A New Pokemon Game Has Arrived On Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online users with the Expansion Pack upgrade can now play the classic GameCube RPG Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness as part of their subscription. The arrival of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on Nintendo Switch Online came just over two weeks after its release window was confirmed on Pokemon Day.

Periodically, Nintendo releases some retro titles for Switch Online subscribers to enjoy via Nintendo Classics apps themed on various consoles, such as the NES and SNES. While a Nintendo Switch Online subscription usually costs $20/year, upgrading to the Expansion Pack bumps the annual price by $30, up to $50/year. The Expansion Pack upgrade grants access to even more Nintendo console apps, including the Game Boy Advance, the GameCube, and the N64. However, the GameCube app is exclusive to the Switch 2 console. For the 2026 Mario Day festivities, Nintendo Switch Online added Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Clash, and Mario’s Tennis for users to enjoy.

New Switch 2 Console Update is a Game-Changer

Nintendo releases a system update for the Switch 2, introducing a feature that can noticeably improve how Switch 1 games run on the console.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is Now on Nintendo Switch Online

Now, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have another GameCube title to add to their collections. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is the ninth game to be added to the growing GameCube roster. The previous GameCube app update happened in January 2026, with Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joining the lineup via a surprise update. Users with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription must update the GameCube app to the latest version to play Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness. The arrival of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on the GameCube app was first mentioned in April 2025 during a Nintendo Direct episode. On Pokemon Day 2026, Gale of Darkness had its release window narrowed down to March, though a precise date remained unclear.

Originally launched in August 2005, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is a turn-based RPG that uses gameplay elements found in Pokemon’s third mainline game generation, including Pokemon abilities that can affect how a battle plays out. As the sequel to 2003’s Pokemon Colosseum, Gale of Darkness takes place in the Orre region. Like its predecessor, the plot of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness revolves around catching Shadow Pokemon and purifying them. The game’s most powerful Shadow Pokemon, called Shadow Lugia, is featured prominently on the game’s box art. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness also marked the debut of two gen 4 critters, Munchlax and Bonsly. Strangely enough, Pokemon Colosseum is not available on Switch Online as of this writing. Given that the sequel arrived on the GameCube app before the original game, the decision not to launch Pokemon Colosseum before Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness left some Pokemon fans puzzled. As of this writing, it is unclear when Pokemon Colosseum will launch on the GameCube app, so fans must wait for more information.

GameCube Titles Available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (March 17, 2026)

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness
Chibi-Robo! Plug Into Adventure
Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance
F-Zero GX
Luigi’s Mansion
SoulCalibur 2
Super Mario Strikers
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Wario World

However, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness does have a major caveat for players to bear in mind before booting up the GameCube app. The game’s original release on the GameCube console included Game Boy Advance connectivity via a dedicated cable that went from the GBA’s Link Cable port to an open controller port on the GameCube. This connection allowed players to send purified Pokemon from Gale of Darkness to Gen 3 titles, including Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, and allowed players to use their GBA Pokemon teams to host battles in Gale of Darkness. However, the Switch Online version has no such connectivity with other Pokemon games and apps. Ergo, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is incompatible with Pokemon Home, and the Switch versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Despite the caveats, the main story of Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness can be played in its entirety. With Gale of Darkness now available on the GameCube app, it remains to be seen which of the GameCube’s top-rated titles will make an appearance in a future update.