Next week’s Pokémon Presents showcase will probably be more of the same, meaning mobile game updates, TCG previews, and hopefully, a Legends: Z-A reveal. On paper, that’s not a bad presentation at all, but it sure would be nice if we got some of those classic games for Switch. A lot of fans want them to be part of NSO, but I would be content if they were $10 downloads.
Ports of the Game Boy titles remain a popular rumor, as fans desperately want to play these games on modern platforms. While the Switch does have the Stadium games on N64 and the TCG Game Boy Color title, they still don’t have the classic RPGs fans desire. It would be really easy money for Nintendo and they know fans would pay up just to play them on a Switch.
Many fans are hoping that the Pokémon Presents next week will finally give us those classic games we all know and love. It would be a fitting way to start the Switch’s end since Nintendo and Game Freak have done this for the 3DS. We got re-releases of the classic Game Boy titles on 3DS a few years before the system’s eShop closed down and they were always top sellers.
While the modern games are pretty great in their own right, including Scarlet and Violet, don’t @ me, they are missing the charm these Game Boy RPGs had. The simple sprites and classic sound effects just have a pull on gamers that modern titles can’t seem to capture. It’s the joy of having a simple RPG packed with grinding.
Admittedly, the Switch is filled with similar games that could scratch this itch. Beyond the Pokémon Let’s Go remakes and modern titles, there are also “clones” that bring their unique ideas to the table. Nexomon, Coromon, Monster Sanctuary, and Cassette Beasts all have something that fans of this franchise will enjoy, with sprite-like visuals to boot.
But even with all of those games on Switch, us fans can’t help but go back to those classic RPGs. There’s just something about the classic sprites and simple grinding mechanics that make it incredibly easy to go back to. How fans do it is entirely up to them, though I love playing these games on an Anbernic.
Regardless of what happens in next week’s Pokémon Presents, we can only hope that the classic games get some kind of re-release. Whether it’s through NSO or paid purchases, having these RPGs on Nintendo Switch would be ideal. These games would also be playable on the Switch 2, so we shouldn’t have to wait for a next-gen release.