Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack in March
Nintendo has continued to expand the library of beloved classics available through its Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription service.
The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness—originally released exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube in 2005—will be coming to Nintendo Switch as part of the Nintendo Classics lineup.
Subscribers will be able to revisit this iconic title starting in March, accessible through their Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership on the Nintendo Switch platform. Developed by Genius Sonority and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness quickly became a fan favorite for its unique take on the Pokémon RPG formula.
Unlike the main series releases on handheld consoles, Pokémon XD delivered a home-console adventure that offered a darker narrative, the innovative snagging mechanic, and challenging battles.
The game was praised for building upon the foundation set by its predecessor, Pokémon Colosseum, solidifying its place in the history of Pokémon spin-offs. In an official statement regarding the upcoming release, The Pokémon Company emphasized their excitement in making more classic titles available for new generations of fans.
"We are thrilled to bring Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which allows players to experience one of the most unique entries in the Pokémon franchise with enhanced accessibility," a company spokesperson stated, underscoring their commitment to keeping Pokémon’s rich history alive. The decision to expand the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library with GameCube classics like Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness follows a successful run of previous releases such as Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
The inclusion of Pokémon XD not only broadens the catalog but also recognizes the demand from both nostalgic fans and new players looking to discover Pokémon titles they may have missed. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack has seen substantial growth, with its expanding library playing a major role in subscriber retention and enthusiasm.
By bringing cult favorites from the Nintendo GameCube era to the hybrid console, Nintendo continues to underline its dedication to game preservation and fan engagement. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will be playable via the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online, which offers a premium selection of classic titles alongside additional DLC content for select Switch games.
The release further positions the Switch platform and its associated services as a hub for both new releases and celebrated games from Nintendo’s storied history. Fans can look forward to revisiting the Orre region and its captivating Shadow Pokémon storyline when Pokémon XD launches on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack this March.
The growing selection of retro titles ensures that Nintendo continues to cater to the community’s desire for nostalgic content while maintaining strong ties to its legacy franchises.
The Pokémon Company has officially announced that Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness—originally released exclusively for the Nintendo GameCube in 2005—will be coming to Nintendo Switch as part of the Nintendo Classics lineup.
Subscribers will be able to revisit this iconic title starting in March, accessible through their Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership on the Nintendo Switch platform. Developed by Genius Sonority and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness quickly became a fan favorite for its unique take on the Pokémon RPG formula.
Unlike the main series releases on handheld consoles, Pokémon XD delivered a home-console adventure that offered a darker narrative, the innovative snagging mechanic, and challenging battles.
The game was praised for building upon the foundation set by its predecessor, Pokémon Colosseum, solidifying its place in the history of Pokémon spin-offs. In an official statement regarding the upcoming release, The Pokémon Company emphasized their excitement in making more classic titles available for new generations of fans.
"We are thrilled to bring Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which allows players to experience one of the most unique entries in the Pokémon franchise with enhanced accessibility," a company spokesperson stated, underscoring their commitment to keeping Pokémon’s rich history alive. The decision to expand the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library with GameCube classics like Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness follows a successful run of previous releases such as Super Mario Sunshine and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
The inclusion of Pokémon XD not only broadens the catalog but also recognizes the demand from both nostalgic fans and new players looking to discover Pokémon titles they may have missed. Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack has seen substantial growth, with its expanding library playing a major role in subscriber retention and enthusiasm.
By bringing cult favorites from the Nintendo GameCube era to the hybrid console, Nintendo continues to underline its dedication to game preservation and fan engagement. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness will be playable via the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online, which offers a premium selection of classic titles alongside additional DLC content for select Switch games.
The release further positions the Switch platform and its associated services as a hub for both new releases and celebrated games from Nintendo’s storied history. Fans can look forward to revisiting the Orre region and its captivating Shadow Pokémon storyline when Pokémon XD launches on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack this March.
The growing selection of retro titles ensures that Nintendo continues to cater to the community’s desire for nostalgic content while maintaining strong ties to its legacy franchises.
