While many have had their eyes set on the latest console releases and cutting-edge graphics, an undying love for retro gaming remains ever-potent in the hearts of many. This sentiment has only grown stronger with the recent reveal at the Pokémon Presents event, where a wave of nostalgia hit Switch users.
In an exciting move, the Pokémon Trading Card Game – a beloved 1998 Game Boy title – and Pokémon Stadium 2, which was originally released for Nintendo 64, are now gracing the Nintendo Switch Online’s Game Boy library. While some may argue that these aren’t the traditional Pokémon titles like Red, Blue, and Yellow, there’s no doubt that they are fan-favourites.
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For those reminiscing about the late ’90s and early 2000s, remember when huddling in bed, playing the digital version of Pokémon TCG on the Gameboy, was all it took to make the day perfect? Nintendo Switch Online is now bringing back those simple joys. Pokémon Stadium 2, meanwhile, allows players to immerse themselves in head-to-head battles with 3D-rendered pocket monsters. The original version on the Nintendo 64 enabled compatibility with Game Boy titles, a feature that unfortunately won’t be present on the Switch. Despite this, the classic gameplay, filled with gym leader challenges, minigames, and battles, remains untouched and as alluring as ever.
Although these additions have been received with much joy, fans are understandably asking for more. With the 3DS and Wii U eShops shutting down earlier this year, the only means of playing iconic titles like Pokémon Red and Gold is through their original Game Boy consoles. While Nintendo Switch Online has featured several Game Boy titles since its introduction, the absence of classic Pokémon RPGs has been a sore point for fans. And although Pokémon Stadium and its sequel are available, the lack of compatibility with other titles or Pokémon Home is a tad disappointing for purists. The inability to use personal Pokémon and relying solely on rentable ones might not resonate with everyone.
Nevertheless, the inclusion of this pair of absolute if unconventional classics in the Switch library is a promising sign.
With the original Pokémon Stadium having made its debut on Nintendo Switch Online in April, the latest additions are a possible indication that more Game Boy titles are on the horizon. After all, Nintendo has been tirelessly adding retro titles to its services, much to the delight of the gaming community.
Still, one cannot help but wonder when (or if) the beloved Game Boy RPGs will finally join the ranks. There’s no denying that Pokémon Red, Blue, Yellow, and Silver remain the crown jewels in the Pokémon series for many.
In any case, Pokémon fans will have to make do with what they have for now, and what they have is plenty, including a new anime series, the arrival of two beloved legendaries in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and so much more.
To enjoy these newly added classics, players will need both Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack memberships. If these releases have proven anything, it’s that Nintendo is listening, and the wait for our favorite classics might just be worth it.
