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Nintendo continues to enrich its retro catalog with a surprise that will delight fans of the Pokémon license. A new cult episode from the GameCube era is now available to subscribers.
Since March 20, 2026, players with the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can access Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness directly via the GameCube application on the Switch 2. An expected addition, made official a few weeks earlier during Pokémon Day.
Pokémon XD finally arrives on Nintendo Switch Online
Originally released in 2005 for the GameCube, Pokémon This new addition becomes the ninth GameCube game available on the service, alongside titles like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker and F-Zero GX. To access it, players simply need to update the GameCube app on Switch 2, which is only accessible through the premium subscription.
An arrival that doesn’t just make people happy
Despite the enthusiasm around this release, a significant limitation quickly disappointed some players. Unlike the original version, this adaptation does not offer any compatibility with Pokémon HOME or other modern Pokémon games. A notable absence, especially for fans used to transferring their creatures between different titles. In addition, some players are wondering about Nintendo’s choice to integrate the sequel before Pokémon Colosseum, although it was released before. A decision that leaves part of the community perplexed.
A complete experience despite everything
Despite these restrictions, the entire main adventure remains playable. Players can thus rediscover the story, the combat and the emblematic mechanics of this popular spin-off. With this addition, Nintendo continues to strengthen the interest of its Switch Online subscription, especially for fans of retro games. It now remains to be seen which other GameCube classics will be added to the catalog in the coming months.