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

Get ready for a dungeon-crawling adventure! Nintendo has announced that the classic Game Boy Advance title, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service starting August 9th. This beloved Pokémon spin-off joins the growing library of retro games accessible to Expansion Pack subscribers.

Launch Date: August 9th

The Expansion Pack, offering access to a curated selection of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles, welcomes another fan favorite. Originally released in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team lets players experience the Pokémon world from a unique perspective – as a Pokémon! Solve the mystery of your transformation as you explore challenging dungeons and complete various missions. A companion title, Blue Rescue Team, was released for the Nintendo DS, and a remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, launched for the Switch in 2020.

Mainline Pokémon Games on NSO: A Fan's Wish

While the Expansion Pack regularly adds new classic games, the inclusion of primarily Pokémon spin-offs (like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League) has left some fans wanting more. Many are eager to see mainline Pokémon titles like Pokémon Red and Blue added to the service. Speculation regarding this absence includes potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, NSO infrastructure limitations, and integration with the Pokémon Home app – a service not entirely owned by Nintendo.

NSO's Mega Multiplayer Festival and Resubscription Offer

In addition to the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo is offering a special deal for renewing Nintendo Switch Online memberships. As part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th), purchasing a 12-month subscription will get you an extra two months free! Further perks include bonus Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th) and free multiplayer game trials (August 19th-25th; titles to be revealed later). A Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale will also follow (August 26th-September 8th, 2024).

Looking Ahead to the Switch 2

With the upcoming Switch 2 on the horizon, the future of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains to be seen. How this service will integrate with the next-generation console is currently unknown. For more details on the Switch 2, check out the link below!