The Desperate Need for Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on Nintendo Switch Online

The introduction of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles to the Nintendo Switch Online collection has sparked discussions about which classic gaming system will be the next to debut on the service. While the Nintendo DS seems a likely candidate, the GameCube is long overdue for a Virtual Console release. Among the titles that could benefit most from a GameCube addition is the highly sought-after Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, which has become increasingly scarce and expensive in the physical format.

The Expansion Pack's recent addition of the Nintendo 64 to the Switch Online service has shown a clear trend toward celebrating retro consoles. The GameCube, now over 20 years old, is still absent from any Virtual Console library, and the rising cost of original physical games makes this glaring omission even more pressing. One such title, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance, is a prime example of a game that has become difficult to obtain and expensive due to its rarity.

Released in 2005, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance introduced protagonist Ike and was followed by the direct sequel, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, on the Wii. Despite solid initial sales, the game has become increasingly difficult to find compared to other popular GameCube titles, such as The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and Super Mario Sunshine. Ike's popularity has grown significantly due to his presence in the Super Smash Bros. series and Fire Emblem Engage, further fueling demand for his origin game.

Nintendo has shown a commitment to bringing classic Fire Emblem titles to the Switch, with Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade joining the Game Boy Advance roster, and rumors suggest Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones may follow suit. In 2020, the company launched a commemorative special edition of Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and the Blade of Light in honor of the franchise's milestone anniversary. This pattern suggests that more Fire Emblem titles could be prioritized for digital re-release on the Switch, potentially paving the way for a wider GameCube library offering.

In conclusion, while other GameCube titles may initially draw more attention, the rarity and demand surrounding Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance makes it the perfect candidate for sparking the inclusion of GameCube games on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Fans of the series would welcome a re-release, whether through a remastered edition or simply as part of the online library. Regardless of the method, it's clear that the time has come for Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance to be made accessible to modern audiences through Nintendo Switch Online.