Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Joins Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Get ready for another classic Pokémon adventure! Nintendo announced the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, launching August 9th. This beloved roguelike title joins the growing library of retro games available to Expansion Pack subscribers, encompassing Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.

Originally released on the Game Boy Advance in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team casts players as a human transformed into a Pokémon. Players explore procedurally generated dungeons, embarking on quests to solve the mystery behind their transformation. A companion title, Blue Rescue Team, was released for the Nintendo DS, and a remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, arrived on the Switch in 2020.

Mainline Pokémon Titles Still Sought After

The Expansion Pack's regular addition of classic games has been met with mixed reactions. While fans appreciate the inclusion of titles like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League, many express disappointment at the absence of mainline Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue. Speculation regarding this omission ranges from potential N64 Transfer Pak compatibility issues and Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations to complexities surrounding the Pokémon Home app integration. The latter, not wholly owned by Nintendo, may present contractual challenges.

Nintendo Switch Online Mega Multiplayer Festival

Beyond the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo unveiled a special offer for Nintendo Switch Online resubscriptions. As part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th), purchasing a 12-month membership from the eShop or My Nintendo Store grants two bonus months. Further perks include bonus Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th) and free multiplayer game trials (August 19th-25th; titles to be revealed later). A Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale will follow (August 26th-September 8th, 2024).

With the Switch 2 on the horizon, the future of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains uncertain. How this service will integrate into the next generation console is yet to be seen.