Classic Pokemon Game Announced for Nintendo Switch, But It’s Not What You Expected

The beloved Game Boy Advance Pokemon title is making its way to Nintendo Switch Online, but it may not be the version that fans were anticipating.

According to a confirmation from Nintendo, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack on August 9, 2024. This will make it the first GBA Pokemon game to be included in the service.

Despite not reaching the same level of success as Pokemon Ruby or Sapphire, the Mystery Dungeon series remains beloved by fans. This is evident in the recent Nintendo Switch remake, titled Pokemon Mystery Dungeon DX.

Introducing the newest Pokémon. You! Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is coming to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion members on 8/9! pic.twitter.com/ZPtmbrkUOv

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) August 2, 2024

The series allows players to take on the role of Pokemon themselves, enabling them to navigate through procedurally generated dungeons and partake in fast-paced RPG battles in order to acquire new Pokemon companions and assist in the rescue of missing creatures. Additionally, a Nintendo DS version titled Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Blue Rescue Team was also released.

Some fan comments expressed both surprise and joy over this release, with one remarking, “I have to admit, quite surprised! Wow!”Another comment chimed in, “YES! What a surprise, unexpected and absolutely amazing.”

Despite the excitement of many Pokemon players over the announcement, others have been quick to note the absence of mainline Pokemon games on the service. As a result, there have been numerous calls from fans for a Pokemon Classic Collection to be made available on the Switch, allowing them to revisit these beloved games.

One comment remarked, “It’s adorable, but where are the red and blue?”This was followed by an enthusiastic question from another person, “I hope the next all the mainline Pokemon games are on here!!!!”Other comments shared the same sentiment, with some adding, “We definitely need GBA and Gameboy Color Pokemon games on the Switch.”

It is encouraging to see this addition, as it hints at the possibility of more Pokemon games being made available on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Despite fans’ enthusiasm, it is unlikely that the original Pokemon games will be included in the subscription service, as they hold a high value and can be sold at a premium instead.