Ranking context
Why it ranks #13
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past & Four Swords ranks #13 in our Best Game Boy Advance Games list. The single-player classic remains excellent, and Four Swords adds a distinct cooperative game. Treating those as two experiences—and meeting the multiplayer conditions—makes the package less straightforward than The Minish Cap.
A Link to the Past provides an expertly structured overworld, tool-driven dungeons and a steady flow of discovery. Four Swords adds a different design idea: players must cooperate to move forward while still competing for rewards. The combination shows both classic and experimental Zelda design on GBA.
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Best for
Play it for classic dungeon design, with extra value for a group that can use Four Swords.
Skip if
you already own a preferred version of A Link to the Past and cannot or do not want to use multiplayer.
Modern playability
How it holds up today
The core dungeon and overworld design remains clear. The GBA screen shows less surrounding space than home-console versions, and audio/presentation differ. Nintendo Classics substantially lowers the hardware barrier for supported multiplayer, but the live page must explain the current setup rather than assume it is automatic.
The difference
What makes it different
The Minish Cap was designed as one focused GBA adventure. This cartridge is a package deal: the reliable value comes from a classic port, while Four Swords becomes excellent or nearly irrelevant depending on your multiplayer setup.
Version-aware guidance
Current legal availability
The package is included in the US Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics library, where compatible games support 2–4-player connectivity. Original hardware has different connection requirements. Availability checked: August 19, 2026.
Research notes
Sources and review date
Mode boundaries, player count, rating and current availability were checked against Nintendo and ESRB material. The playtime statement applies only to A Link to the Past, not the separate Four Swords mode. Last reviewed: August 19, 2026.