Since its launch in February 2023, Nintendo Switch Online has been expanding its catalog to include Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance titles, following the successful model of NES and Super NES video games. However, Pokémon fans have noticed one major omission in this growing library: classic Pokémon games are conspicuous by their absence.
In accordance with Meristation, there are compelling reasons to suggest that they are unlikely to ever reach service. The Pokémon games for Game Boy, Color and Advance that we refer to here are the main titles of the series, the appreciated JRPGs that marked an entire generation of players. This includes games like Pokémon Blue/Red Version, Pokémon Gold/Silver Version and Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire Versionamong others.
One of the key reasons behind the absence of these iconic installments on Nintendo Switch Online is the historical policy of Game Freak and Nintendo. Both companies They rarely re-release Pokémon games on other platforms, unless they are remakes. Examples of this are the remakes of Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen and Pokémon Let’s Go, which came to more recent consoles.
However, the original Game Boy games have been a limited exception, released only on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, which was sadly discontinued in March 2023.
The Pokémon HOME key
Integration with Pokémon HOME is another determining factor. If Game Freak and Nintendo decided to release the classic Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch Online, they would have to find a way to connect them with Pokémon HOME.
This storage system is crucial for transferring Pokémon captured in older games to newer titles in the series, such as Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Purple.
However, the main reason behind this omission lies in Nintendo Switch Online emulation features. The service allows players to use features like quick saves, fast loads, and rewind in Game Boy games, which is a problematic feature for Game Freak, known for maintaining strict control over the integrity of the saves in its games.
This rigidity in game management and the existence of a solid competitive scene around Pokémon games make it highly unlikely that we will see Pokémon Game Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online. Instead, the company is more likely to opt for remakes or new experiences.