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 has announced another exciting addition to the Switch's Expansion Pack classic game catalog: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team. Launching August 9th, this beloved Pokémon spin-off will be available to Expansion Pack subscribers, alongside the existing library of Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.

Originally released worldwide on the Game Boy Advance in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is a unique roguelike adventure. Players transform into Pokémon, exploring dungeons and embarking on missions to solve the mystery behind their transformation. A companion title, Blue Rescue Team, was released for the Nintendo DS, and the series was later remade for the Switch in 2020 as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.

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 are hoping to see mainline Pokémon games like Pokémon Red and Blue added to the service. While Nintendo hasn't confirmed plans for mainline titles, speculation abounds.

Some theorize that challenges with N64 Transfer Pak compatibility, Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations, or integration with the Pokémon Home app (which Nintendo doesn't fully own) might be contributing factors. One fan suggested, "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 is offering a special deal for resubscribing to Nintendo Switch Online. As part of the Mega Multiplayer Festival (running until September 8th), purchasing a 12-month membership from the eShop or My Nintendo Store will reward you with an extra two months of play, completely free! August also brings extra Gold Points on game purchases (August 5th-18th).

Further bonuses include free trials of four multiplayer Switch titles (August 19th-25th – titles to be announced), followed by the Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale (August 26th-September 8th, 2024).

With the Switch 2 on the horizon (Nintendo plans a reveal within the fiscal year), the future of Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains to be seen. For more on the Switch 2, check out [link to article].