You can’t say Nintendo Switch Online is bereft of interesting inclusions, as the next addition to an N64 classic proves.
The Nintendo Switch online subscription service is scheduled to host the Pokémon Puzzle League on July 15th. The N64 puzzle comes on the heels of Pokémon Snap, which arrived on the service last month.
Pokémon Puzzle League will also be the first game added to the Nintendo Switch Online N64 roster outside of the initially announced schedule. As such, we should expect a second wave of games to start appearing periodically throughout this year and potentially the next.
Join Ash, Brock and Misty as they gather in Puzzle Village to compete for the title of Pokémon Puzzle Master!Pokémon Puzzle League is coming to #NintendoSwitch for #NintendoSwitchOnline + Expansion Pack members on 7/15! #Nintendo64 pic.twitter.com/GRC9xa09ZlJuly 8, 2022
You can never have too many Pokemon
Pokémon Puzzle League is a ‘Match 3’ style puzzle game where you swap blocks of various colors. Line up three or more blocks of the same type and they will be removed from the board. By doing this, you hope to be able to chain together blocking line combos to get big scores and make your opponent back off.
Pokémon Puzzle League is somewhat unique as it is closely tied to the Pokémon Gen 1 anime that was airing at the time. As such, it features clips and voice samples from the anime – a pretty rare sight on the N64 in general.
That means you’ll be able to play as and against characters from that iconic first anime season. Ash, Misty and Brock are joined by braves like Gary Oak, Team Rocket and the Elite Four.
Frankly, we’ve been inundated with all sorts of Pokemon titles this year. Pokémon Legends Arceus delighted gamers in January, rocking the tried-and-true formula. And in November, the 9th generation Pokémon Scarlet and Violet games will launch on Nintendo Switch, bringing a new location and a host of new pocket monsters to catch.
While the N64 wasn’t home to a main Pokémon game, it did have many memorable spin-offs. Fortunately, we will eventually also have Pokémon Stadium and its sequel on the Nintendo Switch Online service. Not just for the cinematic battles, but also for those deliciously silly party minigames.