Kao the Kangaroo (GBA version) is a 2D side-scrolling platformer where you control Kao the Kangaroo through 27 levels. You can run, jump, and later, snowboard, fly, and jet-ski. Enemies attempt to stop you, and you can defeat them with your boxing gloves, or use a tail spin to target lower enemies. Each level has flags that you can collect to set personal checkpoints with the select button.