Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness joined Nintendo’s GameCube Classics catalog for Nintendo Switch 2 in March 2026—not today, October 8. Nintendo’s U.S. announcement was dated March 17, and its Singapore announcement followed on March 18; a report that day said the game was available to Switch 2 players with an active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
How to play Pokémon XD on Switch 2
This is a GameCube Classics catalog release, not a separate standalone Switch 2 game purchase. Nintendo says access is through the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics app for Nintendo Switch 2, with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership. Membership is sold separately, and availability may vary by region. Nintendo of America’s March 17 announcement gives the U.S. details; Nintendo Singapore’s March 18 announcement confirms the regional release context.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch™ 2 Edition + Mega Dimension | $99.99 | Buy on Amazon |
What you need
- A Nintendo Switch 2 console.
- Access to Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics.
- An active Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
Nintendo’s France catalog page says GameCube Classics can be played in handheld, tabletop, and TV modes. It also promotes a wireless GameCube controller, but does not say that controller is required for Pokémon XD; treat it as an optional way to play. Nintendo France’s catalog page describes the regional controller offering.
What kind of Pokémon game is it?
The adventure revolves around Shadow Pokémon and an effort to stop an evil organization. Nintendo’s official description says: “Using Shadow Pokémon, an evil organization has unleashed a sinister plot of world domination. With Eevee as your companion, and with the help of numerous friends along the way, you must fight against terrible foes and race against time to snag and purify the Shadow Pokémon and save the world!”
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →#1 Best Overall
The game was originally released for GameCube in 2005, according to Nintendo Life’s March 18, 2026 report. The Switch 2 version places that GameCube title in the Classics catalog.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can you transfer Pokémon from Game Boy Advance games?
No. Nintendo explicitly warns that Pokémon cannot be transferred from Game Boy Advance titles to this release. If transferring a GBA collection is important to your plans, this catalog version does not support that route.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
