Pokémon Colosseum and XD: The Dark Console RPGs Return
Pokémon Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness Console RPGs Set for Switch 2
The cult-classic console RPGs, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, are making a long-awaited return. These two titles, originally released for the Nintendo GameCube, are unique entries in the Pokémon franchise due to their dark narrative tone and distinct gameplay mechanics. They are now confirmed to be part of the Nintendo Classics: GameCube library, accessible exclusively through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service on the Nintendo Switch 2.
A Different Kind of Pokémon Adventure
Developed by Genius Sonority, these games took the Pokémon experience out of the traditional gym challenge format and into a more mature, desolate world.
- Darker Tone and Story: Both games are set in the desert region of Orre, a land rife with chaos and crime.
- In Pokémon Colosseum, the protagonist is Wes, a former member of the villainous Team Snagem who starts the game with high-level Pokémon Espeon and Umbreon. His mission is to dismantle the criminal syndicate Cipher.
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness continues the story five years later, featuring a new protagonist, Michael, and the introduction of the powerful Shadow Lugia.
- The Shadow Pokémon Threat: The core story in both titles revolves around Shadow Pokémon, creatures whose hearts have been artificially closed and turned into heartless fighting machines. The player’s goal is “Gotta Save ’em All” by purifying these blighted Pokémon.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
The gameplay in the Orre region titles featured mechanics that completely changed the traditional Pokémon formula.
- Snag Machine: Instead of catching wild Pokémon, players use a Snag Machine to ‘Snag’ or steal Shadow Pokémon from other trainers. This mechanic is essential for progression, as traditional wild Pokémon encounters are either completely absent (Colosseum) or extremely rare (XD).
- Double Battles Only: In a major strategic shift, all trainer battles in Pokémon Colosseum are formatted as Double Battles (two-on-two combat). This forced players to adopt more complex strategies than the single-battle format common in the mainline games.
- Purification Chamber: Once a Shadow Pokémon is captured, it must be purified to restore its heart and return it to normal. Pokémon XD introduced an improved Purification Chamber system to streamline this process.
Launch on Nintendo Switch 2
The re-release will make these sought-after titles much more accessible to a new generation of trainers, as original GameCube copies command high prices across the globe.
- Platform Exclusivity: Both Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness will be part of the GameCube Classics application, which is exclusive to the Nintendo Switch 2 and requires a subscription to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
- Modern Enhancements: The games are expected to feature higher resolution and enhanced image quality compared to the original GameCube releases. They will also likely include quality-of-life features such as Save States.
- Original Feature Limitations: Due to the nature of the port, it is unlikely that original features—such as the ability to connect with Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire or other Game Boy Advance games to transfer Pokémon—will be supported.
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