Nintendo said that the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack would add Pokemon Stadium 1 and Pokemon Stadium 2 to the Nintendo Switch.
The Nintendo Switch Online versions of the games will be missing an important feature from the original games: the ability to move Pokemon from one game to another. This was an important part of the original release on the N64 because it let players bring their favorite Pokemon from their Game Boy games into Pokemon Stadium, where they could fight in 3D, which may have been the first time this had ever happened in the series.
No transfer options?
No official reason was given for the lack of transfer compatibility, but Joe Merrick of Serebii.net thinks it could be because the Nintendo Switch doesn’t have any Gen I Pokemon games. Merrick explained in a long and detailed Twitter thread that transferring Pokemon from games outside of the Switch ecosystem, like the 3DS Virtual Console or Pokemon HOME, would require jumping over a number of technical hurdles that may have been too hard or time-consuming for the developers to consider.
Without the ability to transfer Pokemon, Switch Online Expansion Pack subscribers will only be able to play Pokemon Stadium 1 and 2 with rented teams, which many fans would say is not the best way to enjoy these games.
About Pokémon Stadium
You can play Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow battles on your Nintendo 64 in a new arena called Pokémon Stadium. Trainers can watch heated 3-D arena battles right from the stands in Pokémon Stadium. Stadium is a must-have for Pokémon fans because it has so many features. For example, you can play your Game Boy Pokémon Red, Blue, or Yellow game on your N64. Pokémon Trainers can fight their Pokémon in turn-based battles, just like in the Game Boy games, but the crazy animations and flashy special attack effects will make your Pokémon come to life like never before. One of the coolest things about Pokémon Stadium is that you can battle with your best Pokémon from the Red, Blue, and Yellow games (sold separately). With the Transfer Pak that comes with the Pokémon Stadium Game Pak and plugs into the bottom of your Controller, you can move data directly from a Game Boy cartridge to your N64.
About Pokémon Stadium 2
The battle to be the best Trainer goes on, and Pokémon Stadium 2 has everything a Pokémon fan could want in a sequel and more. With tougher battles, better graphics, and a stadium full of extras, Pokémon Stadium 2 is geared toward Pokémon fans. Players can upload their own Pokémon from Pokémon Gold, Silver, Yellow, Red, or Blue using the Transfer Pak, which is not included. You must use your own Pokémon in battles with experienced Trainers. If you only use the Rental Pokémon that come with the Pak, you’ll have a hard time.
There are a lot of new moves, Pokémon, and strategies in Pokémon Stadium 2. The academy has a very good set of tutorials and a very complete library of Poké-related information. One to four players can play one of 12 new arcade-style minigames, like Chansey’s egg-catching competition, for a fun break. If you do well in these, you’ll win coins that you can send (using the Transfer Pak) to the Game Corner in Pokémon Crystal, Gold, or Silver. With the Transfer Pak, players can play Pokémon Crystal, Gold, Silver, Yellow, Red, and Blue on a TV and even see how their bedroom is decorated from Pokémon Crystal, Gold, or Silver.
