The Nintendo Switch 2’s launch year line-up is looking strong, especially with the addition of GameCube titles to NSO and the Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Switch 1 games. While it may take some time for the Switch 2 to build its library of exclusive games, Pokemon fans in particular are being treated quite well early in the new console’s life. Although Pokemon Gen 10 is rumored to be the first true Nintendo Switch 2 experience for the franchise, there is still plenty for Pokemon fans to dive into on the Switch 2 in the meantime.
Pokemon fans have been light on content recently, with mobile titles like Pokemon TCG Pocket and Pokemon GO serving as the primary source of new content in the interim between Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and Pokemon Legends: Z-A. While the series taking a year off from mainline releases seems to be a good sign for the upcoming entry, it has also left fans hungry for more. Now that the Nintendo Switch 2’s release is imminent, fans might be able to get their Pokemon fix much sooner than expected.
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Pokemon is Off to a Strong Start on the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube Library Features Two Pokemon Classics
Despite not being new Pokemon games, the addition of GameCube titles to the Switch 2’s NSO library is set to bring two underrated gems to the console. Pokemon Colosseum and its sequel, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, are both confirmed to be coming to Nintendo Switch Online on the Switch 2. While these are spin-off titles, they are significant additions to the service nonetheless, as they have never been made available outside their original GameCube releases.
While the Pokemon titles available on the NSO service lack the core series entries fans might expect, the selection of spin-offs available is top-notch. The N64 Pokemon Stadium series and Pokemon Snap can be accessed by Expansion Pack tier subscribers, and those same subscribers will soon be able to play Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on the Nintendo Switch 2 as well. For fans who were never able to try these titles, or who haven’t revisited them in a long time, the Switch 2 will be the perfect console to explore the Orre Region on.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Gets a Major Upgrade on the Switch 2
Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to be the first new mainline game in the franchise since Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were released in 2022, making its release later this year a highly anticipated event. Although the game was initially announced as a Switch 1 title, the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showed that the game is receiving an enhanced Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrade that will be well worth it for fans to check out on the new console. This upgrade targets enhanced resolution and framerates, improving the visual fidelity of the game over its Switch 1 counterpart.
It’s unclear if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A will cost more than the Switch 1 version.
Although there could be more planned for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, nothing outside of visual and performance improvements has been confirmed. Still, for Pokemon fans who felt disappointed by the technical struggles of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Switch 2 seems like a must-have for a smooth experience in Pokemon Legends: Z-A. Hopping on the Nintendo Switch 2 train early seems to have its benefits for Pokemon fans, even with Gen 10 still likely a year or more away, as the accessibility of the GameCube Pokemon titles and technically impressive Pokemon Legends: Z-A should make the first year of the new console’s life one fans won’t want to miss.
