Pokemon

How to play Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2 on Nintendo Switch: NSO, online multiplayer, more

Luca Di Marzo
Pokemon Stadium NSO CharizardGame Freak/The Pokemon Company

The Nintendo Switch Online library continues to grow with Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2 now included in the already extensive classic catalog. Here’s how you can play Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2 with NSO and experience the thrill of Pokemon battles and mini-games.

The iconic library of games on the Nintendo Switch continues to grow as Pokemon Stadium 2 has joined the long list of classic titles. Pokemon Stadium was the first Pokemon game to receive a worldwide release on a home console when it became a hit on the Nintendo 64.

Now, a new generation of players can experience the classic Pokemon experience on the Nintendo Switch.

Here’s everything you need to know about Pokemon Stadium 1 and Pokemon Stadium 2 on the Nintendo Switch including how to download the game.

Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch release date

Pokemon Stadium was released on Wednesday, April 12, 2023, and it’s currently available in the Nintendo Switch Online Catalog for those who have the + Expansion Pack subscription tier.

Pokemon Stadium is currently one of the most popular Nintendo 64 games that made its way to the NSO catalog for Switch owners to enjoy, alongside previously released classics such as The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and GoldenEye 007.

Pokemon Stadium 2 on Nintendo Switch release date

Pokemon Stadium 2 was released on Tuesday, August 8, 2023, and it’s currently available in the NSO catalog, for all players who have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription to enjoy.

Pokemon Stadium 2 banner Nintendo 64Game Freak/The Pokemon Company
A new generation of Trainers can now experience the thrill of classic Pokemon Stadium 2 battles.

Pokemon Stadium 2 was announced during August 2023’s Pokemon Presents, and surprisingly, was released immediately after the stream ended.

What is Pokemon Stadium on Nintendo Switch?

When Pokemon Stadium launched in 1999 it broke the mold for a Pokemon game by offering a new battle-oriented experience. In Pokemon Stadium, players are focused on the battling aspect of the series as they face off in various tournaments and challenges.

Pokemon Stadium does not feature a plot or the RPG elements like leveling up Pokemon that stem from mainline games. Instead, players will select teams of Pokemon from the original selection of 151 creatures to duke it out in a stadium environment.

Brock battle Pokemon StadiumGame Freak/The Pokemon Company
Brock is just one of the Kanto Gym Leaders you’ll face.

Players can take on the Gym Leader Castle, where they’ll face off against the Gym Leaders, the Elite Four, and the Champion from the original games.

There are also tournament-like events called Cups that players can grind through, as well as a mini-game mode that was a huge hit when playing with friends.

This time around, it’s important to note that Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Stadium 2 on the Nintendo Switch feature online multiplayer. This means that you’ll be able to create your party of Kanto and Johto Pokemon and challenge other trainers in the stadium.

How to download Pokemon Stadium 1 & 2 on Nintendo Switch

To play Pokemon Stadium 1 and Pokemon Stadium 2 on the Nintendo Switch, players must have purchased an NSO + Expansion Pass membership.

Follow these steps to play Pokemon Stadium 1 and Pokemon Stadium 2 on the Nintendo Switch Online:

  1. Head to the Nintendo Switch Online webpage.
  2. Select Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack from the top menu.
  3. Select Compare Plans.
  4. Purchase a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership.
  5. Open your Nintendo Switch.
  6. On the home screen, open the Nintendo Switch Online tab.
  7. Use the left side to scroll to the Expansion Pack tab.
  8. Find Pokemon Stadium 1 or Pokemon Stadium 2 in the catalog and select download.

The Expansion Pass is needed to play Pokemon Stadium on the Nintendo Switch as it provides access to a catalog of classic games. If you already have an Expansion Pass membership, you can skip to the fifth step.

A one-year Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership currently retails for $49.99 USD / $67,20 CAD / £34.99.

For more, check out some of our other Pokemon guides:

How to connect Pokemon Go to Pokemon Scarlet & Violet | How to heal Pokemon in Pokemon Go | How many Pokemon are there? | Best Pokemon for PvP battles in Pokemon Go | How to get revives in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go best attackers ranked | How to get the Master Ball in Pokemon Go | How to get different Vivillion patterns in Pokemon Go & Scarlet and Violet

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