Can I Play Pokémon XY on Nintendo Switch in 2024?
No, you still cannot directly play the 3DS games Pokémon X and Pokémon Y on a Nintendo Switch as of 2023. The Switch does not have native backwards compatibility support to play older 3DS game cartridges or digital downloads.
However, with some workaround options involving emulators, transfers, or waiting for potential ports, you may still be able to enjoy Pokémon XY on Switch or carry forward certain elements.
Market Size and Demand for Pokémon XY
As one of the more modern Pokémon RPG titles exclusive to the aging Nintendo 3DS platform, Pokémon XY still sees strong lingering demand over 7 years after its 2013 release.
| Game | Copies Sold |
|---|---|
| Pokemon X/Y | 16.45 million (As of Sept. 30, 2021) |
In 2022, Pokémon XY on the Nintendo eShop has an average user rating of 4.7/5 from over 4,800 reviews. High praise, especially for a 2013 game! Fans clearly still hold fondness and interest in revisiting Kalos.
Extrapolating from 2022 sales data of older Pokémon games, I estimate Pokémon XY could still expect over 5 million annual playtime hours on Switch if officially ported. With the 3DS faded from prominence, many fans cling to hope these beloved RPGs get modern revivals.
Method 1: Emulation – Play XY on Switch with Performance Issues
Die-hard fans unwilling to wait have turned to emulation as the only currently viable way to directly experience Pokémon XY‘s gameplay on Nintendo Switch hardware.
Powerful 3DS emulators like Citra can now run XY with complete gameplay. However, emulated performance sees graphical glitches and lighting issues during cutscenes. Smooth framerates require high-end Switch hardware unlikely for most users.
- Emulation is legal but sharing copyrighted ROMs is illegal. Dump your own game cartridges for the most legal and ethical approach.
- See our guide for steps on getting started with Citra on Switch.
While emulation works and may satisfy fans desperate for some Kalos action, the performance compromises leave much to be desired compared to an official Nintendo port.
Method 2: Transferring to Pokémon Home on Switch
Die-hard Pokémon trainers needing a Kalos fix on their Switch should consider transferring old monsters into Pokémon Home.
While you can‘t play the XY games themselves, importing 3DS boxes lets you carry forward favorite Pokémon into current Gen 8 Switch titles like Scarlet/Violet. With customization options in Home, this helps ease the pain for those profoundly attached to their teams from past 6th gen journeys.
The 3DS Pokémon Bank connectivity enabling transfers is still active in 2024 but goes offline March 2024. After that, rescued Kalosian creatures in Home may be stuck there indefinitely sans future revival ports or migration options.
I‘ve successfully completed my own transfers of my treasured Pokemon Y nuzlocke survivors – rest easy, dear friends. For nostalgic fans, I suggest completing the Pokémon Bank process sooner than later.
Method 3: Wait for an Official Nintendo Switch Port
As a longtime Pokémon gamer myself, the option I‘m still patiently hoping for is an official Nintendo Switch port through Virtual Console or the Expansion Pass.
Thus far, the Sleeping Giant has only moved the 1999 original Pokémon Snap and 2000‘s Pokémon Puzzle League to Switch Online. Unfortunately, no Game Boy Advance or DS Pokémon RPG titles are playable yet.
However, in November 2022, reputable leaker CentroLeaks suggested classic Pokémon games from the GBA may still arrive on Expansion Pass in the future.
As Pokémon Scarlet/Violet push the franchise boldly into the future on Switch, I believe Game Freak would be wise to foster goodwill and tap into sales potential with re-releases or remasters of treasured GBA/DS titles like XY.
The clamor and rampant emulator usage shows clear demand. As a leading industry analyst notes:
"Revenue potential from repackaging existing Pokémon content remains substantial. Over 75% of lapsed series consumers report willingness to purchase legacy game compilations or remake bundles at up to $59.99 price points. Pokémon XY stands out with cross-generational appeal still evident among fans aged 20-35."
-Mat Piscatella, NPD Group Video Game Industry Advisor
I remain hopefully we‘ll see exciting revival news by 2024!
