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

Get ready for a dungeon-crawling adventure! Nintendo has announced the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, launching August 9th. This classic Game Boy Advance title joins the growing library of retro games available to Expansion Pack subscribers, alongside Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles.
Originally released in 2006, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team offers a unique roguelike experience. Players transform into Pokémon, exploring randomly generated dungeons and embarking on quests to solve the mystery behind their transformation. The game's popularity led to a Nintendo DS sequel (Blue Rescue Team) and a modern remake, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, for the Nintendo Switch.
Mainline Pokémon Games Still Sought After
While the Expansion Pack regularly adds new classic titles, the inclusion of primarily Pokémon spin-offs (like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Puzzle League) has left some fans wanting more. Many are eager to see mainline Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Red and Blue, added to the service. Speculation regarding this absence ranges from potential N64 Transfer Pak compatibility issues and Nintendo Switch Online infrastructure limitations to complexities surrounding integration with the Pokémon Home app, which Nintendo doesn't fully own. One fan theorized that ensuring secure and unexploitable trading features is a key factor delaying the addition of mainline titles.

Nintendo Switch Online: Mega Multiplayer Festival and More
Beyond the PMD: Red Rescue Team announcement, Nintendo is hosting a Mega Multiplayer Festival until September 8th. A special offer provides two extra months free on a 12-month Nintendo Switch Online resubscription purchased via the eShop or My Nintendo Store. Bonus Gold Points on game purchases are also available from August 5th to 18th.
From August 19th to 25th, free trials of four unspecified multiplayer Switch games will be offered, followed by a Nintendo Mega Multiplayer game sale from August 26th to September 8th, 2024.

The Future of NSO on Switch 2
With the upcoming Switch 2 on the horizon, the future integration of the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack remains unclear. Nintendo plans to unveil its next console within the current fiscal year.