Pokemon Games On Nintendo Switch Online: What To Know
Hey, Pokemon fans! Are you wondering about playing Pokemon games on your Nintendo Switch Online? You're not alone! Let's dive into what's available, what's not, and how you can get your Pokemon fix on your Switch. It's a bit of a mixed bag, so let's get started!
What Pokemon Games Can You Play on Nintendo Switch Online?
Okay, so here’s the deal. When we talk about Pokemon games directly on Nintendo Switch Online, we need to be specific. Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) gives you access to a library of classic games from the NES and SNES eras. Unfortunately, the core Pokemon RPGs that you might be thinking of (like Red, Blue, or Gold/Silver) aren't directly available through the standard NSO subscription. That's the short, somewhat disappointing answer for many of us who were hoping to revisit those classics seamlessly.
However, don't lose hope just yet! There's a workaround, a glimmer of nostalgic light, if you will. With a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, you gain access to Nintendo 64 games. And guess what? Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2 are available on this service! These games let you battle using Pokemon you've trained in the Game Boy games—if you have a specific setup. We’ll get to that in a bit.
Think of it this way: The standard Nintendo Switch Online is like the base level, giving you a taste of retro gaming. The Expansion Pack is the premium upgrade, unlocking more advanced retro titles and features. So, if you're itching for some 3D Pokemon battling action from the N64 era, the Expansion Pack is your ticket. It's important to note that this still isn't the classic handheld experience many fans crave, but it’s something!
So, to recap, Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2 via the Nintendo 64 app on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack are your primary options for playing Pokemon games directly through the service. Keep reading, though, because there are other ways to play Pokemon on your Switch that might be more up your alley!
Other Ways to Play Pokemon Games on Your Nintendo Switch
Alright, so the Nintendo Switch Online selection might be a bit limited. But fear not, fellow trainers! The Nintendo Switch has plenty of other avenues for you to catch 'em all. Let's explore some of the best ways to play Pokemon games on your Switch.
Mainline Pokemon Games on the Switch
First and foremost, we have the mainline Pokemon games developed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. These are the big hitters, the ones that everyone gets excited about. Games like Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus are all available. These are full-fledged, modern Pokemon adventures with updated graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and engaging stories.
Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield, set in the Galar region, introduced the Wild Area, a vast open world where you can encounter Pokemon in real-time. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Pokemon Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Gen IV classics, bringing back the Sinnoh region with a fresh coat of paint. And then there's Pokemon Legends: Arceus, a revolutionary title that blends action and exploration with traditional Pokemon catching and battling. It's a bold new direction for the series and a must-play for any Pokemon fan.
These games are available for purchase on the Nintendo eShop, either as digital downloads or physical cartridges. They offer hundreds of hours of gameplay, rich stories, and of course, the joy of collecting and training your favorite Pokemon. If you're looking for a modern Pokemon experience, these are the games to go for.
Spin-Off Pokemon Games on the Switch
Beyond the mainline games, the Switch also boasts a variety of spin-off Pokemon games. These titles offer unique gameplay experiences that deviate from the traditional RPG formula. Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee! are great examples. These games are designed as an entry point for new players, featuring simplified mechanics and integration with Pokemon GO.
Another notable spin-off is New Pokemon Snap, a photography game where you travel to different islands to capture stunning photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats. It's a relaxing and visually impressive experience that offers a different perspective on the Pokemon world. And let's not forget Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, a remake of the classic roguelike adventure where you play as a Pokemon.
These spin-off games provide a diverse range of experiences for Pokemon fans. Whether you're into photography, dungeon crawling, or simplified RPGs, there's something for everyone. They're a great way to explore the Pokemon universe in new and exciting ways.
Pokemon on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
As we mentioned earlier, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack gives you access to Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2. While these aren't the traditional RPGs, they offer a unique battling experience. You can transfer your Pokemon from the Game Boy games (via the Transfer Pak) to battle in 3D arenas. It's a fun way to see your favorite Pokemon in action and test your skills against other trainers.
Now, here's the catch. To fully utilize this feature, you'll need a Nintendo 64 controller, a Transfer Pak, and the original Game Boy games. It's a bit of a convoluted setup, but for hardcore fans, it's a nostalgic trip down memory lane. If you're up for the challenge, it's a great way to experience Pokemon battling in a different format.
Connecting the Dots: Game Boy Games and Pokemon Stadium
For those wondering how to relive the complete classic Pokemon experience, linking the original Game Boy games to Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo 64 (now accessible via the Expansion Pack) is the key. Here’s the rundown:
- Acquire the Necessary Hardware: You’ll need a Nintendo 64, a Transfer Pak, a compatible Game Boy game (like Pokemon Red, Blue, or Yellow), and the Nintendo 64 controller.
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Make sure you have a subscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which includes Pokemon Stadium.
- The Transfer Process: Insert the Game Boy cartridge into the Transfer Pak, attach the Transfer Pak to the Nintendo 64 controller, and boot up Pokemon Stadium. The game will recognize the Game Boy game, allowing you to transfer your Pokemon.
While this setup is a bit archaic, it provides a unique and authentic way to experience Pokemon battling in 3D. It's a testament to the ingenuity of the original games and a fun project for dedicated fans.
Pokemon Games Not Available (But We Wish Were)
Okay, let's address the elephant in the room. There are several Pokemon games that fans are clamoring for on the Nintendo Switch, but unfortunately, they're not currently available. These are the titles that many of us grew up with and would love to revisit on modern hardware.
Classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance Titles
One of the biggest requests is for the original Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow, as well as the Game Boy Advance classics like Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald. These games are beloved for their simple yet engaging gameplay, memorable stories, and iconic Pokemon designs. They represent a golden age of Pokemon and are sorely missed on the Switch.
While there are remakes of some of these games (like Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen), many fans would love to play the original versions on their Switch. The nostalgia factor is strong, and the simplicity of the older games is a refreshing contrast to the complexity of modern titles.
Nintendo DS Pokemon Games
The Nintendo DS era brought us some of the best Pokemon games ever made, including Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver. These games introduced new features, improved graphics, and some of the most memorable stories in the series. They're considered by many to be the pinnacle of the Pokemon franchise.
While we have remakes of Diamond and Pearl on the Switch, the absence of Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver is a significant omission. These games are highly sought after by collectors and fans, and their absence on the Switch is a missed opportunity.
Why Aren't These Games Available?
The reasons why these games aren't available on the Switch are complex. Licensing issues, development costs, and Nintendo's overall strategy all play a role. It's possible that we'll see these games on the Switch in the future, but for now, we'll have to rely on other methods to play them.
Final Thoughts
So, there you have it, trainers! Playing Pokemon games on your Nintendo Switch is a mixed bag. While the Nintendo Switch Online service offers limited options, the Switch itself has a plethora of modern Pokemon adventures and unique spin-offs to keep you busy. And with the Expansion Pack, you can even dive into some classic N64 battling action.
Keep an eye out for future announcements from Nintendo, as they may surprise us with new Pokemon releases or additions to the Nintendo Switch Online library. Until then, happy gaming, and may your Pokedex always be filling up!