Nintendo has announced that Pokémon XD will be available on the GameCube Nintendo Classics app for the Switch 2 starting in March 2026. This addition is significant as it provides an opportunity for both Switch 2 owners and subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service to experience a title that focuses on capturing and purifying Shadow Pokémon, a popular aspect of the Pokémon universe.
The release of Pokémon XD ties its accessibility directly to the subscription model, meaning that merely owning a Switch 2 is not enough; players will need an Expansion Pack subscription to access the GameCube classics library. For those who already subscribe, the game will automatically become part of their available titles upon release, while other Switch 2 owners will need to consider whether investing in this subscription is worthwhile to play the game.
This announcement marks Pokémon XD as the second in a limited series of RPG spin-offs from the GameCube era being revived for the Switch 2, with its predecessor also slated for a later release. The game focuses on Shadow Pokémon capture and purification, featuring a storyline that revolves around Shadow Lugia and involves players introducing an Eevee companion to their journey. Players will encounter various challenges as they battle an evil organization that threatens to unleash Shadow Pokémon upon the world, aiming to gather allies and purify the shadowy beings to save their realm.
The impending launch of Pokémon XD highlights how subscription models are impacting the accessibility of classic games, especially for fans who may have historically had difficulty obtaining rare titles without resorting to original hardware or expensive cartridges. With the expected timeline established, collectors and fans alike are left to ponder the implications of accessing legacy titles through such curated systems.
As players look forward to the March 2026 release, they will also keep an eye on the rollout of the predecessor title, assessing how these releases will reshape interest in both games. The shift towards subscription-based models not only transforms accessibility but also influences how players engage with beloved classics from the past, showing a commitment to preserving gaming culture in modern formats.