One would think that some 20 years after the release of the Game Boy Advance, the days of brand new games coming out for this beloved handheld would be long gone.  Yet here we are in 2025 and the GBA Game Jam 2024 proves that not only are there devoted gamers that still love playing on their Game Boy Advance - there are also countless indie developers still making some really unique and fun games for the GBA.  The GBA Game Jam showcased an incredible array of innovative and nostalgic games designed for the Game Boy Advance.

Just what is the GBA Game Jam?  It is a game development competition of sorts.  Developers from around the world came together to create unique experiences that capture the essence of classic handheld gaming. Here, we highlight ten standout titles that are absolute must-plays for any fan of the original Game Boy era.  All you will need is either the EZ Flash Omega Definitive Edition or the EZ Flash Omega cartridge.  Not only will you be able to play the games we discuss below but also the countless other Game Boy Advance games available from this game jam and others.

1. Forever RPG
   
   
   
   Embark on a new adventure on every playthrough. Find equipment, meet all sorts of NPCs and of course battle your way through a short 10 chapter randomised story!Retro Racer Description: Get ready for high-speed thrills in this adrenaline-pumping racing game. Choose from a variety of colorful characters and speed through challenging tracks filled with obstacles and power-ups.

2. BeatBeast
   
   
   
   Experience 15 minutes of intense fun, and even more if rhythm games usually have you off beat. Featuring an amazing 3D title screen, powered by an impressive stack of 150 BMP files pushing 3.66 triangles per second! Enjoy menus accompanied by Good Sounding Music (GSM) and dive into main gameplay with Perfectly Crafted Melodies (PCM)—it's a sound blast!Monster Tamer Description: Capture, train, and battle with a diverse array of monsters in this captivating creature-collecting RPG. Explore vast lands, uncover rare beasts, and become the ultimate monster tamer.

3. Aereven Advance
   
   
   
   Young adventurer Lloyd has been sailing the sea on a quest to find his missing parents. He just survived a dangerous storm and finds himself grounded on a small archipelago.

4. HEX Advance
   
   
   
   A strategy board game invented by bees in 1942. Your goal is to connect both opposite sides of your color with your stones!

5. Galactic Quest
   
   
   
   A turn-based strategy game where momentum is a key mechanic. Velocity of units is conserved between turns.

There are a lot of other games but we don't want to overwhelm.  We will continue to test play and write about the many other games available from the GBA Game Jam 2024 has proven that the spirit of classic handheld gaming is alive and well. These titles showcase the creativity, passion, and talent of developers who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible on these iconic platforms. Whether you're a nostalgic fan or a newcomer to the world of Game Boy gaming, these games are sure to provide hours of entertainment and a fresh perspective on the classics. So, dust off your Game Boy, Game Boy Color, or Game Boy Advance, and get ready to experience a new wave of unforgettable gaming experiences.