The Nintendo Switch 2’s launch year line-up is looking strong, especially with the addition of GameCube titles to NSO and the Switch 2 Edition upgrades for Switch 1 games. While it may take some time for the Switch 2 to build its library of exclusive games,Pokemonfans in particular are being treated quite well early in the new console’s life. AlthoughPokemonGen 10 is rumored to be the first true Nintendo Switch 2 experience for the franchise, there is still plenty forPokemonfans to dive into on the Switch 2 in the meantime.
Pokemonfans have been light on content recently, with mobile titles likePokemon TCG PocketandPokemon GOserving as the primary source of new content in the interim betweenPokemon Scarlet and VioletandPokemon Legends: Z-A. While the series taking a year off from mainline releases seems to be a good sign for the upcoming entry, it has also left fans hungry for more. Now that theNintendo Switch 2’s releaseis imminent, fans might be able to get theirPokemonfix much sooner than expected.
Pokemon is Off to a Strong Start on the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube Library Features Two Pokemon Classics
Despite not being newPokemongames, the addition ofGameCube titles to the Switch 2’s NSO libraryis set to bring two underrated gems to the console.Pokemon Colosseumand its sequel,Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, are both confirmed to be coming to Nintendo Switch Online on the Switch 2. While these are spin-off titles, they are significant additions to the service nonetheless, as they have never been made available outside their original GameCube releases.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Gets a Major Upgrade on the Switch 2
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais set to be the first new mainline game in the franchise sincePokemon Scarlet and Violetwere released in 2022, making its release later this year a highly anticipated event. Although the game was initially announced as a Switch 1 title, the recent Nintendo Switch 2 Direct showed that the game is receiving an enhancedNintendo Switch 2 Editionupgrade that will be well worth it for fans to check out on the new console. This upgrade targets enhanced resolution and framerates, improving the visual fidelity of the game over its Switch 1 counterpart.
It’s unclear if the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ofPokemon Legends: Z-Awill cost more than the Switch 1 version.
Although there could be more planned for the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition ofPokemon Legends: Z-A, nothing outside of visual and performance improvements has been confirmed. Still, forPokemonfans who felt disappointed by thetechnical struggles ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Switch 2 seems like a must-have for a smooth experience inPokemon Legends: Z-A. Hopping on the Nintendo Switch 2 train early seems to have its benefits forPokemonfans, even with Gen 10 still likely a year or more away, as the accessibility of the GameCubePokemontitles and technically impressivePokemon Legends: Z-Ashould make the first year of the new console’s life one fans won’t want to miss.
