Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade Now Available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Nintendo continues to captivate retro gaming enthusiasts with the addition of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.

Released on June 23, 2023, this highly celebrated tactical RPG from Intelligent Systems is now accessible to subscribers, contributing further to Nintendo Switch Online’s expanding catalog of classic titles. First launched in 2003 on the Game Boy Advance, Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade—often referred to simply as Fire Emblem in its Western release—holds a significant place in franchise history as the first entry ever to leave Japan.

This installment brought a fresh audience to the series, introducing beloved characters like Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector.

Notably, Lyn has recently reappeared as the Emblem of Blazing in Fire Emblem Engage on Nintendo Switch, underscoring the enduring legacy of the original game. To experience Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade on Nintendo Switch, players must have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription with the Expansion Pack tier.

This upgraded membership not only unlocks access to a substantial retro games library but also supports a new wave of gamers in reliving or discovering this classic for the first time. The story of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade is set in the troubled region of Lycia, where a long-standing peace teeters on the brink of collapse.

Noble families maneuver in secrecy, alliances crumble, and a hidden adversary threatens chaos from the shadows.

Players guide Lyn, Eliwood, and Hector as they forge alliances and build their own army to defend the realm from impending disaster.

The title is particularly renowned for its challenging "permadeath" system, where fallen units are lost permanently, adding significant weight to every strategic decision on the battlefield. Throughout the game, players recruit and train a diverse cast of heroes, enhance their combat abilities across multiple classes, and navigate complex terrain and mission objectives.

Its enduring popularity is attributed to a deep narrative, engaging strategy mechanics, and memorable cast, all of which have cemented its status as a must-play among tactical RPG fans. Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade has enjoyed several re-releases over the years, notably arriving on the Wii U eShop in 2014.

In April 2023, the title celebrated its 20th anniversary, highlighting its longstanding influence and dedicated fanbase. In conjunction with the international release, Nintendo has also made Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade—originally released in 2002 and starring series mainstay Roy—available on the Japanese Switch Online service, further broadening the franchise’s reach to new players. The arrival of Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade on Nintendo Switch underscores Nintendo’s commitment to preserving classic gaming experiences for modern audiences.

For both longtime fans and newcomers, the return of this groundbreaking title represents a unique opportunity to engage with a pivotal entry in tactical RPG history.

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