Introducing the Latest Addition to Nintendo Switch's Pokémon Library

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

Get ready for a dungeon-crawling adventure! Nintendo announced the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, launching August 9th. This classic Game Boy Advance title joins the growing library of retro games available to Expansion Pack subscribers. The Expansion Pack provides access to a curated selection of titles from the Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis libraries.

Originally released in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team offers a unique roguelike experience. Players transform into Pokémon and embark on quests to solve the mystery behind their transformation. The game's companion title, Blue Rescue Team, was released for the Nintendo DS, and a remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, arrived on the Switch in 2020.

Fan Demand for Mainline Pokémon Titles

While the Expansion Pack regularly receives new additions, the inclusion of primarily spin-off titles like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League has left some fans wanting more. Many are eager to see mainline Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, added to the service. Speculation regarding the absence of these core titles includes potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations, and complexities related to the Pokémon Home app's integration. The latter is particularly complex due to Nintendo's lack of complete ownership of the app, potentially impacting integration with the Switch. One fan theorized that ensuring fair and unexploitable trading mechanics is a key factor in the delay.

Nintendo Switch Online Mega Multiplayer Festival

In addition to the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo unveiled a special resubscription offer as part of their Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th). Purchasing a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership from the eShop or My Nintendo Store will reward subscribers with two extra months of service. Further bonuses include increased Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th) and free multiplayer game trials (August 19th-25th; specific titles to be announced). A Mega Multiplayer game sale will follow (August 26th-September 8th, 2024).

With the upcoming Switch 2 launch, the future of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains uncertain. How the service will integrate with the new console is yet to be revealed. For more details on the Switch 2, follow the link below!