Julio Neves
Nintendo has been steadily enhancing its retro game library on Switch Online, bringing nostalgic favorites to a new generation of players. Among these, a selection of classic Pokémon games has captured the spotlight. With the release of a new trailer by Nintendo UK, fans can revisit the history of Pokémon titles available on the platform.
The trailer showcases some iconic games, ranging from beloved Nintendo 64 releases like Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Snap to the Game Boy Advance classic, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team. This retrospective highlights the enduring charm of these games, reminding players why they became cultural phenomena in the first place.
The Pokémon Lineup on Switch Online
Currently, the following Pokémon games are available on the Switch Online service:
- Pokémon Stadium (Nintendo 64)
- Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64)
- Pokémon Puzzle League (Nintendo 64)
- Pokémon Stadium 2 (Nintendo 64)
- Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color)
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team (Game Boy Advance)
While these titles provide an excellent mix of Pokémon experiences, from battling in Pokémon Stadium to the relaxing photography of Pokémon Snap, the lineup notably lacks mainline Pokémon games. Fans have been vocal in the comments, requesting classics like Pokémon Red and Blue or Pokémon Emerald. For now, however, Nintendo has not announced any plans to expand the current roster with mainline entries.
Accessing Pokémon Games on Switch Online
It’s worth noting that some of these games are only accessible through the Switch Online Expansion Pack, which requires a higher-tier subscription. This premium service gives players access to classic game libraries from the Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance, among other perks.
While the standard Switch Online membership is reasonably priced, the Expansion Pack tier adds extra value for those eager to dive deeper into Nintendo’s retro catalog. Still, it’s a bit of an investment for players who want to relive their favorite Pokémon memories on modern hardware.
A Growing Subscriber Base
Nintendo’s approach seems to be resonating with players. According to the company’s latest financial report, Switch Online now boasts over 34 million subscribers, with the Expansion Pack tier seeing steady growth since its launch in 2021. The allure of playing classic titles like Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon appears to be a significant draw for fans, helping to maintain the service’s momentum.
What’s Next for Pokémon on Switch Online?
The trailer has sparked a wave of speculation and excitement about what could come next. While no future Pokémon releases have been confirmed, fans are hopeful for the addition of mainline games, spin-offs like Pokémon Ranger, or even newer Pokémon titles from the DS or 3DS era.
With the Pokémon franchise’s storied history and Nintendo’s strategy of gradually expanding the Switch Online library, it seems like only a matter of time before more fan-favorites make their way to the service.
Reliving the Nostalgia
For now, the current lineup offers a fantastic way to relive the magic of Pokémon’s past. Whether you’re battling it out in Pokémon Stadium, snapping photos of your favorite creatures in Pokémon Snap, or exploring dungeons as a Pokémon in Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
As Nintendo continues to enhance Switch Online, it’s clear that the service is more than just a portal to the past—it’s a bridge connecting players of all ages to the timeless joy of Pokémon. For fans, the journey down memory lane is only just beginning.
