Pokémon Adds Another Game to the NSO Library

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is set to join the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, bringing a classic Pokémon roguelike experience to modern players. Dive in to discover more about this beloved game and the reactions from the Pokémon community.

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

Available on August 9

Nintendo is expanding its Switch's Expansion Pack classic games catalog with the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, set to launch on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on August 9. This announcement brings a cherished Pokémon spin-off to the platform, accessible through the Expansion Pack plan, which also offers a selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.

Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is a roguelike adventure where players assume the role of a human transformed into a Pokémon. The game involves exploring dungeons and undertaking missions to solve the mystery of the player's transformation. It was accompanied by a Nintendo DS version, Blue Rescue Team, and later remade for the Switch in 2020 as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.

Pokémon Fans Advocate for Mainline Games on NSO Expansion Pack

While the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service regularly updates its library with classic titles, it has so far only included Pokémon spin-offs like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League. This has led to some disappointment among fans who are eager to see mainline Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, added to the catalog. Despite no official word from Nintendo on including mainline titles, fans have speculated on potential reasons for the delay.

Some believe Nintendo is addressing issues related to N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, while others point to challenges with the NSO infrastructure and the integration of the Pokémon Home app on the Switch. Since Nintendo does not fully own the app, contractual agreements with their partners could complicate its integration. A fan remarked, "I'd guess they want to ensure there's trading and that the trading can't be exploited."

NSO Latest Rewards and Nintendo Mega Multiplayer Festival

Get Two Months Free When You Resubscribe Now!

In addition to the launch of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, Nintendo has unveiled a special offer for resubscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. As part of the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer Festival, running until September 8, purchasing a 12-month membership from the eShop or My Nintendo Store will grant an additional two months of service for free. The festival also includes extra Gold Points on game purchases made between August 5 and August 18.

Furthermore, from August 19 to August 25, subscribers can enjoy game trials of four multiplayer Switch titles, with the specific games to be announced later. This will be followed by the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale, scheduled from August 26 to September 8, 2024.

As Nintendo prepares for the transition to the Switch 2, expected to be announced within the current fiscal year, questions remain about how the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service will integrate with the new console. For more details on the upcoming Switch 2, follow the link below to our comprehensive article.