Nintendo Switch 2 Gets a Pokémon Classic

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Joins Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack Collection

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is now available on the Nintendo Switch 2 via the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, adding to the growing catalog of Pokémon titles accessible through the service, following Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Originally released in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness puts players in a battle against an organization wielding Shadow Pokémon. The game does not link to Pokémon HOME or the Switch versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is the successor to Pokémon Colosseum, which is also available through the Nintendo GameCube Classics app on Nintendo Switch 2. The arrival of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness as the 19th addition to the GameCube lineup on Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack was initially announced in April 2025 during a Nintendo Direct, with an official release window set for March 2026. A trailer for Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness was released last month. As of now, there is no launch trailer, nor has there been any announcement regarding the addition of Pokémon Colosseum to the Expansion Pack.

In Case You Missed It

In case you missed it, our resident gaming historian Sophie Laurent has just dropped a nostalgia bomb with her latest post, "Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2". Published on February 28th, this comprehensive guide delves into the upcoming release of this classic RPG on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Get ready to revisit the thrilling tale of purifying Shadow Pokémon and thwarting a world domination plot when you click right here: Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is Coming to Nintendo Switch 2. Meanwhile, Marcus Thompson has just dropped a fascinating deep dive into the upcoming Generation 10 games, "Pokémon Winds" and "Tides". Published on the same day, his piece "Pokémon Winds and Tides: Generation 10 Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, First Images Released" explores these anticipated RPGs slated for a 2027 release. Thompson reveals the first images of the games set in an expansive open world of islands shaped by wind and waves, with players starting their journey choosing from Broussatif, Caloulou, or Ogéko. So, if you're eager to get your first glimpse at what's in store for Generation 10, be sure to check out Marcus' article here Pokémon Winds and Tides: Generation 10 Exclusive to Nintendo Switch 2, First Images Released. Speaking of record-breaking sales, Ahmed Hassan's latest on Pokémon Pokopia is a must-read. Published just yesterday (2026-03-13), his piece 'Pokémon Pokopia: Sold 2.2 Million Copies in Just Four Days, Success is Fulminating' delves into the stunning debut of Nintendo's newest console title. Discover how Japan's loyalty to Pokémon has driven sales and why stock shortages might hinder even higher numbers. Check it out here Pokémon Pokopia: Sold 2.2 Million Copies in Just Four Days, Success is Fulminating to understand how Pokopia could become one of the best-selling spin-offs in history.