Pokémon Expands NSO Library with New Game

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Launching August 9th

Nintendo's Switch Online + Expansion Pack service is expanding its classic game library with the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, available August 9th. This beloved roguelike spin-off joins the existing collection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.

Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2006, Red Rescue Team casts players as a human transformed into a Pokémon, embarking on dungeon-crawling adventures to solve the mystery of their transformation. A companion title, Blue Rescue Team, launched simultaneously for the Nintendo DS. A remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, was released for the Switch in 2020.

Fan Demand for Mainline Pokémon Titles on NSO

While the Expansion Pack regularly receives new classic games, the inclusion of primarily Pokémon spin-offs (like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League) has left some fans wanting more. Many are eager to see mainline entries, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, added to the service. Speculation regarding this absence includes potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, NSO infrastructure limitations, and integration with the Pokémon Home app, which Nintendo doesn't fully own. One fan theorized that Nintendo is prioritizing preventing exploitation of trading mechanics.

Nintendo Switch Online Mega Multiplayer Festival

Two Free Months with Resubscription!

To coincide with the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo is offering a special deal: resubscribe to a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership via the eShop or My Nintendo Store and receive two bonus months free! This is part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival, running until September 8th. Additional perks include bonus Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th) and free multiplayer game trials (August 19th-25th; titles to be announced). A Mega Multiplayer game sale follows from August 26th to September 8th, 2024.

With the upcoming Switch 2 launch, the future of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains uncertain. For more details on the Switch 2, check out the link below!