Nintendo Switch Online May Finally Add Classic Pokemon in 2025

Nintendo Switch Online May Finally Add Classic Pokemon in 2025

As a long-time Pokemon fan who grew up with the original Game Boy titles, I can’t help but feel nostalgic when I think about the countless hours I spent exploring the Kanto region in Pokemon FireRed and battling gym leaders in Emerald. Fast forward to today, and it’s disheartening to see that these classic games are still unavailable on Nintendo Switch Online (NSO).


As a dedicated fan, it’s no secret that the Pokémon franchise holds a special place in Nintendo’s treasure chest. It’s almost guaranteed that each new console generation will birth several Pokémon titles throughout its lifespan, resulting in over 100 games! These include remakes and variations like Pokémon Emerald and Ruby.

Historically, most
Pokemon
games have released on handhelds rather than home consoles.

As a longtime Pokémon gamer, I’ve got to say, the rich tapestry of this game series has left an indelible mark on me and countless others. A big part of its enduring appeal and unique identity can be traced back to nostalgia – games like Pokémon FireRed defined my childhood in the 90s and early 2000s, creating a strong, lasting bond with this franchise.

Nintendo Switch Online Should Grow to Include Classic Pokemon Games

Old Pokemon Games Still Aren’t Playable On Switch

It’s puzzling that Nintendo Switch Online service only offers spin-off Pokemon games, not the main series ones such as FireRed, Emerald, etc. This is surprising given that many fans believe the games prior to Sword and Shield are the best in the franchise. It seems like a missed opportunity for Nintendo and Game Freak, since they could earn money by releasing these classic titles on Nintendo Switch Online, which already supports emulation of numerous classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games.

These timeless game titles, along with the Pokemon series on Nintendo DS systems, aren’t accessible through the eShop, leaving players to enjoy them only on their original hardware. It’s quite unexpected because while Game Freak and Nintendo could capitalize on nostalgia with remakes, it might be simpler and almost as profitable to put these older games on modern consoles instead. Essentially, many Nintendo Switch users would likely embrace the chance to play some of the most memorable and impactful Pokemon games within the Nintendo Switch Online service.

2025 Could Finally Be the Year When Nintendo Brings Old-School Pokemon Games to NSO

An email promotion from Nintendo hints at potential major updates for their Nintendo Switch Online service in 2025. Though it might just be standard marketing and buzz creation, there may indeed be genuine developments underway. Given that the anticipated Switch 2 is likely to debut before 2026, it’s reasonable to expect a range of strategies from Nintendo next year. Could it also mean significant transformations for the beloved Pokemon franchise too?

It’s high time that Nintendo brings their old games onto the NSO platform, a move that will undoubtedly be greeted with enthusiasm by fans. Given that Nintendo has been taking action against emulators recently, making these classic titles harder to access, it becomes even more desirable. Some might worry that these older games could impact sales of the new Pokemon releases, but considering the clear distinction between classic GBA and DS Pokemon and modern-day Pokemon, this seems far-fetched. In all likelihood, including classic Pokemon on Nintendo Switch Online would be a sensible move, as these were some of the most popular Game Boy titles. If Nintendo aims to expand NSO’s GBA library, they will eventually have to offer these games on the service.

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2024-10-27 13:35