GameCube's Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness Will Appear On Switch 2 Soon

Switch 2 is set to see its first GameCube Pokemon title sooner than later. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness will arrive on the system in March, which is just days away, for Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers. Unless a surprise happens before then, it will be the ninth GameCube title for the service.

Nintendo and The Pokemon Company revealed the release window for Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness on Switch 2 at today's Pokemon Presents celebrating the 30th anniversary for the franchise. However, it's been known since April 2025 that Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness was slated for Expansion Pack members at some point. That's because Nintendo announced the title as part of an initial wave of GameCube releases for Switch 2 then--alongside Pokemon Colosseum, which still hasn't come out yet.


Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness originally launched on GameCube in 2005. Shadow Lugia is the featured Pokemon on the game's cover, with Shadow Pokemon in general being a major part of the RPG. We here at GameSpot listed it as one of the best Pokemon spin-offs. Additionally, it's intriguing Nintendo is releasing this game before Pokemon Colosseum on Switch 2, since it's the successor to that title.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack costs $50 annually for individuals, or $80 for families. The basic tier of the service goes for $20 yearly, or $35 for families, but doesn't include GameCube, Nintendo 64, or Game Boy Advance libraries--among other things.

The Pokemon Presents livestream didn't just look to the past. The biggest unveiling at the event was Pokemon Winds and Waves, arriving exclusively on Switch 2 in 2027.

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