While developer Game Freak is most well-known for its work on the popular Pokemon series, one game that predates the monster-collecting franchise just hit Nintendo Switch Online. The Sega-published title Pulseman was just added to the Switch's library of classic Genesis games for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers with the Expansion Pack to enjoy, but one may may not be aware that this game was developed by the now-legendary Pokemon developer. With this hidden gem on the Switch, the door has been opened for even the most obscure Pokemon games to make their way to the Switch's online library.
Pulseman's addition through the Nintendo Switch Online library comes alongside three other Sega Genesis titles including Kid Chameleon,Flicky, and Street Fighter 2: Special Champion Edition. In a departure from the Pokemon formula Game Freak has come to be known for, Pulseman is a 2D action-platformer that's more akin to Mega Man or Sonic the Hedgehog. While the game is definitely worth checking out for subscribers, its addition could be even more exciting for Pokemon fans if it means some of the series' less-known spin-off games make it too.
Pulseman on the Switch is a Good Sign for Pokemon Fans
There are a lot more non-Pokemon games that Game Freak has developed than most fans probably realize. Prior to its breakout success, Game Freak developed a handful of puzzle games including Yoshi for the NES and Game Boy, as well as the Japan-exclusive Mario & Wario for the Super Famicom. Even after Pokemon became their primary franchise, the developer still created several games outside the series over the years, including Drill Dozer for the Game Boy Advance and Harmoknight for the 3DS.
With Game Freak's history in puzzle game development, a few Pokemon spin-off titles would be great additions to the Nintendo Switch Online library. While the N64's Pokemon Puzzle League is already available on the service, its sequel and handheld companion title Pokemon Puzzle Challenge would make a worthy addition to Game Boy library on the Switch. The game originally released only a couple of months after the N64 title in North America in 2000, and was notable for the addition of Gen 2 monsters in its puzzle gameplay.
Two other handheld titles that could make their way to the service are Pokemon Pinball and its sequel Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire. The original Pokemon Pinball released for the Game Boy Color in 1999, and it's 2003 sequel on the Game Boy Advance built upon the foundation of the first game by adding new levels featuring the more recent Generation 2 and 3 monsters. Both titles may seem simple, but it's their simplicity that make them the perfect pick-up-and-play titles for the Switch's online library.
While not as obscure as the previously mentioned titles, the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series deserves to have its classic titles included on the Nintendo Switch. The original Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team, released for the Game Boy Advance in 2005, would fit right at home of the Switch, and if Nintendo DS games ever get added to the service it would be the right excuse to release it alongside the DS counterpart Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team. The release of Pulseman on the Switch is a welcome surprise to be sure, but the implications for future obscure Pokemon titles to come to Nintendo Switch Online are almost equally exciting.
