A new Pokemon game has arrived on Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online Users with an expansion pack upgrade can now play the classic GameCube RPG Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness As part of their membership. arrival of Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Pokemon Day on Nintendo Switch Online comes two weeks after its release window was confirmed.

Periodically, Nintendo releases some retro titles for Switch Online subscribers to enjoy through the themed Nintendo Classics apps on various consoles like the NES and SNES. While a Nintendo Switch Online subscription usually costs $20/year, upgrading to an expansion pack increases the annual price by $30, up to $50/year. The Expansion Pack upgrade provides access to additional Nintendo console apps, including the Game Boy Advance, GameCube and N64. However, the GameCube app is exclusive to the Switch 2 console. For the 2026 Mario Day celebrations, Nintendo Switch Online was added Mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Struggleand Mario's Tennis For users to enjoy.

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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 collection. Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness It is the ninth game to be added to the growing GameCube roster. The previous GameCube app update was in January 2026 Fire Symbol: The Path of Shining Joining the lineup with 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: Storm of Darkness. arrival of Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness The GameCube app was first mentioned in an April 2025 Nintendo Direct episode. On Pokemon Day 2026, A storm of darkness Its release window was narrowed to March, though an exact date remained unclear.

Originally launched in August 2005, Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness is a turn-based RPG that uses gameplay elements found in the third generation mainline games of Pokemon, including Pokemon abilities that can affect how battles are played. As the 2003 sequel Pokemon Colosseum, A storm of darkness Takes place in Ore region. Like its predecessor, the plot Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Revolves around catching Shadow Pokemon and purifying them. The game's most powerful Shadow Pokémon, called Shadow Lugia, is featured prominently on the game's box art. Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Also marked the debut of two gen 4 critters, Munchlax and Bonsly. surprisingly, Pokemon Colosseum The Switch is not available online as of this writing. The sequel arrived on the GameCube app before the original game, deciding not to launch Pokemon Colosseum before Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness left something out Pokemon The fans were confused. As of this writing, it's never clear Pokemon Colosseum The GameCube app will launch, so fans will have to wait for more information.

GameCube titles available on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack (March 17, 2026)

Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness
Chibi-Robo! Plug in the adventure
Fire Symbol: The Path of Shining
F-Zero GX
Luigi's Mansion
Soul Caliber 2
Super Mario Strikers
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker
Wario World

but, Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness There is one major caveat that players should keep in mind before booting up the GameCube app. The game's original release on the GameCube console included a Game Boy Advance connection via a dedicated cable that went from the GBA's link cable port to the open controller port on the GameCube. This connection allowed players to send pure Pokemon A storm of darkness Gen 3 titles, incl Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreenand allowed players to use their GBA Pokémon teams to host battles A storm of darkness. However, the Switch Online version has no such connection with the others Pokemon Games and applications. cause, Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Incompatible with Pokemon Home and Switch versions Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Despite the caveats, the main story of Pokemon XD: Storm of Darkness Fully playable. with A storm of darkness Now available on the GameCube app, it remains to be seen if the GameCube's top-rated titles will appear in a future update.