One of the Most Controversial Pokemon Spin-Offs Released 20 Years Ago (And It Could Make a Comeback)

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Throughout the history of the franchise, many Pokemon spin-off games have been released. Some, such as Pokemon Snap, proved incredibly popular and have since received new versions or remakes. Others have been more divisive, appealing to some players but not to others. Regardless of your opinion on these games that branch off from the main series, it’s clear that Pokemon isn’t afraid to try new things. And with Pokemon Pokopia coming soon, that trend doesn’t seem likely to stop. Specifically, one GameCube spin-off continues to spark debate: Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness first came out in North America on October 3rd, 2005. That makes the game 20 years old now, and people still debate whether it was a successful spin-off title. Even though opinions are mixed, Gale of Darkness is being considered by Nintendo to be included in the Nintendo Switch 2 Online library of GameCube games. This could mean Gale of Darkness might get another opportunity to win over Pokemon fans who didn’t play it when it was originally released.

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness Was a Critical Failure But a Fan-Beloved Cult Classic

Even though its name is a little confusing, Gale of Darkness came out as a follow-up to the GameCube RPG, Pokemon Colosseum. The original game is now often praised for being innovative, as it combined the battle system of Pokemon Stadium with the storytelling of RPGs. However, Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness has a more complex reputation among both players and reviewers.

Gale of Darkness continues the story five years after the events of Colosseum, offering players a new narrative. However, despite being a sequel, it introduced some notable changes that didn’t resonate with many players, leading to disappointment. A weak storyline and limited content after completing the main game contributed to this feeling. Critics weren’t impressed either, giving it an average score of 64 on Metacritic. For a lot of people, Gale of Darkness didn’t quite measure up to the intricate and immersive experience of the classic Game Boy Pokemon titles. Despite the criticism, the game still maintains a loyal and passionate fanbase.

Currently, replaying Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness can be difficult. Physical copies are hard to find and their prices vary greatly, ranging from $40 to $330 depending on where you look. However, players who have experienced the game believe it deserves more recognition. Many Pokemon fans who played this GameCube RPG say it introduced fresh story ideas and gameplay features, and provided a solid 3D Pokemon adventure when that was still new. This is reflected in the game’s User Score on Metacritic, which gives it an 8.0 rating.

Bringing up Gale of Darkness and Colosseum among Pokemon fans almost always sparks a discussion. Some believe these games rightfully deserve their status as cult classics, while others think they’re overhyped and remembered fondly simply because of nostalgia. However, we’ll soon have a new opportunity to see if those arguments hold up, as it will be easier than ever to revisit these titles.

The GameCube Era Pokemon RPG Could Be Making a Comeback on Switch 2

I was so hyped during the Nintendo Direct earlier this year when they hinted at a bigger GameCube collection coming to the Switch 2! And Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness is definitely one of the games they confirmed will be available eventually. We don’t have a firm release date yet for when this retro title will hit the Switch 2, but I know it’s coming, and that’s awesome!

Because original copies are rare and many players no longer own a GameCube, this release could be a significant development. Gale of Darkness will be much easier to find after 20 years, potentially giving the game a renewed opportunity to win over players. Fans who enjoyed it before can revisit their favorite memories and see if it still holds up. And for those who didn’t play it originally, they’ll finally be able to understand what made it so popular.

When Gale of Darkness is released for the Switch 2, Pokemon players will have a better chance to see if the idea that it was “ahead of its time” holds true. It will be fascinating to watch how well the game does the second time around on Switch 2, and if players’ opinions shift as a result. It’s certainly possible, though, that it could be missed again with so many new and exciting games being released constantly. However, I’m personally excited to play this classic Pokemon spinoff when I get the chance.

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2025-10-04 15:10