The world of classic gaming just got a major shakeup: Nintendo has officially launched Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance on the Nintendo Switch 2, making one of the most beloved tactical RPGs of the 2000s available to a new generation. The announcement, made on January 9, 2026, sent ripples of excitement through the gaming community, as fans of the franchise and newcomers alike now have the opportunity to experience this iconic title in a fresh format (according to RPGamer and Nintendo's own channels).
For those unfamiliar, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance originally debuted in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube. It quickly became a fan favorite, both for its gripping story and its innovative mechanics. Now, more than two decades later, it's back—this time as part of the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library, which is accessible exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. If you're not subscribed to that higher tier, you'll miss out on this and other classic gems, so be warned!
But what makes this particular entry so special? For starters, Path of Radiance is the only Fire Emblem game ever released on the GameCube, and it was the first in the series to use 3D graphics, marking a significant technological leap for the franchise (as highlighted by RPGamer). The game's setting is the continent of Tellius, a land divided by tensions between two races: the human Beorc and the shapeshifting Laguz. Their uneasy peace is shattered when the neighboring kingdom of Daein invades Crimea, setting off a chain of events that propels the player into a sprawling, character-driven conflict.
The narrative centers on Ike, a young mercenary and the series' first non-noble protagonist, who finds himself thrust into the heart of war. Alongside his trusted companion Soren and the rest of the Greil Mercenaries, Ike must navigate a world of betrayal, shifting alliances, and ancient grudges. The stakes are high: with King Ashnard of Daein seeking to conquer Crimea, Princess Elincia is forced to flee, hoping to find sanctuary in Gallia, the Laguz nation. The mercenaries' encounter with her draws them into a heroic struggle to unite the divided peoples of Tellius and restore peace. According to RPGamer, "the game is set on the continent of Tellius, featuring humans called Beorc and shapeshifting Laguz, following mercenary Ike amid a war between Crimea and Daein."
Gameplay-wise, Path of Radiance is classic Fire Emblem at its core, but with a few twists. Players command a diverse band of soldiers on grid-based maps, where each move counts and every decision could be your last. The game is renowned for its "permadeath" mechanic: if a unit falls in battle, they're gone for good. This adds a layer of tension and strategy that keeps players on their toes, as every choice—who to send into the fray, which skills to equip, how to position your forces—could mean the difference between victory and heartbreak. As Nintendo's official overview puts it, "choose your party members wisely, prepare them for combat by equipping weapons and skills, and issue orders to complete each map’s objective with minimal losses."
Another standout feature is the inclusion of fully voiced cutscenes and 3D maps, a first for the series at the time. These elements bring the story to life, making the stakes feel all the more real and the characters more relatable. The game's soundtrack, lauded for its emotional depth and sweeping orchestration, has also been added to the Nintendo Music app—another perk for Expansion Pack subscribers (as reported by RPGamer). For many, hearing those familiar tracks again is a trip down memory lane.
One of the most notable aspects of Path of Radiance is its introduction of the Laguz, shapeshifting characters who can transform into powerful animals. This added a new strategic dimension to battles and expanded the lore of the Fire Emblem universe. As RPGamer and Siliconera both note, "the game is notable for being the first in the series with Laguz characters." Their unique abilities and the storylines that explore prejudice and understanding between the Beorc and Laguz have left a lasting impression on fans.
For those interested in the technical side, Nintendo has included two versions of the game in the Switch Online app: the US version and the Japanese version. These aren't just simple translations—there are real differences, including altered classes and varying difficulty levels. That means players can experience the game as it was originally released in different regions, perhaps noticing nuances and challenges they missed the first time around. As Siliconera points out, "two versions are in the NSO app, with the US one altering some classes and having different difficulty."
The legacy of Path of Radiance is further cemented by its direct sequel, Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn, which was released on the Nintendo Wii. Back in the day, it was even possible to transfer your save data from the GameCube to the Wii, allowing stats and relationships to carry over—a rare feature that delighted dedicated fans. While this particular function isn't available on the Switch 2, the sense of continuity between the two games is still celebrated by the community.
The addition of Path of Radiance to the Switch Online library is part of a broader effort by Nintendo to make classic titles more accessible. Recent months have seen other fan favorites, like Chibi Robo, join the library, giving gamers a growing selection of retro experiences to enjoy. It’s a trend that’s being welcomed by players who want to revisit the past without dusting off old hardware or hunting down rare discs.
Of course, there’s a catch: to access Path of Radiance and the other GameCube classics, you’ll need to be a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack member. This higher-tier subscription unlocks not only the GameCube library but also a host of other perks, including the aforementioned Nintendo Music app. For devoted fans, the value is clear—but for the more casual crowd, it might be a tougher sell. Still, the allure of reliving one of the most acclaimed strategy RPGs ever made is a tempting proposition.
With its intricate story, memorable characters, and challenging gameplay, Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance remains a standout in the franchise. Its arrival on the Nintendo Switch 2 is more than just a nostalgic nod—it's a chance for a new generation to discover why this game has endured for over twenty years. Whether you're a veteran tactician or a curious newcomer, Tellius awaits, and the fate of its people hangs in the balance.
For fans of strategy games and epic storytelling, there's never been a better time to dive back into (or discover for the first time) the world of Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance. The battles may be tough, and the losses permanent, but the journey is unforgettable.
