Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced Classic
Game Boy Advance · Platformer
Crash Bandicoot XS
| System | Game Boy Advance |
|---|---|
| Released | 2002 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Vicarious Vision |
| Publisher | Universal Interactive |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Crash Bandicoot |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
Released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002, Crash Bandicoot XS is a platformer developed by Vicarious Vision and published by Universal Interactive.
It came out in the GBA's second year on the market. Other notable GBA releases from 2002 include Sonic Advance 2, Metroid Fusion and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and Four Swords.
It is part of the Crash Bandicoot series; on the GBA you can also try Crash Bandicoot 2: N-Tranced, Crash Bandicoot: The Huge Adventure and Crash Nitro Kart. The series also appears on other systems with Crash Bandicoot (PS1) and Crash Team Racing (PS1). Vicarious Vision also made Bruce Lee: Return of the Legend, Madagascar and Madagascar: Operation Penguin for the GBA.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Crash Bandicoot XS is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
If you like Crash Bandicoot XS, the Matrix also picks…
Playing GBA games today
The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.
Crash Bandicoot XS FAQ
When did Crash Bandicoot XS come out on the GBA?
Crash Bandicoot XS was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002.
Who made Crash Bandicoot XS?
It was developed by Vicarious Vision and published by Universal Interactive.
Is Crash Bandicoot XS multiplayer?
No. Crash Bandicoot XS is a single-player game.
How long does Crash Bandicoot XS take to play?
As a platformer, Crash Bandicoot XS typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.