Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 review

Super Mario Advance 4 is the cheapest way to own a top-tier GBA cartridge. Nintendo describes it as Super Mario Bros. 3 with improved graphics and sound over the NES original, plus special features the original never had. Mario or Luigi cross eight worlds to fight Bowser's kids, with the flying Tanooki Suit, the Frog Suit and the Warp Whistle among the power-ups. It scores well on ease of setup because it is rated PEGI 3, easy to pick up, and in Nintendo's Game Boy Advance library for Switch Online + Expansion Pack members. The cartridge lists at $49.99 at DKOldies before sales, the lowest price on this list. It ranks lower on capabilities because it is a port of an NES game rather than a new design, but for a family GBA shelf or a first cartridge on a budget it is an easy choice.

Who it is for

Families and budget collectors who want a classic platformer at the lowest cart price on the list.

Price

Used GBA cartridge from $49.99 at DKOldies (regular price, before sales).

Original price: $49.99
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 11, 2026.

Key features

• Eight worlds as Mario or Luigi
• Tanooki Suit, Frog Suit and Warp Whistle
• Improved graphics and sound over the NES version
• Special features not in the original
• Included in Nintendo's Game Boy Advance library for Switch Online + Expansion Pack members

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Cheapest cartridge on this list at $49.99 used
• Strength: Rated PEGI 3 on Nintendo UK
• Strength: Quick to pick up and play
• Weakness: A port of an NES game rather than a new GBA design
• Weakness: Fans of the NES original may already own it
• Weakness: Later worlds get hard for younger players

Key facts

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Genre: Platformer
• Release date (Nintendo UK): 17/10/2003
• Worlds: 8
• PEGI rating (Nintendo UK): PEGI 3

Where it ranks

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 is No. 9 in our Best GBA Games of All Time verdict.