Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Joins Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack in March 2026
In a move that will excite long-time Pokémon fans, The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will be arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2 as part of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack’s growing Nintendo GameCube catalogue.
The highly anticipated port is slated for release in March 2026, marking the first time this revered classic will be playable on modern hardware. First launched in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is renowned for its unique storyline, which sees players tasked with rescuing Shadow Pokémon corrupted by the enigmatic organization Cipher.
Developed by Genius Sonority in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, Pokémon XD built upon the foundations established by its predecessor, Pokémon Colosseum, and carved a distinct place in the Pokémon franchise’s legacy by offering a narrative-driven, 3D adventure outside the traditional mainline titles. With its addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, Pokémon XD joins a growing lineup of classic Nintendo titles being preserved and made accessible to both veteran fans and newcomers.
The Nintendo GameCube library included in the Expansion Pack has become a significant draw for Switch Online subscribers, providing modern audiences the opportunity to experience defining titles from Nintendo’s history. Commenting on the announcement, The Pokémon Company stated that this release continues their commitment to honoring Pokémon’s rich past while introducing beloved adventures to a new generation of players.
The company emphasized that expanding the GameCube catalogue on the Switch 2’s online service solidifies its vision of uniting fans through accessible, timeless gameplay experiences. Nintendo has not yet detailed any specific enhancements or new features for this port of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, but the move aligns with their efforts to expand the Nintendo Switch Online service’s value proposition through curated legacy content.
Subscribers with the Expansion Pack tier will be able to access Pokémon XD on the upcoming Switch 2 alongside other GameCube favorites. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness continues to be remembered for its distinctive capture mechanics, engaging villain plotlines, and immersive world.
Its arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to spark nostalgia for fans who played the original and curiosity among younger players discovering it for the first time. Stay tuned for further details as the March 2026 release date approaches, and expect more information from Nintendo Direct presentations as The Pokémon Company and Nintendo celebrate this milestone legacy release.
The highly anticipated port is slated for release in March 2026, marking the first time this revered classic will be playable on modern hardware. First launched in 2005 for the Nintendo GameCube, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is renowned for its unique storyline, which sees players tasked with rescuing Shadow Pokémon corrupted by the enigmatic organization Cipher.
Developed by Genius Sonority in collaboration with The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, Pokémon XD built upon the foundations established by its predecessor, Pokémon Colosseum, and carved a distinct place in the Pokémon franchise’s legacy by offering a narrative-driven, 3D adventure outside the traditional mainline titles. With its addition to the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, Pokémon XD joins a growing lineup of classic Nintendo titles being preserved and made accessible to both veteran fans and newcomers.
The Nintendo GameCube library included in the Expansion Pack has become a significant draw for Switch Online subscribers, providing modern audiences the opportunity to experience defining titles from Nintendo’s history. Commenting on the announcement, The Pokémon Company stated that this release continues their commitment to honoring Pokémon’s rich past while introducing beloved adventures to a new generation of players.
The company emphasized that expanding the GameCube catalogue on the Switch 2’s online service solidifies its vision of uniting fans through accessible, timeless gameplay experiences. Nintendo has not yet detailed any specific enhancements or new features for this port of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, but the move aligns with their efforts to expand the Nintendo Switch Online service’s value proposition through curated legacy content.
Subscribers with the Expansion Pack tier will be able to access Pokémon XD on the upcoming Switch 2 alongside other GameCube favorites. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness continues to be remembered for its distinctive capture mechanics, engaging villain plotlines, and immersive world.
Its arrival on Nintendo Switch 2 is likely to spark nostalgia for fans who played the original and curiosity among younger players discovering it for the first time. Stay tuned for further details as the March 2026 release date approaches, and expect more information from Nintendo Direct presentations as The Pokémon Company and Nintendo celebrate this milestone legacy release.
