Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness comes to Switch 2 as GameCube classic returns

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The popular GameCube game Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is now available on Nintendo Switch Online! This lets players enjoy a rare Pokémon title from the mid-2000s without having to pay high prices to collectors.

Nintendo announced that the GameCube RPG will be available on the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service in March 2026, letting players enjoy the classic game on current systems.

This is the first time the game has been officially available on a modern Nintendo system since it first came out on GameCube.

The announcement gained immediate attention online because the price of Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness has been steadily increasing on the used market. Currently, a game cartridge alone costs around $150, a complete copy with the box and manual averages about $224, and sealed, unopened copies can sell for as much as $585.

A fan-favorite GameCube Pokemon title returns

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, released in 2005, continues the story from Pokemon Colosseum, set in the Orre region. Unlike most Pokemon games, it has a more serious and dramatic feel, emphasizing a story with battles and the unique Shadow Pokemon, instead of simply challenging gym leaders.

Since the game wasn’t updated or re-released, original copies have become more valuable as collectors and fans sought them out. Now, with its availability on Nintendo Switch Online, players can enjoy it digitally without needing the old game cartridge or console.

Nintendo hasn’t announced a specific release date yet, only that the game will be available sometime in March 2026. However, they did confirm it will be added to the collection of GameCube games already offered through the service.

As a big fan, I’m really excited about this coming to Nintendo Switch Online! It’s going to let so many more people finally play the game, especially those who couldn’t afford it because of how expensive it’s gotten on the secondhand market. It’s awesome that Nintendo is making it more accessible to everyone!

Even though being available digitally doesn’t always change how much collectors will pay, it does give fans an affordable way to experience the title without needing to buy expensive physical copies.

Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is one of several classic Nintendo games now available on the Switch, as the company adds more retro titles for its online subscribers.

At the recent Pokemon Presents event celebrating 30 years of Pokemon, a new game called Wind and Wakes was announced, and it’s scheduled to come out in 2027.

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2026-02-27 18:20