Play Pokemon Sword & Shield GBA Online

Pokemon Sword & Shield GBA feels like a stripped-down version of the original, but in a way that works for the GBA. The first few routes are familiar if you've played the Switch version, just pixelated and a little slower. You still get that early-game scramble to build a team, though some of the wild areas feel emptier.

I remember running into a random trainer with a full team of level 15s when my strongest was level 10. Had to grind for a bit, which isn't terrible, but the pacing feels off in spots. The gym battles are still fun, even if the visuals are simpler.

It's not perfect, but if you want a portable way to revisit Galar without the Switch, Pokemon Sword & Shield GBA gets the job done.