A new Pokémon 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 different consoles, such as the NES and SNES. While a Nintendo Switch Online subscription usually costs $20/year, upgrading to the Expansion Pack increases the annual price by $30, up to $50/year. The Expansion Pack upgrade gives access to even more Nintendo console apps, including Game Boy Advance, GameCube and N64. However, the GameCube app is exclusive to the Switch 2 console. For the 2026 Mario Day festivities, Nintendo Switch Online was added mario vs. Donkey Kong, Mario Clashand Mario's tennis for users to enjoy.

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Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is now available 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 update to the GameCube app was in January 2026, with Fire Emblem: Path of Radiance joins 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 to March, though an exact 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-generation main game, including Pokemon abilities that can affect how a battle plays out. As the sequel to 2003's Pokemon Coliseum, Gale of Darkness takes place in Orretrakten. 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 Pokémon, called Shadow Lugia, is featured prominently in the game's box art. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness also marked the debut of two gen 4 critters, Munchlax and Bonsly. Oddly enough, Pokemon Coliseum is not available on Switch Online as of this writing. Given that the sequel came to the GameCube app before the original game, the decision not to launch Pokemon Coliseum before Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness left some Pokémon fans were baffled. As of this writing, it is unclear when Pokemon Coliseum will launch on the GameCube app, so fans will have to 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 the 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 has a big warning for players to keep in mind before launching the GameCube app. The game's original release on the GameCube console included Game Boy Advance connectivity via a dedicated cable that ran 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, inclusive Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreenand allowed players to use their GBA Pokémon teams to host battles Gale of Darkness. However, the Switch Online version has no such connection to others Pokémon games and apps. Thus, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is incompatible with Pokemon Home and the Switch versions of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen.

Despite the warnings, 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 appear in a future update.