Grand Theft Auto GBA box art

Game Boy Advance · Racing

Grand Theft Auto

SystemGame Boy Advance
Released2004
GenreRacing
DeveloperDigital Eclipse
PublisherRockstar Games
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesGrand Theft Auto
ESRBM
LegacyDeep cut

Released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, Grand Theft Auto is a racing game developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Rockstar Games.

It landed about 3 years into the GBA's life. Other notable GBA releases from 2004 include The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Sonic Advance 3.

It is part of the Grand Theft Auto series. The series also appears on other systems with Grand Theft Auto (PS1) and Grand Theft Auto 2 (PS1). Digital Eclipse also made Spyro: Season of Ice, Spyro 2: Season of Flame and Spyro: Attack of the Rhynocs for the GBA.

Grand Theft Auto is a single-player game, so it's one to enjoy at your own pace.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you want a story or exploration rather than laps
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

What playing Grand Theft Auto is like

Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.

Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.

Grand Theft Auto gameplay screenshot on GBA
In-game screenshot (GBA)

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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.

Grand Theft Auto FAQ

When did Grand Theft Auto come out on the GBA?

Grand Theft Auto was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004.

Who made Grand Theft Auto?

It was developed by Digital Eclipse and published by Rockstar Games.

Is Grand Theft Auto multiplayer?

No. Grand Theft Auto is a single-player game.

How long does Grand Theft Auto take to play?

As a racing game, Grand Theft Auto typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. 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.

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