Pokémon Stadium is finally coming to Nintendo Switch

Nintendo has listened to our prayers and is finally giving us one of the most beloved N64 Pokémon games we’ve been begging for: Pokémon Stadium.

We’ve had to wait a long time for this, but Nintendo has announced that Pokémon Stadium is coming to the Switch on 12 April 2023. But before you celebrate, do keep in mind that you need a Nintendo Online Expansion Pack to gain access to this goldmine of a classic. Still, it seems a small price to pay for all the nostalgia we’re about to get hit in the face with – I, for one, can’t wait!

If you’re worried that all those 1999 features you loved have been removed or changed, fear not because we’re getting the Pokémon Stadium we remember. Fans will be able to storm the Gym Leader castle, frustratingly rage quit the mini games, and compete for a chance to take home a shiny trophy or two. However, a few extras have been included to make the game even more accessible, especially for new audiences, most notably 4-player online battles.

As tempting as it is to start planning which Pokémon you’re going to transfer into your Pokémon Stadium save, I have to break the news to you that such a service won’t be available. However, while our favourite teams from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have to remain in Paldea, fans can take comfort in knowing Pokémon Stadium won’t be the last retro game of the franchise coming to the Switch.

Pokémon Stadium 2 has also been confirmed, though no official release date has been given. Whether this will then open the floodgates for other classic Pokémon titles, like Pokémon Silver and Gold, which is still a “mind-blowing moment” for fans, is anyone’s guess. Even so, considering the enormous following those games still have, it’s a smart and obvious move for Nintendo to eventually make.

No matter how long it takes before we have the full back catalogue of Pokémon titles, at least we don’t have long to wait for Pokémon Stadium. Make sure to remember the date – 12 April 2023 – and maybe take that time off work you’ve been planning.