How to play Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch: Release date, online multiplayer, more
The Nintendo Switch Online library continues to grow with Pokemon Stadium becoming the next classic title to offer a dose of nostalgia. Here’s how NSO members can play Pokemon Stadium and experience the new online multiplayer feature.
The iconic library of games on the Nintendo Switch continues to grow as Pokemon Stadium will soon join the long list of classic titles. Pokemon Stadium was the first Pokemon game to receive a worldwide release on a home console when it became a hit on the Nintendo 64.
Fast forward 23 years and a new generation of players will get to experience the unique Pokemon offering on the Nintendo Switch.
Here’s everything you need to know about Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch including a release date and how to download the game.
- Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch release date
- What is Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch?
- How to download Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch release date
The release date for Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch is set for Wednesday, April 12, 2023.
Pokemon Stadium will be the latest Nintendo 64 game to make its way to the NSO catalog for Switch owners to enjoy, alongside previously released classics such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye 007.
What is Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch?
When Pokemon Stadium launched in 1999 it broke the mold for a Pokemon game by offering a new battle-oriented experience. In Pokemon Stadium, players are focused on the battling aspect of the series as they face off in various tournaments and challenges.
Pokemon Stadium does not feature a plot or the RPG elements like leveling up Pokemon that stem from mainline games. Instead, players will select teams of Pokemon from the original selection of 151 creatures to duke it out in a stadium environment.
Brock is just one of the Kanto Gym Leaders you’ll face.Players can take on the Gym Leader Castle, where they’ll face off against the 8 Kanto Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion from the original Red and Blue Pokemon games.
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There are also tournament-like events called Cups that players can grind through, as well as a mini-game mode that was a huge hit when playing with friends.
This time around, it’s important to note that Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch will feature online multiplayer. This means that you’ll be able to create your party of Kanto Pokemon and challenge other trainers in the stadium.
How to download Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch
To play Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch, players must have purchased an NSO + Expansion Pass membership.
Follow these steps to play Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch Online:
- Head to the Nintendo Switch Online webpage.
- Select Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack from the top menu.
- Select Compare Plans.
- Purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
- Open your Nintendo Switch.
- On the home screen, open the Nintendo Switch Online tab.
- Use the left side to scroll to the Expansion Pack tab.
- Find Pokemon Stadium in the catalog and select download.
The Expansion Pass is needed to play Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch as it provides access to a catalog of classic games. If you already have an Expansion Pass membership, you can skip to the fifth step.
A one year Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership currently retails for $49.99 USD / $63.99 CAD / £34.99.
For more, check out some of our other Pokemon guides:
How to connect Pokemon Go to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to catch Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet | How does EXP Share work in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet? | How to catch all Legendaries in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to breed eggs in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Stake locations: All Shrines | How to check IVs in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet.
Image Credit: The Pokemon Company / Nintendo