5 Classic Games from the 2000s That Need a Switch Re-Release Like Pokemon LeafGreen & FireRed

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Thanks to services like Nintendo Switch Online and the trend of remaking older games, it’s become easier to play classic Nintendo titles. However, some of the most popular games from the 2000s have been hard to find on current consoles like the Switch – especially the older Pokemon games, which haven’t been officially released for the system… until now! Nintendo recently announced that Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen will be available as separate downloads on the Switch eShop.

The Pokémon Company is trying something new with these game releases. They’ve traditionally focused on remaking older games, but now they’re bringing classics to modern systems. This has fans excited about the possibility of seeing even more beloved Pokémon titles – and other games from the 2000s – available on the Switch, letting us experience those games again. With FireRed and LeafGreen bringing the original Kanto region to the Switch, here are five other games from Nintendo’s past that deserve a re-release.

5) Nintendogs

I’m going to keep encouraging Nintendo to revive the Nintendogs series – I really think it’s time! With more people enjoying relaxing games and the new Switch potentially having a built-in microphone again, Nintendogs would be perfect for a comeback. Releasing it on the Switch and the next console would be fantastic for fans who love pets or remember the original, and it would likely be a successful move for Nintendo too.

When Nintendogs came out in 2005, it was a huge success. It’s actually one of the best-selling games of the entire decade! While many new simulation games have been released since then, very few pet games have captured the same charm as the original Nintendogs. Nintendo, please bring it back!

4) The Sims: Bustin’ Out

Back in the day, the creators of The Sims experimented with a lot of different spin-off games alongside the main PC versions. One of the most unusual, but surprisingly fun, was The Sims: Bustin’ Out, released in 2003. It was available on multiple platforms, including the Game Boy Advance, GameCube, PlayStation 2, and Xbox. Unlike the core Sims games, Bustin’ Out focused more on a story. The versions for GameCube and Game Boy Advance each had their own unique storylines, and I’d really enjoy playing them again now.

Both The Sims: Bustin’ Out and its follow-up, The Urbz: Sims in the City, added more directed goals to the traditional life simulation gameplay. Players progressed through a main story while still enjoying the social interactions that made The Sims popular. However, since these games were only released on consoles, they’re harder to play now than the PC versions, and it’s time that changed.

3) Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

I think the Harry Potter games on the Game Boy were the best. I especially enjoy Chamber of Secrets for the Game Boy Advance and find myself wanting to replay it several times a year. Unfortunately, I don’t have the game or a Game Boy Advance anymore. That’s why I’d really like to see these games released on the Nintendo Switch. Ideally, I’d prefer to be able to purchase them individually, rather than needing the Expansion Pack for Nintendo Switch Online.

Even though it was based on the movie, the Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets game took most of its content from the books. It added scenes that weren’t in the film and included enjoyable side activities like a gnome-tossing game and a collectible card system. If this game were ever available on the Nintendo Switch, I’d buy it immediately.

2) Animal Crossing

I remember hearing about the very first Animal Crossing – it originally came out in Japan for the Nintendo 64. It finally made its way to North America on the GameCube in 2002, and the series just exploded from there! New Horizons brought in so many new fans, which is awesome. It’s a shame though, the original game has never been updated or re-released for any of the newer consoles.

Even though the Switch 2 version of New Horizons came out last year, a completely new Animal Crossing game is likely still a long way off. What a great way to celebrate the series than by letting players experience the original game! And for fans who started with New Horizons, this would be a chance to see how the series began. Just a warning though – the villagers in the older game could be quite rude by today’s standards if Nintendo ever decides to remake it.

1) Pokemon Crystal

I definitely want to see more classic Pokémon games released on the Nintendo Switch! While I’d be happy with them all eventually, if I could pick just one, it would be Pokémon Crystal. That game is what really made me a lifelong fan, and I’d love to play it again on the Switch. Plus, even now, it’s a great game and a noticeable improvement over Pokémon Gold and Silver.

I have a soft spot for Pokemon Crystal because it was the first game in the series to let you choose your character’s gender. Beyond that, it has a great story, cleverly uses the day and night cycle, and includes other improvements that make it a standout title. I’m hoping the recent Switch release of LeafGreen and FireRed means Pokemon Crystal will be re-released soon too.

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2026-02-26 01:12