Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age launch for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on January 16

Nintendo has announced that Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age will launch for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on January 16.

Golden Sun and its sequel originally released on the Game Boy Advance in the early 2000s, developed by Camelot. Both games are considered classics of the genre, featuring several novel element-focused mechanics, colorful dungeon puzzles, and a soundtrack by Motoi Sakuraba. While a third game - Golden Sun: Dark Dawn - released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, the franchise has mostly been relatively silent since. Any opportunity to see Golden Sun again is fine by me.

Back in 2022, Alex posted some long-form thoughts about Golden Sun, discussing the series and pondering the potential of a Golden Sun reboot.

A trailer and details regarding the announcement. can be found below, via Nintendo.

Calling all Adepts! It’s time to put your skills and spells to the test against the forces of darkness. The Game Boy Advance games Golden Sun and Golden Sun : The Lost Age are making their debuts on the Nintendo Switch system on Jan. 16, available for everyone with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership as part of the Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Switch Online library. This is your chance to visit (and revisit!) the magic and mystery of these classic RPG adventures.

From the humble village of Vale to the mystical peaks of Mt. Aleph, the Golden Sun game sets magic-wielding young heroes Isaac, Garet, Ivan and Mia on a quest to prevent the ancient power of Alchemy from being unleashed on their home world of Weyard. Their adventure takes them through towns, caverns and dungeons as they face wily enemies, confounding puzzles and epic challenges that push their magical abilities (Psynergy) to their absolute limits. Along the way, they get help from mysterious creatures known as the Djinn, who aid the heroes in harnessing their Psynergy to unlock potent spells and unstoppable attacks.

A direct sequel to Golden Sun, the Golden Sun: The Lost Age game presents a dramatic shift as the story now follows Felix – a young Adept (or magic user) who was the antagonist of the first game – on his mission to prove that Alchemy isn’t a destructive force, but one that could save Weyard after all. Forced to join Felix on his quest are Adepts Jenna and Sheba and the wizened scholar Kraden, all of whom struggle to keep Felix on task as powerful and enigmatic new challenges face them all.

Featuring co-op gameplay* that allows for friends to join your merry (and sometimes not-so-merry) band, as well as turn-based combat, puzzle-solving, open world exploration and RPG-inspired character upgrades, Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age are layered with unpredictable gameplay built around an engrossing and engaging story.

The more you get to know Weyard, the more mysterious it gets. So, what do you say? Ready to fall under its spell?

With a Nintendo Switch Online or Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can enjoy online play with compatible games, growing libraries of classic games, the ability to save on select digital games by purchasing pairs of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers**, and several other benefits and special offers. For more information, and to learn about a free seven-day Nintendo Switch Online trial, go to the Nintendo Switch Online section on the Nintendo Switch HOME Menu or visit https://www.nintendo.com/us/switch/online/.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required to access Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Switch Online library of games. Free trial automatically converts to 1-month auto-renewing membership at the then-current price unless automatic renewal is turned off by the end of the free trial. Credit card/PayPal account required for 18+. Free trial cannot be redeemed for a Nintendo Switch Online – Expansion Pack membership nor by a Nintendo Account with an active Individual Membership or Family Membership. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch/online

*Additional games, systems and/or accessories may be required for multiplayer mode. Paid Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Membership auto-renews after initial term at the then-current price unless canceled. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online. Games, systems, some accessories and Nintendo Switch Online memberships sold separately.

** Paid Nintendo Switch Online membership required at the time of purchase and redemption of Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers. Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers must be redeemed within 12 months from purchase date, have no cash value, and cannot be transferred, returned, or redeemed for cash. Each Nintendo Switch Game Voucher may be redeemed for one game offered as part of the catalog. To receive promotional value, Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers must be redeemed for two games with a cumulative price that is higher than the purchase price of the Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers. Nintendo Switch Game Vouchers may not be combined with any other sale, discount, or promotional offer unless otherwise specified. Game catalog subject to change.