Nintendo is poised to celebrate a significant milestone in gaming history as it marks the 30th anniversary of its flagship franchise, Pokémon, on February 27, 2026. This date commemorates three decades since the release of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, the latter of which was localized as Pokémon Blue in Western markets. As fans reflect on the glory days of the series, excitement abounds regarding how Nintendo and The Pokémon Company might honor this landmark occasion.
Establishing a presence on social media, the official Pokémon Company account on X quickly garnered attention, wherein fans expressed a resounding desire for the release of classic titles. Despite the current offerings within the Nintendo Switch Online “Nintendo Classics” catalog, which includes various Pokémon spinoffs, the absence of mainline RPGs remains a point of contention. Enthusiasts are calling for the original handheld games from the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance eras to join the lineup.
The introduction of the first three generations of Pokémon games to Nintendo Switch Online could represent a considerable enhancement to the service. These titles would include fan favorites such as Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow, Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, Pokémon Crystal, Pokémon Ruby, Pokémon Sapphire, Pokémon Emerald, Pokémon Fire Red, and Pokémon Leaf Green. Not only would this move cater to nostalgia, but it would also provide a platform for new players to experience the origins of the franchise.
While the availability of popular spinoffs like Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Snap has bolstered the franchise’s presence on the platform, the absence of mainline RPGs raises questions about potential limitations. For instance, although Pokémon Stadium was added to the library on April 12, 2023, it does not currently support the transfer of Pokémon from previous save data. This issue poses a challenge regarding whether Nintendo would enable such features for future releases.
Despite potential hurdles, many players see the value in capturing and training Pokémon for retro competitive battles, which would provide ample incentive to subscribe and engage with the service. Others may simply wish to embark on the quest to collect Gym badges and conquer the Elite Four. This moment represents a notable opportunity for Nintendo to tap into both nostalgia and new gaming experiences.
Mainline Pokémon RPGs Would Be a Killer App for Nintendo Switch Online
For many fans of the franchise, the appeal of subscribing to either the standard or the more premium Expansion Pack option for Nintendo Switch Online is difficult to overlook. As the retro game market continues to inflate, the prospect of accessing these classic Pokémon titles through a subscription model presents an affordable alternative. While the ability to transfer Pokémon would enhance the experience, it remains uncertain whether this feature would be made available.
Regular subscribers would still gain access to an extensive selection of Gen 1 and Gen 2 Pokémon games, more than sufficient for consistent enjoyment. For those opting for the Expansion Pack, the Gen 1 remakes like Fire Red and Leaf Green deliver significant upgrades, incorporating modern enhancements to the battle system and overall gameplay experience.
However, some features currently offered through Nintendo Switch Online’s emulated catalog may require adjustments. Similar to how Luigi’s Mansion lacks rewind support, it is likely that save states would also need to be disabled in Pokémon titles to prevent exploitative practices. Nonetheless, the inclusion of titles like MissingNo. in the 2016 digital re-release suggests that Nintendo could consider a range of options when it comes to the classics.
As the gaming community anticipates the 30th anniversary of Pokémon, the conversation surrounding the release of classic titles on Nintendo Switch Online highlights a broader desire for accessibility to beloved games. This potential addition not only represents a chance for nostalgia but also serves to connect new generations of players to a franchise that has fundamentally shaped the gaming landscape over the past three decades. The future of Pokémon on Nintendo’s platforms may hinge on how effectively the company responds to this mounting demand.
