Can You Buy Retro Pokémon Games on Switch? A Deep Dive for Nostalgic Trainers

The short answer is mostly no, not directly. The Nintendo Switch doesn’t natively support the classic Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance Pokémon games in a way that you can simply purchase them individually from the eShop and play. However, the situation is a bit more nuanced than a simple yes or no. Let’s explore the available options, the limitations, and what the future might hold for retro Pokémon fans itching to relive their childhood adventures on Nintendo’s hybrid console.

The Absence of Direct Purchases

Currently, Nintendo doesn’t offer the original Gen 1 through Gen 3 Pokémon games (Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, Crystal, Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald) for individual purchase on the Nintendo eShop. This is due to several factors, including hardware limitations, business decisions, and the complexities of emulation. The Switch’s architecture isn’t designed to seamlessly run older games without significant modifications or emulation.

Nintendo Switch Online: A Partial Solution

The primary avenue for experiencing retro games on the Switch is through Nintendo Switch Online (NSO). This subscription service provides access to a library of classic games from various Nintendo consoles, including the NES, Super NES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance.

• Game Boy and Game Boy Advance on NSO: As of February 2023, Nintendo began adding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles to the NSO service. However, it’s crucial to understand that not all games are available. Instead, Nintendo curates a selection of titles, adding new ones periodically. The key is the Expansion Pack tier of Nintendo Switch Online.
• What Pokémon games are on NSO?: As of writing, the selection includes Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Stadium 2, which are Pokémon spin-offs. If you want to play main series games, you’re out of luck.
• Limitations of NSO: NSO operates through emulation, meaning the Switch is essentially mimicking the hardware of the older consoles. This can sometimes result in minor graphical or performance quirks, although Nintendo strives to provide a smooth experience. Moreover, you don’t own the games. Your access is contingent on your active NSO subscription. If your subscription lapses, your access to these retro titles is revoked.

Remakes and Remasters: A Modern Twist

Rather than directly offering the original games, Nintendo has opted to remake or remaster certain Pokémon titles for the Switch.

• Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: These are remakes of Pokémon Yellow, offering a modern take on the Kanto region.
• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: These are remakes of the Nintendo DS games Diamond and Pearl, bringing the Sinnoh region to the Switch with updated graphics and features.
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus: While not a direct remake, this title offers a fresh perspective on the Sinnoh region’s past.
• The Pros and Cons of Remakes: Remakes offer enhanced graphics, updated gameplay mechanics, and new features, making them appealing to both newcomers and veterans. However, they often deviate from the original games in certain aspects, which can be a point of contention for purists.

The Emulation Question: A Risky Path

While the Nintendo Switch doesn’t officially support emulating old Pokémon games outside of NSO, the possibility exists through homebrew software and custom firmware. However, this approach is generally not recommended due to several factors:

• Legality: Downloading and playing ROMs (game files) of games you don’t own is a form of piracy and is illegal.
• Warranty Voidance: Modifying your Nintendo Switch’s firmware can void your warranty.
• Security Risks: Downloading ROMs from untrusted sources can expose your device to malware and viruses.
• Technical Expertise: Installing and configuring emulators on the Switch requires a certain level of technical knowledge and risk tolerance.

FAQs: Addressing Your Burning Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about playing retro Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch:

Can I buy Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow on Switch?

No, you cannot directly purchase the original Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions on the Nintendo Switch eShop.

Are Pokémon Gold and Silver available on Switch?

Similarly, the original Pokémon Gold and Silver versions are not available for direct purchase on the Switch.

Will Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire ever come to Switch?

Currently, there’s no official announcement regarding the release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire on the Nintendo Switch eShop. However, they could potentially be added to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in the future.

What classic Pokémon games are currently on Nintendo Switch Online?

As of right now, the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Pokémon Stadium 2 are available for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack members.

Why can’t I just buy the old Pokémon games individually on Switch?

This is primarily a business decision by Nintendo. They may prefer to offer these games through the NSO subscription service to boost subscriber numbers, or they may be focused on remakes as a more profitable avenue.

Is it legal to download ROMs of old Pokémon games if I own the original cartridges?

Even if you own the original cartridges, downloading ROMs is technically still a copyright infringement, as you don’t have the right to make digital copies of the game.

Can I play Pokémon FireRed or LeafGreen on Switch?

The GBA remakes FireRed and LeafGreen are also not directly available for individual purchase on the eShop, but as of writing, they are not available on Nintendo Switch Online.

What is the difference between a remake and a remaster?

A remake is a complete reimagining of a game, often with updated graphics, gameplay, and sometimes story elements. A remaster is a graphical and technical upgrade of the original game, typically with minimal changes to the core gameplay. Let’s Go, Pikachu and Eevee and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl are remakes.

Are there any fan-made Pokémon games available on Switch?

No, Nintendo doesn’t allow fan-made games to be sold or distributed on the Switch eShop.

How much does Nintendo Switch Online cost?

The price of Nintendo Switch Online varies depending on the plan you choose: a regular subscription plan or an Expansion Pack. You will have to check the current subscription prices. The Expansion Pack is required for Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games.

Is the Nintendo Switch Lite a good option for playing Pokémon games?

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a great option for playing Pokémon games in handheld mode. However, it cannot be connected to a TV.

What Pokémon games are not compatible with the Nintendo Switch Lite?

Generally, all Pokémon games designed for handheld mode are compatible with the Switch Lite. Games that require motion controls or detachable Joy-Cons might have limited functionality.

Will Pokémon ever be fully open-world like in other RPGs?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus took a step in that direction. The franchise continues to evolve and potentially incorporate more open-world elements in the future.

Is it worth getting a Nintendo Switch just to play old Pokémon games?

If your sole reason for getting a Nintendo Switch is to play old Pokémon games, it might not be worth the investment, considering the limitations and the availability of alternatives like playing on original hardware or other platforms. However, if you’re interested in other Switch games, including the remakes and new entries in the series, it could be a worthwhile purchase.

Are there any Pokémon-inspired games on Switch that capture the retro feel?

Yes, there are several monster-catching and battling games on the Switch that draw inspiration from Pokémon. For example, games like Temtem, Nexomon, and Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin offer similar gameplay mechanics and can provide a nostalgic experience for fans of retro Pokémon.

The Future of Retro Pokémon on Switch

The future of retro Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch remains uncertain. Nintendo could potentially expand the selection of Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles on Nintendo Switch Online, or they could continue to focus on remakes and new entries in the series. Fan demand and the commercial success of existing remakes will likely play a role in shaping Nintendo’s future decisions. In the meantime, nostalgic trainers will have to rely on Nintendo Switch Online, the available remakes, or alternative platforms to relive their favorite Pokémon memories.

To learn more about the impact of games on education and culture, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. You can also delve deeper into the research and discussions at GamesLearningSociety.org.

This exploration is just one piece of the vast world of gaming, a world constantly evolving and offering new ways to engage with the stories and characters we love.