Nintendo Releases New Pokémon Title for NSO

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 its 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 offers access to a curated selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.

Originally released in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is a unique roguelike experience where players transform into Pokémon and embark on quests to solve the mystery behind their transformation. The game's popularity led to a companion release, Blue Rescue Team, and a later Switch remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.

Mainline Pokémon Games Still Sought After

While the Expansion Pack regularly adds new classic games, 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 titles ranges from potential N64 Transfer Pak compatibility issues and Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations to complexities surrounding the integration with the Pokémon Home app, which Nintendo doesn't fully own. One fan theorized that ensuring fair and unexploitable trading mechanics is a key factor in the delay.

Nintendo Switch Online Mega Multiplayer Festival

Coinciding with the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo launched a Mega Multiplayer Festival, offering a two-month bonus for new 12-month Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions purchased via the eShop or My Nintendo Store (until September 8th). Additional perks include bonus Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th) and free multiplayer game trials (August 19th-25th; titles to be announced). A Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale will follow (August 26th-September 8th, 2024).

Looking Ahead to the Switch 2

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