Can you play classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online?

More and more Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games are getting included in the Nintendo Switch Online catalog, so fans are wondering if they can play classic Pokemon games on their Switch consoles. Here’s what you need to know.

Dozens of classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games are already available for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, so naturally, fans are wondering if there are Pokemon titles ready to play. With the upcoming release of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLCs, it would seem that Nintendo is currently focusing on generation 9 Pokemon games.

The popular franchise made its debut on Nintendo’s first portable system, and its games are considered top-tier experiences even in 2023. Given their longevity, fans are wondering if you can play classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online.

Can you play classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online?

Yes, you can play classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online, but some require you to get the Expansion Pack. Here are the Pokemon games you can play with the Nintendo Switch Online service:

• Pokemon Trading Card Game (GBC)
• Pokemon Stadium (N64) – NSO + Expansion Pack
• Pokemon Stadium 2 (N64) – NSO + Expansion Pack
• Pokemon Snap (N64) – NSO + Expansion Pack
• Pokemon Puzzle League (N64) – NSO + Expansion Pack

On August 8, 2023, the Pokemon Trading Card Game joined the list of available games through the Nintendo Switch Online service. You can now dive into the classic Game Boy Color title.

In addition, Pokemon Stadium 2 is also now available alongside the previously released Pokemon Stadium. Now’s a great time to battle it out with friends or enjoy the classic mini-games from the N64 games.

How to play Game Boy & Game Boy Advance games on NSO

For those who want to be ready if mainline Pokemon games make it to the catalog, keep in mind that Game Boy content is available to all Nintendo Switch Online subscribers.

The basic subscription tier also includes NES and SNES games from an expanding catalog, online multiplayer, cloud saves, voice chat, and more.

The Game Boy Advance and N64 catalog, on the other hand, are only available for NSO + Expansion Pack subscribers. This tier offers everything the basic subscription does and a collection of Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis titles. Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ paid DLC, Happy Home Paradise, is also included in the Expansion Pack.

We’ll make sure to update this information if more classic Pokemon games make it to the Nintendo Switch Online service.

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