Nintendo continues to fuel fans’ nostalgia with its latest retro release—this time adding the iconic Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team to the Game Boy Advance library available through the Switch Online + Expansion Pack service.
Released on August 9, 2024, this update gives subscribers access to one of the most beloved spin-offs in the Pokémon franchise. It’s part of Nintendo’s ongoing effort to expand its library of classic games from the Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and other legacy platforms.
Why This Addition Matters
Originally launched in 2005, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team broke away from the standard Pokémon formula. Instead of playing as a trainer, you wake up as a Pokémon and form a rescue team with other Pokémon, journeying through procedurally generated dungeons, completing missions, and uncovering a larger mystery about the world—and yourself.
Its emotionally rich storytelling, paired with strategic turn-based gameplay and charming pixel art, made it a cult favorite among fans and a gateway to a successful series of sequels.
How to Play on Nintendo Switch
The title is now available through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, which provides access to Game Boy Advance titles as well as Nintendo 64, SEGA Genesis, and more. Players simply need an active subscription to download and enjoy the game at no additional cost.
- Subscription Required: Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Platform: Game Boy Advance (via emulator)
- Genre: Dungeon-crawler RPG
What Else Is in the GBA Library?
Nintendo has slowly been adding new titles to its GBA lineup. Other popular games already available include:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap
- Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga
- Metroid Fusion
- Fire Emblem: The Blazing Blade
With the addition of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Nintendo continues to highlight its strategy of delivering value to retro fans while bridging generations of players with content that’s both nostalgic and timeless.
