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

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is officially coming to Nintendo Switch Online’s GameCube library, giving players a new way to access one of the most sought-after Pokemon titles from the mid-2000s without paying collector prices.

Nintendo confirmed the GameCube-era RPG will be added to the service’s classic games lineup in March 2026, bringing the title to modern hardware through the Nintendo Switch Online expansion tier.

The release marks the first time the game has been officially playable on a current Nintendo platform since its original launch on GameCube.

The announcement quickly drew attention online, as Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness has become increasingly expensive on the second-hand market over the years. According to current resale estimates, loose copies sit around $150, complete copies average roughly $224.03, and sealed versions can reach about $584.99.

A fan-favorite GameCube Pokemon title returns

Originally released in 2005, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness serves as a follow-up to Pokemon Colosseum and takes place in the Orre region. The game is known for its darker tone compared to mainline Pokemon entries, focusing on Shadow Pokemon and story-driven battles rather than traditional gym progression.

Because it never received a remake or modern port, physical copies have steadily risen in value as demand from collectors and longtime fans increased. The Nintendo Switch Online release now gives players a digital option without needing original hardware or a physical disc.

Nintendo has not yet shared an exact launch date beyond the March 2026 window, but the announcement confirms the game will join the growing GameCube catalog available through the service.

The addition to Nintendo Switch Online is likely to make the game more accessible for players who have never experienced it, especially those priced out by the current resale market.

While digital availability does not always impact collector pricing, the move gives fans a way to revisit the title without spending hundreds of dollars on physical copies.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness joins a wave of legacy Nintendo titles being added to the Switch ecosystem as the company continues expanding its retro library for subscribers.