Nintendo continues to enrich its retro catalog with an arrival that does not go unnoticed. Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness is now available on Nintendo Switch Online, provided you have the Expansion Pack.
Initially released in 2005 on GameCube, this iconic RPG joins the library of games accessible via the dedicated application on Switch 2. An announcement which comes a few weeks after its confirmation during Pokémon Day.
Pokémon XD on Switch Online, a GameCube classic available now
With this arrival, subscribers can dive back into the universe of Orre, a region marked by dark Pokémon to be purified. The game offers an experience faithful to the third generation, with turn-based combat mechanics and abilities influencing clashes.
To access it, you must have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription with the Expansion Pack. The latter provides access to several retro catalogs, including the GameCube, exclusive to the Switch 2.
A GameCube library that continues to grow
Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness becomes the ninth game available in the service’s GameCube collection. Alongside titles like:
- The Legend of Zelda The Wind Waker
- Luigi’s Mansion
- F-Zero GX
- SoulCalibur 2
This library continues to be enriched regularly, reinforcing the interest of the service for retro enthusiasts. The previous addition dates back to January 2026, with the arrival of Fire Emblem Path of Radiance.
An important limitation to know before playing
Despite this expected return, a key functionality is missing. Back in the GameCube era, the game allowed you to connect a Game Boy Advance to transfer Pokémon. This option is not available on Switch Online. It is therefore impossible to transfer creatures to other modern games or services like Pokémon HOME. This absence limits certain interactions, but does not prevent you from fully enjoying the main adventure.
Pokémon XD, a return that revives players’ nostalgia
With this release, Nintendo is clearly banking on nostalgia. Pokémon XD Gale of Darkness remains a title appreciated for its atmosphere and its different approach to the series. The Dark Pokémon system and progression in the Orre region provide a unique experience, separate from the main episodes. This return to Switch Online allows a new generation to discover this game, while offering old players an opportunity to relive this landmark adventure. It now remains to be seen which other GameCube titles will be added to the catalog in the coming weeks.