Nintendo Switch Online Adds Magical Vacation for Japan: GBA RPG Joins Classics Library

Nintendo Switch Online is set to expand its 'Nintendo Classics' library in Japan this week with the addition of Magical Vacation, a standout RPG originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2001.

Developed by acclaimed studio Brownie Brown, Magical Vacation is recognized for its imaginative world-building and innovative gameplay mechanics, marking an important milestone in the early 2000s handheld RPG scene.

Scheduled to debut on September 4, 2025, the same day as Forsaken 64's release on the region's mature-rated Nintendo 64 application, Magical Vacation will be accessible to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers in Japan.

This marks the first official rerelease of the Japanese-exclusive title on modern hardware, offering fans a new opportunity to experience the game almost 25 years after its initial debut. A defining feature of this rerelease is the inclusion of both solo and multiplayer options.

Players will not only be able to embark on the single-player adventure but can also engage in local communication and online multiplayer with other participants, leveraging the Switch's robust connectivity features.

This connectivity underscores the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack's ongoing commitment to enhancing classic gaming experiences with modernized functionality. To access Magical Vacation, users will need an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription as well as a Japanese Nintendo Switch account.

Access to the Japanese version of the Game Boy Advance app is required, meaning players outside of Japan may need to set up a separate regional account if they wish to play the title upon release. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack continues to serve as a premier platform for retro gaming enthusiasts, offering an expanding library of classics alongside value-added features such as online multiplayer.

With the addition of previously unreleased imports like Magical Vacation, the service both honors Nintendo's legacy and introduces new generations of players to lesser-known gems from the developer’s archives. Brownie Brown, known for its later work as 1-UP Studio, has maintained a reputation for crafting unique and heartfelt RPG experiences.

Magical Vacation's Switch debut is a testament to the lasting appeal of the Game Boy Advance era and the ongoing evolution of Nintendo’s online offerings. For fans eager to revisit or discover Magical Vacation, the game’s arrival on September 4, 2025, marks a significant date in the ongoing enrichment of the Nintendo Switch Online platform.

Nintendo Switch Nintendo Nintendo Switch Online Game Boy Japan Expansion Pack Switch Online Game Boy Advance Switch GBA Brownie Brown Magical Vacation Switch Online Expansion Pack Forsaken 64