Pokémon Adds Another Game to the NSO Library

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is joining the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack library soon! Read on to discover more about this classic Pokémon roguelike and the fan reaction.

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

Launching August 9th

Nintendo's expanding its Expansion Pack's classic game selection with another beloved Pokémon title. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team debuts on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service August 9th, as announced by Nintendo. This classic spin-off joins the Expansion Pack's growing library of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games.

Originally released globally on the Game Boy Advance in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is a unique roguelike adventure. Players transform into Pokémon and explore dungeons, embarking on missions to solve the mystery behind their transformation. The game launched alongside Blue Rescue Team for the Nintendo DS and received a remake in 2020 as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX for the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Fans Eager for Mainline Titles on NSO Expansion Pack

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack regularly adds classic games, but the inclusion of only Pokémon spin-offs like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League has left some fans wanting more. Many Pokémon enthusiasts are hoping to see mainline titles added to the service. While there's no official word on adding games like Pokémon Red and Blue, fans have offered several theories.

Some speculate about potential challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, others suggest limitations with the NSO infrastructure and the Switch's Pokémon Home app integration. The latter is particularly complex, as Nintendo doesn't fully own the app, making integration potentially challenging due to inter-company agreements. One fan commented, "I'd guess they want to ensure there's trading and that the trading can't be exploited."

NSO's Latest Rewards and the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer Festival

Two Months Free with Resubscription!

Alongside the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo revealed a special resubscription offer. As part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th), purchasing a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online membership from the eShop or My Nintendo Store grants two extra months free. August also includes bonus Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th).

Furthermore, four full multiplayer Switch game trials will be available from August 19th to 25th (titles to be announced later). This will be followed by the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale from August 26th to September 8th, 2024.

With the upcoming Switch 2 on the horizon—Nintendo plans to announce the next console within the fiscal year—the future of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains to be seen. For more information on the Switch 2, check out this article.