Play Sim City 2000 (U)(GBANow) Online

Sim City 2000 for the Game Boy Advance came out in 2003, a portable version of the classic Maxis city builder. It arrived late in the GBA's life, offering a complex, menu-driven experience that felt ambitious on a handheld. You don't see many deep simulation games like this on the platform; it was a different kind of challenge compared to the action and RPGs dominating the scene.

You play as the mayor, controlling everything from zoning land and laying roads to setting tax rates and managing the city budget. Your main goal is to grow a small town into a thriving metropolis without going bankrupt. Key mechanics include managing utilities like power and water, responding to disasters, and carefully balancing residential, commercial, and industrial zones. The pacing is slow and deliberate, demanding patience as you watch your city develop block by block. It feels deeply satisfying to finally see a skyscraper pop up in a district you've been nurturing for hours.