Pokémon Enriches NSO with New Gaming Experience

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

Get ready for a dungeon-crawling adventure! Nintendo announced that Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team will be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on August 9th. This classic Game Boy Advance title lets players experience the beloved Pokémon universe in a unique roguelike format.

Released in 2006, Red Rescue Team puts players in the paws (or fins, or wings!) of a Pokémon after a mysterious transformation. Explore procedurally generated dungeons, complete missions, and uncover the secrets behind your new form. A Blue Rescue Team version was released simultaneously for the Nintendo DS, and a remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, launched for the Switch in 2020.

The Demand for Mainline Pokémon Games

While the Expansion Pack regularly receives new additions, the inclusion of primarily spin-off titles like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League has left some fans wanting more. Many Pokémon enthusiasts are hoping to see mainline entries like Pokémon Red and Blue join the service. Speculation regarding this absence includes potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations, and integration complexities with the Pokémon Home app (due to Nintendo not owning the app outright).

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Special Offers and Events

To celebrate the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and encourage subscriptions, Nintendo is hosting a Mega Multiplayer Festival! From now until September 8th, purchasing a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership will grant you an extra two months free. Plus, enjoy bonus Gold Points on game purchases from August 5th to 18th.

Further boosting the multiplayer focus, there will be free trials of four multiplayer Switch games available August 19th-25th (titles to be announced later), followed by a Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale from August 26th to September 8th.

With the Nintendo Switch 2 on the horizon, the future of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains to be seen. Learn more about the upcoming Switch 2 in the article linked below!