Julio Junior
Summary
- Nintendo has announced that "Wario Land 4" will join the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
- The game features a unique transformation system, allowing Wario to change forms by interacting with enemies.
Nintendo has officially announced that Wario Land 4 will be the latest classic title to join the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Originally released in 2001 for the Game Boy Advance, this beloved platformer will be accessible to subscribers starting February 14, 2025. This addition is part of Nintendo’s ongoing initiative to bring classic games to modern audiences, enhancing the value of their online service.
A Long-Awaited Classic Returns
Fans of the Wario Land series have eagerly awaited a revival of the franchise. While this isn’t a brand-new entry, it’s exciting news for those wanting to experience—or revisit—one of the best Game Boy Advance platformers. With its colorful visuals, quirky mechanics, and fun transformation-based gameplay, Wario Land 4 remains a standout side-scrolling adventure in Nintendo’s library.
Upon release, Wario Land 4 was praised for its impressive graphics, dynamic soundtrack, and innovative level design. Unlike traditional Mario platformers, Wario’s adventures emphasize exploration, puzzle-solving, and unique power-ups over simple platforming challenges. Players control Wario as he ventures into a mysterious pyramid, collecting treasures and battling foes along the way.
What Makes Wario Land 4 Special?
A standout feature of Wario Land 4 is its transformation system. Instead of collecting power-ups like in a Mario game, Wario changes form when interacting with enemies or hazards. Some of his transformations include:
- Vampire Wario – Allows him to fly and reach otherwise inaccessible areas.
- Zombie Wario – Lets him fall through platforms to reach secret spots.
- Flat Wario – Makes him paper-thin, enabling him to slip through tight spaces.
- Flaming Wario – Engulfs him in flames, burning down obstacles in his way.
These transformations add creativity to the platforming experience, encouraging players to think outside the box and interact with the environment uniquely.
The Gameplay Experience
Unlike traditional platformers where reaching the goal is the only objective, Wario Land 4 features a time-based escape system. Each level contains a key item called the “Frog Switch” that, once pressed, starts a countdown timer. Players must then race back to the level’s entrance before time runs out, adding an exciting layer of tension and urgency to each stage.
Additionally, Wario Land 4 boasts engaging boss battles, each requiring different strategies to defeat. These encounters are not just about jumping on enemies but involve using Wario’s strength and transformations creatively.
When & How to Play
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- Platform: Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Previous Wario Games Available: Wario Land 3 (already available in the Game Boy section of the Expansion Pack)
Nintendo Switch Online members with the Expansion Pack can enjoy Wario Land 4 at no extra cost when it launches, providing more value to their subscription.
Why This Matters
Nintendo has been steadily adding classic titles to its Nintendo Switch Online service, giving both longtime fans and new players access to retro gems. The Wario Land series has long been overshadowed by Mario’s adventures, but the arrival of Wario Land 4 is a promising sign that Nintendo hasn’t forgotten about its quirky, money-hungry antihero.
With the success of Nintendo’s retro offerings on the Switch, fans are hopeful that more classic Game Boy Advance games—and possibly even a new Wario title—could be
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Unreal 5
It’s great to see Wario Land 4 making a return on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Fans of the series will surely enjoy revisiting this classic with its unique gameplay and transformations. It’s a fantastic opportunity for both new and old players to experience one of the best platformers from the Game Boy Advance era.