After years of fan demand, two of the most beloved Pokémon spin-off titles—Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness—are finally making a comeback. Nintendo has confirmed that both of these classic GameCube games will be revived through Nintendo Switch Online for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, more than 20 years after their original release. The announcement marks a significant move by Nintendo to bring attention to its GameCube legacy and answer the long-standing wishes of the Pokémon community.
While the official release of these games will not coincide with the Switch 2’s launch, Nintendo has confirmed that they will be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack under a new section titled Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics. This curated library will house a variety of legacy GameCube titles, including Pokémon Colosseum and Gale of Darkness, albeit in staggered releases across the next year.
How to Play Pokémon Colosseum and XD Gale of Darkness on Switch 2
To access Pokémon Colosseum and Gale of Darkness on the Nintendo Switch 2, players must subscribe to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service. Once subscribed, users will be able to download the GameCube Classics app, which includes all available GameCube games within the service. While Colosseum and Gale of Darkness won’t be available on day one—the Switch 2 launches on June 5—Nintendo has confirmed other GameCube classics like The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, F-Zero GX, and Soulcalibur II will be part of the initial offering.
This staggered rollout strategy is not new; a similar approach was seen with Pokémon Stadium and Stadium 2, where the latter released months after the first. Based on this pattern, it’s expected that Colosseum and Gale of Darkness will be released incrementally throughout the following year.
Pokémon GameCube (image via Getty)Will These Games Be Available on the Original Nintendo Switch?
Unfortunately, these GameCube revivals will not be supported on the original Nintendo Switch. The entire GameCube – Nintendo Classics lineup is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and its upgraded hardware, which likely supports better performance and higher fidelity emulation. As such, fans looking to relive these GameCube gems will need to upgrade to the newer console.
Features and Enhancements for the Switch 2 Versions
When Pokémon Colosseum and Gale of Darkness do arrive on the Nintendo Switch Online service, they will include several modern enhancements. Players can expect improved resolution and image clarity compared to their original GameCube versions. Additionally, the inclusion of Suspend Points via the NSO menu allows players to save and reload game states at will, making progression more flexible and forgiving.
Both games will also feature limited online multiplayer functionality, enabling players to enjoy select game modes either locally or over the internet. This mirrors features seen in other legacy titles like Pokémon Stadium, although the implementation is expected to be relatively modest.
However, one key limitation remains: there will be no Pokémon HOME integration. This means players won’t be able to import Pokémon from other games or platforms. The GameCube versions of these titles were originally compatible only with Game Boy Advance games such as Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen. Without updated compatibility tools, players will have to rely on Rental Teams or the Pokémon captured within each game’s storyline.
Despite fan hopes, Nintendo has yet to add Pokémon HOME functionality to any classic titles, not even the 3DS Virtual Console versions of Red, Blue, or Crystal. While a surprise announcement could change this, there’s currently no official confirmation of added connectivity features.
Pokémon GameCube (image via Getty)Impact on Competitive Play and Esports
While some fans had hoped that these re-releases might rejuvenate competitive play for older formats, that scenario appears unlikely. Without Pokémon transfer support, Colosseum and Gale of Darkness won’t offer the full competitive experience they once provided during the early 2000s.
That said, the core gameplay still holds nostalgic and entertainment value. The strategic Shadow Pokémon mechanics and unique storytelling remain fan favorites. Players can still engage in friendly battles through NSO features, even if competitive viability is limited by roster restrictions.
Importantly, this move indicates that Nintendo hasn’t given up on older Pokémon titles entirely. With the 30th anniversary of the franchise approaching next February, there’s renewed hope that Game Boy and Game Boy Advance mainline games might finally be added to NSO.
As for the future, fans can also look forward to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet receiving Switch 2-specific updates, and the highly anticipated Pokémon Legends: Z-A is expected to showcase improved performance and visuals exclusive to the new hardware.
