Can you play classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online?

❘ Published: 2024-03-08T16:59:51

The Pokemon Company

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

A good number of classic Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games are up for grabs for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, so naturally, many want to know which Pokemon games can be played.

With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and its DLCs out for a while, The Pokemon Company already revealed what’s coming next for the franchise with Pokemon Legends Z-A.

The popular franchise made its debut on Nintendo’s first portable system, and its games are considered top-tier experiences even in 2024. Given their longevity, here’s the confirmation on 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

A select few classic Pokemon games have made their way to NSO.

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 TCG 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.

If you’re looking for more Pokemon content, check out our other guides: