on the heels of a major upgrade to the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics app. Version 3.0.0, rolled out in early September, enhances emulation across both the original Nintendo Switch and the newer Switch 2. The update brings quality-of-life features and sharper visuals that make revisiting handheld gems more enjoyable than ever.
Notable improvements include:
– Customizable controls: Hold ZL and ZR during gameplay to open the View/Change Controls menu and remap buttons to your preference.
– Sharper handheld visuals on Switch 2: Handheld resolution jumps to 1080p on Switch 2, a significant bump over the original Switch’s 720p, giving GBA titles a crisp, HD look without losing their classic charm.
– A nostalgic Easter egg: You can trigger the original GBA boot-up screen when launching the app, a small touch that adds big retro vibes.
With Mr. Driller 2 and Klonoa: Empire of Dreams joining the catalog, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack continues to build a compelling case for fans of classic portable gaming. Whether you’re seeking arcade-style puzzle intensity or a polished, feel-good platformer, both releases highlight why the GBA era remains so beloved.
For subscribers, the value proposition keeps growing: a broadening GBA library, continued emulator refinements, and thoughtful touches that respect the history of the hardware. Mark your calendar for September 25, 2025, download the GBA app if you haven’t already, and get ready to rediscover two standouts from the golden age of handheld gaming.
