The upcoming Pokemon Presents on July 22, 2025, offers a highly anticipated opportunity to address fan demand for classic Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online—a demand intensified by the closure of the 3DS eShop in March 2023, which created a digital preservation crisis.
Key Takeaways
- The 24-minute runtime suggests that announcements beyond Pokemon Legends: Z-A are likely, with classic game releases a strong possibility.
- Preservation crises escalated when nearly 20 years of Pokemon titles became inaccessible after the 3DS eShop closure, inflating physical cartridge prices to over $200.
- Switch 2’s advanced hardware supports emulation from Game Boy through GameCube, enabling authentic classics with modern features like cloud saves and online trading.
- Top fan requests include the complete set of classics from Red/Blue/Yellow to Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald and GameCube titles like Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness.
- Nintendo is forgoing major revenue as fans turn to secondary markets, with solutions ranging from a premium Pokemon Classics Collection to NSO integration.
The Urgency of Preservation
Pokemon titles that shaped an entire generation are now locked behind unavailable storefronts and prohibitively expensive collectors’ items. Following the closure of the 3DS eShop, beloved entries from across three console generations are effectively lost, unless re-released. With scalper pricing reaching absurd levels for titles like Heart Gold and Soul Silver, access to Pokemon heritage has become a luxury.
Why Now Is the Right Time
The Pokemon Presents event arrives at a moment of immense opportunity. The newly enhanced hardware of the Switch successor makes what was once a technical dream—true emulation of Game Boy through GameCube Pokemon titles—a feasible reality. For the first time, classic titles like Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness can return authentically on modern hardware.
The Power of a 24-Minute Presentation
Pokemon Presents events traditionally run around 15 minutes, meaning this extended duration hints at multiple major announcements. While updates about Pokemon Legends: Z-A are expected, a significant portion could be dedicated to a long-overdue reveal of classic games joining Nintendo Switch Online or launching as part of a collection.
Unprecedented Fan Demand
- Community outcry continues via social media campaigns, Reddit preservation groups, and YouTube retrospectives with millions of views.
- Physical copy pricing validates interest, with complete sets of Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald fetching between $80-$120, excluding many players.
- Nintendo earns nothing on these aftermarket sales, losing revenue while scalpers thrive.
A Preservation Opportunity and a Business Case
Beyond doing right by fans and culture, there’s powerful commercial incentive. A $150-200 Classics Collection could be a bestseller across all age groups, especially among millennial fans reliving their childhood and Gen Z players curious about Pokemon’s roots. Each sale ensures revenue flows back to Nintendo and The Pokemon Company, not third-party resellers.
Alternatively, adding these classics to Nintendo Switch Online could exponentially increase subscriptions. The sheer attachment fans feel toward titles like Red, Blue, and Yellow ensures immediate adoption.
Modern Tech, Nostalgic Gameplay
- Game Boy/Color/GBA titles emulate effortlessly on new hardware while incorporating modern enhancements like cloud saves and save states.
- GameCube emulation now viable, making re-releases of Colosseum and XD: Gale of Darkness possible for the first time in two decades.
- Quality-of-life updates such as rewind features and customizable controls could modernize gameplay without losing what made it special.
Industry Trends and Competitive Pressure
Other publishers are already leading the charge in retro game reissues. Companies like Sega and Capcom regularly bundle beloved games into accessible collections. Nintendo risks missing out on the growing retro culture that values preservation and profit alike.
Legal and Licensing Simplicity
Because Game Freak and Nintendo already hold the rights to most of the source material, licensing hurdles for re-release are minimal. Prior reissues confirmed that soundtrack rights and international distribution can be navigated swiftly, reinforcing the practicality of rollout within 2025.
Community & Cultural Impact
- Content creators would rejoice with easier access for retrospectives and livestreams.
- Historians and designers benefit from restored access to foundational game mechanics and design philosophies.
- New generations experience the series evolution firsthand, growing appreciation for modern iterations.
A Defining Moment for Franchise Legacy
The Pokemon Company has quietly acknowledged this fan feedback. Their increased online engagement with classic content, as well as statements made during recent interviews, hint at a brewing shift toward preservation. In tandem with Nintendo’s forward hardware momentum, all signals point to July 22 being a major pivot point.
Looking Ahead
With an extraordinary 24-minute runtime, more powerful hardware, and overwhelming fan demand, classic Pokemon games have never been closer to returning. Whether through NSO, standalone collection, or a hybrid approach, the moment is here to unlock the franchise’s treasured history for a new generation of fans.
Expect big announcements—perhaps even the long-awaited return of Pokemon Red and Blue, or the revival of GameCube gems like XD: Gale of Darkness. Either way, this Pokemon Presents could mark a turning point where the franchise’s past is no longer locked away but celebrated, preserved, and accessible forever.
Pokemon Presents Event Could Finally Deliver What Fans Have Been Waiting For
The upcoming Pokemon Presents event scheduled for July 22, 2025, spans an impressive 24 minutes, signaling that substantial announcements await. I believe this extended runtime suggests The Pokemon Company has multiple major reveals planned, with classic Pokemon games joining Nintendo Switch Online being a strong possibility.
Perfect Timing for Classic Game Integration
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s anticipated launch creates an ideal window for introducing beloved retro titles to modern audiences. The timing couldn’t be better, as Nintendo continues expanding Switch Online’s retro library while simultaneously building excitement for the next major Pokemon release. I’ve observed how Nintendo strategically uses nostalgia to complement new releases, and adding classic Pokemon games would perfectly bridge generations of fans.
The 24-minute presentation format also provides ample time to showcase how classic titles would integrate with Switch Online’s features. Enhanced online functionality, save states, and rewind features could breathe new life into original Game Boy Pokemon adventures. These quality-of-life improvements would make classic games more accessible to newcomers while satisfying longtime fans who’ve been requesting these additions for years.
Historical Hardware Patterns Support Major Announcements
Nintendo’s established pattern of releasing Pokemon-themed hardware alongside major game launches strengthens speculation about significant reveals during this presentation. The company previously launched special edition consoles for Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, Sword & Shield, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. This consistent approach suggests another limited-edition console could accompany Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
I anticipate that any new hardware announcement would likely coincide with a classic Pokemon game collection or enhanced Switch Online integration. The following elements could potentially be revealed:
- Special edition Switch console featuring Pokemon Legends: Z-A artwork
- Classic Pokemon game bundle with enhanced features
- Expanded Nintendo Switch Online tier specifically for Pokemon content
- Integration with upcoming Pokemon theme park experiences
- Cross-compatibility with other Pokemon media projects
The presentation’s length also allows for coverage of multiple Pokemon projects simultaneously. Detective Pikachu 2 updates, live-action Pokemon series developments, or Pokemon Concierge content could share spotlight time with classic game announcements.
Nintendo’s strategy typically involves creating comprehensive Pokemon experiences that span multiple platforms and media. Adding classic titles to Switch Online would complement existing mobile offerings like Pokemon Sleep while supporting physical locations such as the new Pokemon theme park in Tokyo.
I expect this Pokemon Presents to serve multiple purposes: building anticipation for Pokemon Legends: Z-A, potentially revealing new hardware, and finally addressing fan requests for classic game availability. The extended runtime provides sufficient opportunity to cover these interconnected announcements while demonstrating how each element supports the broader Pokemon ecosystem.
The event’s timing also aligns with Nintendo’s broader strategy of maintaining Switch momentum through diverse content offerings. Classic Pokemon games would represent significant value additions to Switch Online subscriptions while introducing younger audiences to the franchise’s foundational titles. This approach benefits both nostalgia-driven existing fans and newcomers discovering Pokemon’s rich history for the first time.
Almost Two Decades of Classic Pokemon Games Now Nearly Impossible to Play Legally
The closure of the Nintendo 3DS eShop in March 2023 created a significant gap in Pokemon game accessibility that continues to frustrate fans today. With that digital storefront gone, nearly twenty years of Pokemon history became locked away from new players who want to experience these classic adventures legally and affordably.
The Great Pokemon Preservation Crisis
Generation 1 through Generation 7 titles now exist in a legal gray area that makes them extremely difficult to access. Games like Pokemon Black and White, which many consider among the series’ strongest entries, can’t be purchased digitally anymore. Sun and Moon, the most recent games affected by this situation, disappeared from official channels just two years after their initial release on newer hardware.
This preservation crisis extends beyond just a few titles. The affected games include some of the most beloved entries in the franchise:
- Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow (Generation 1)
- Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal (Generation 2)
- Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald (Generation 3)
- Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum (Generation 4)
- Pokemon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 (Generation 5)
- Pokemon X and Y (Generation 6)
- Pokemon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon (Generation 7)
Players who didn’t download these games before the eShop closure now face limited options. They must either hunt down original cartridges and compatible hardware or settle for pre-owned systems with games already installed.
The Secondary Market Explosion
Physical cartridges have become luxury items in the resale market. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver routinely sell for over $200 in complete condition, while even loose cartridges command premium prices. Black and White versions frequently exceed $100, despite being over a decade old.
This pricing surge has created barriers for younger fans and newcomers who want to experience Pokemon’s rich history. The situation becomes even more challenging when considering that many of these games originally retailed for $30-40. Parents looking to introduce their children to classic Pokemon adventures now face sticker shock that makes legitimate purchases prohibitively expensive.
The current state of Pokemon game availability stands in stark contrast to how other major gaming franchises handle their legacy content. While companies like Capcom and Square Enix regularly re-release classic titles on modern platforms, The Pokemon Company has been notably reluctant to make older generations easily accessible.
This accessibility crisis has intensified discussions about Pokemon’s current direction and whether the company should prioritize preserving its gaming heritage. Fans regularly voice frustration on social media about being unable to legally experience games that shaped the franchise’s identity.
The timing couldn’t be more challenging for Pokemon’s broader media expansion. With Detective Pikachu 2 officially confirmed and a live-action Pokemon series being developed by Netflix, new audiences are discovering the franchise but can’t easily access the games that started it all.
Nintendo Switch Online has proven successful in reviving classic Nintendo franchises, making everything from NES classics to Game Boy Advance titles readily available to subscribers. The service’s expansion has included increasingly sophisticated offerings, yet Pokemon remains notably absent from these retro gaming initiatives.
Recent developments in Pokemon media, including Pokemon Concierge and new Tokyo theme park attractions, demonstrate the franchise’s continued cultural relevance. However, this multimedia success makes the gaming preservation gap even more glaring.
The current situation has created an unfortunate irony: as Pokemon’s popularity reaches new heights through diverse media projects, its foundational gaming experiences become increasingly difficult to access through legitimate means.
Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Opens New Possibilities for Classic Game Emulation
The Nintendo Switch 2’s launch on June 5, 2025, brings significant hardware improvements that could revolutionize how classic Pokémon games appear on Nintendo Switch Online. Enhanced processing power and advanced emulation capabilities make previously challenging ports more feasible than ever before.
GameCube Support and Enhanced Emulation Features
The new console’s architecture supports GameCube emulation alongside cloud save functionality, expanding the potential library considerably. NSO already hosts Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance titles, creating a foundation where most mainline Pokémon games could technically find their home. This hardware advancement means games like Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness might finally reach modern audiences through official channels.
The improved emulation framework addresses previous limitations that kept certain titles off the service. Enhanced graphics processing and memory allocation allow for smoother performance while maintaining the authentic feel fans expect from their favorite Pokémon experiences.
Revolutionary Online Features for Classic Pokémon Gaming
New online multiplayer functionality recreates the magic of Game Boy link cable connections in digital form. Players can now trade and battle using classic Pokémon games for the first time on modern hardware without requiring physical cables or multiple systems. This breakthrough addresses one of the most requested features from the Pokémon community.
Additional capabilities include several game-changing features:
- Save data synchronization across different Pokémon versions
- Cross-generational trading between compatible games
- Network battles with players worldwide
- Enhanced friend systems for easier connections
These innovations particularly appeal to long-time fans who remember the social aspects of classic Pokémon gameplay. Trading rare Pokémon or battling friends no longer requires coordination of physical meetups or specialized hardware configurations.
The potential for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet compatibility with classic titles through these systems creates exciting possibilities for bridging generations. Meanwhile, developments like Netflix’s live-action Pokémon series show renewed interest in the franchise’s history.
Cloud save functionality ensures that decades-old save files won’t disappear due to battery failures or hardware malfunctions. This preservation aspect particularly resonates with collectors who’ve maintained their original cartridges for years but worry about long-term data integrity.
The Switch 2’s enhanced capabilities position it perfectly for delivering authentic Pokémon experiences while adding modern conveniences. From Pokémon Sleep’s innovative features to potential classic game integration, the ecosystem continues expanding in exciting directions.
The Complete Library of Classic Pokemon Games Fans Want on Switch Online
The collection of classic Pokemon titles that fans desperately want to see on Nintendo Switch Online stretches across several generations and platforms. I’ve noticed that demand spans from the original Game Boy releases through the GameCube era, creating an extensive wishlist that could transform NSO into a comprehensive Pokemon gaming archive.
Game Boy and Game Boy Color Essentials
The foundation of any classic Pokemon collection begins with the original Game Boy releases. Pokemon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow represent the franchise’s core DNA, while Gold, Silver, and Crystal expanded the formula with day-night cycles and breeding mechanics. These eight titles consistently top fan request lists because they established the blueprint for everything that followed. Crystal particularly stands out as many consider it the definitive second-generation experience with its animated sprites and enhanced storyline.
Game Boy Advance and Beyond
For Game Boy Advance enthusiasts, the wishlist includes:
- FireRed
- LeafGreen
- Ruby
- Sapphire
- Emerald
These titles refined the classic formulas with updated graphics and mechanics while maintaining the spirit of their predecessors. Emerald especially holds a special place in fans’ hearts due to its Battle Frontier and dual legendary storyline.
GameCube representation already has confirmation through Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness joining the Switch 2 GameCube library. These 3D adventures offered a completely different Pokemon experience with shadow Pokemon mechanics and mature storytelling elements.
Spin-off titles add another layer to fan expectations. The Pokemon Trading Card Game and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team already exist on NSO, which strengthens the credibility of future classic Pokemon additions. I see this existing content as proof that Nintendo recognizes the value of preserving Pokemon’s diverse gaming history.
Fan preference often leans heavily toward original versions despite numerous remakes. While HeartGold, SoulSilver, and Omega Ruby modernized beloved classics, many players crave the authentic experience of the originals. The pixel art, chiptune soundtracks, and classic mechanics create an atmosphere that remakes can’t fully replicate.
Recent developments in Pokemon entertainment, including Netflix’s live-action series and new theme park attractions, demonstrate the franchise’s enduring popularity. This cultural momentum could influence Nintendo’s decision to expand classic Pokemon availability on their subscription service.
The combination of nostalgia, accessibility, and preservation makes this classic game library a natural fit for NSO’s expanding catalog.
Nintendo Is Leaving Money on the Table While Fans Pay Premium Prices
Pokemon stands as one of the most lucrative gaming franchises in entertainment history, yet a substantial portion of its legendary back catalog remains frustratingly out of reach for modern players. This accessibility gap represents a glaring missed opportunity that industry analysts and dedicated fans continue to highlight with growing intensity.
The Premium Bundle Opportunity
Speculation around a potential Pokemon Classics Collection bundle has reached fever pitch, with industry insiders suggesting such a release could revolutionize how Nintendo approaches its classic catalog. The rumored collection might feature up to 20 beloved titles, complete with restored online multiplayer functionality and previously exclusive event features that many fans never experienced. Pricing estimates place this theoretical bundle between $150-$200, a premium range that reflects both the quality and demand for these titles.
This pricing strategy wouldn’t just satisfy nostalgic players – it would create a profitable revenue stream from content that already exists. Nintendo could leverage Pokemon’s enduring relevance to justify premium pricing while delivering genuine value through enhanced features and modern conveniences.
Nintendo Switch Online’s Untapped Potential
The most requested mainline Pokemon games could single-handedly transform Nintendo Switch Online from a modest subscription service into an essential membership for millions of players. Currently, fans resort to expensive secondary markets or emulation to access classic titles like Pokemon Red, Blue, Gold, and Silver. Meanwhile, Pokemon’s expanding multimedia presence continues to drive interest in the franchise’s origins.
Adding these foundational games to NSO would immediately boost the service’s perceived value and subscriber retention. The multiplayer trading and battling features that defined Pokemon’s social experience could be seamlessly integrated with modern online infrastructure, creating new reasons for players to maintain active subscriptions.
Nintendo’s cautious approach contrasts sharply with the enthusiasm surrounding upcoming Pokemon projects and entertainment expansions. While new Pokemon content generates excitement, the company continues to overlook the proven demand for classic experiences that shaped gaming culture.
The financial logic seems clear: Pokemon’s back catalog represents tested, beloved content with guaranteed audience appeal. Whether through premium bundles or NSO integration, these games could generate substantial revenue while satisfying long-standing fan requests that have persisted for years.
Sources:
Game Rant – Nintendo Switch Online Pokemon Presents ZA Old Games July 2025
Vice – Nintendo Switch Online Pokemon Games Money
PocketMonsters.net – Nintendo Switch 2 Launches June 5 2025
Bulbagarden – July 2025 Pokemon Presents 24 Minutes
Nintendo Australia – Nintendo Switch Online Magazine June Edition
YouTube – Pokemon Classics Collection Leak Rumors
