Best Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked!

Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! Ready to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games? With so many adventures available, it can be tough to choose where to start. Don't worry, I've got you covered! This guide will walk you through some of the best Pokémon experiences you can have on your Switch, from the expansive open-world thrills of Pokémon Legends: Arceus to the classic, comforting gameplay of theLet's Go series.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a revolutionary title that shakes up the traditional Pokémon formula. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would later become Sinnoh), this game emphasizes exploration, discovery, and a more engaging storyline than previous entries. Instead of just battling in arenas, you're out in the wild, catching Pokémon in real-time, and observing their behaviors. This action-RPG approach blends seamlessly with the classic monster-collecting elements we all love.

One of the most significant changes in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the open-world environment. The Hisui region is vast and diverse, filled with lush forests, snowy peaks, and serene lakes. Each area is teeming with Pokémon that roam freely, creating a dynamic and immersive world. You'll find yourself strategizing how to approach and catch different Pokémon, some of which are skittish and will flee if you're not careful, while others are aggressive and will attack on sight. The thrill of sneaking through tall grass or scaling a cliff to find a rare Pokémon is genuinely exciting.

The storyline in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is also a standout feature. You play as a character who's been sent back in time to study Pokémon and complete the region's first Pokédex. As you progress, you'll uncover mysteries surrounding the legendary Pokémon Arceus and the strange rifts in the sky that are causing Pokémon to become frenzied. The narrative is more mature and engaging than in previous games, with well-developed characters and intriguing plot twists that keep you invested in the journey.

Battling in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is also more dynamic. While it retains the turn-based system, the battles feel more integrated into the environment. Pokémon can use Agile Style and Strong Style moves, allowing for strategic decisions that affect the turn order. This adds a layer of depth to the combat, making each battle feel more impactful and rewarding. The boss battles against Noble Pokémon are particularly memorable, requiring you to dodge attacks and throw balms to calm the frenzied creatures.

Overall, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play for any Pokémon fan. It's a bold and innovative game that breathes new life into the franchise. The open-world exploration, engaging storyline, and dynamic battles make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. If you're looking for a fresh and exciting Pokémon experience, this is the game for you.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield brought the mainline Pokémon series to the Nintendo Switch with a bang. Set in the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain, these games introduce players to a new generation of Pokémon, a compelling storyline, and exciting new features like the Wild Area and Dynamaxing. Despite some initial controversies, Sword and Shield offer a solid and enjoyable Pokémon experience that captures the essence of what makes the series great.

The Galar region is a visually stunning and diverse world, ranging from charming countryside towns to industrial cities and snow-covered mountains. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the Pokémon designs are top-notch. Exploring the region feels like a true adventure, with plenty of hidden areas and secrets to discover.

One of the standout features of Pokémon Sword and Shield is the Wild Area. This expansive open-world area is teeming with Pokémon that roam freely, and the weather conditions change dynamically, affecting which Pokémon appear. The Wild Area is a fantastic place to explore, catch Pokémon, and participate in Max Raid Battles, where you team up with other players to take on giant Dynamax Pokémon. These battles are challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to catch rare and powerful Pokémon.

Dynamaxing is another exciting new feature in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It allows Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes during battles, boosting their stats and changing their moves. Dynamaxing adds a new layer of strategy to the combat, as you must decide when to use this powerful ability to turn the tide of battle. The Dynamax battles are visually impressive and create a sense of scale and excitement that's unique to these games.

The storyline in Pokémon Sword and Shield is engaging, with a focus on the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta and the mysterious energy that threatens the Galar region. You play as a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Champion, facing off against rivals and uncovering the secrets of the region. The characters are well-developed, and the plot twists keep you invested in the story.

While Pokémon Sword and Shield received some criticism for its linearity and lack of difficulty, they still offer a fun and engaging Pokémon experience. The new Pokémon, the Wild Area, and Dynamaxing add exciting new elements to the gameplay, and the Galar region is a joy to explore. If you're a fan of the series, Sword and Shield are definitely worth checking out on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are charming and accessible games designed as an introduction to the Pokémon world for new players, while also offering a nostalgic trip for longtime fans. These games are based on Pokémon Yellow and feature simplified gameplay mechanics, making them perfect for younger audiences or those who are new to the series.

One of the biggest changes in Let's Go is the simplified catching mechanic. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you catch them using a motion-controlled Poké Ball throwing system, similar to Pokémon GO. This makes catching Pokémon quick and easy, allowing you to focus on exploring the Kanto region and building your team.

The Kanto region in Let's Go is beautifully recreated, with vibrant colors and charming details. Exploring iconic locations like Viridian Forest, Mt. Moon, and Lavender Town is a nostalgic treat for longtime fans. The game also features updated graphics and animations, bringing the classic Pokémon to life in a whole new way.

Another standout feature of Let's Go is the integration with Pokémon GO. You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Let's Go, allowing you to bring your favorite Pokémon from the mobile game to the Nintendo Switch. This adds a fun and engaging element to the gameplay, especially for those who are already invested in Pokémon GO.

The storyline in Let's Go follows the classic Pokémon Yellow plot, with you playing as a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Pokémon League Champion. Along the way, you'll encounter familiar characters like Brock, Misty, and Team Rocket, and battle against powerful gym leaders. The story is simple but charming, and it's a great way to experience the classic Pokémon adventure.

While Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! may not be for everyone, they offer a fun and accessible Pokémon experience that's perfect for new players and longtime fans alike. The simplified gameplay, charming graphics, and integration with Pokémon GO make these games a unique and enjoyable addition to the Pokémon series on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. These games bring the Sinnoh region to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and modern features while staying true to the original gameplay and storyline. For fans who grew up with the original games, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane.

The Sinnoh region is beautifully recreated in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, with updated graphics that bring the world to life. Exploring familiar locations like Twinleaf Town, Jubilife City, and Mt. Coronet is a treat for longtime fans. The game also features updated character models and animations, making the Pokémon and trainers look better than ever.

One of the key features of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is the return of the Underground. This expansive underground area allows you to dig for fossils, create secret bases, and interact with other players online. The Underground adds a fun and engaging element to the gameplay, and it's a great way to collect rare items and Pokémon.

The storyline in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl follows the same plot as the original games, with you playing as a young trainer who sets out on a journey to become the Pokémon League Champion. Along the way, you'll encounter familiar characters like Dawn, Barry, and Team Galactic, and battle against powerful gym leaders and the Elite Four. The story is classic Pokémon fare, with themes of friendship, perseverance, and the importance of protecting the environment.

While Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl received some criticism for their lack of innovation and faithfulness to the original games, they still offer a solid and enjoyable Pokémon experience. The updated graphics, the return of the Underground, and the classic storyline make these games a worthwhile addition to the Pokémon series on the Nintendo Switch. If you're a fan of the original games or looking for a classic Pokémon adventure, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are definitely worth checking out.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the latest installments in the Pokémon series, introducing an open-world experience set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula. These games offer a fresh take on the Pokémon formula, with a focus on exploration, customization, and a branching storyline.

The Paldea region is vast and diverse, with sprawling landscapes, bustling cities, and hidden secrets to discover. The open-world design allows you to explore the region at your own pace, with no set path to follow. This freedom of exploration is a welcome change from previous games in the series, and it makes the world feel more alive and engaging.

One of the standout features of Scarlet and Violet is the ability to customize your character's appearance. You can change your hairstyle, clothing, and accessories to create a unique look that reflects your personal style. This level of customization adds a personal touch to the game and allows you to express yourself in the Pokémon world.

The storyline in Scarlet and Violet is divided into three main paths, each with its own unique objectives and challenges. You can choose to focus on becoming the Pokémon League Champion, investigating the mysterious Area Zero, or helping a student uncover the secrets of the Herba Mystica. This branching storyline gives you more control over your adventure and allows you to tailor your experience to your interests.

While Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have been criticized for their technical issues and performance problems, they still offer a fun and engaging Pokémon experience. The open-world exploration, character customization, and branching storyline make these games a unique and worthwhile addition to the Pokémon series on the Nintendo Switch. If you're willing to overlook the technical issues, Scarlet and Violet are definitely worth checking out for their innovative gameplay and fresh take on the Pokémon formula.

So, there you have it – a rundown of some of the best Pokémon games you can play on the Nintendo Switch! Whether you're into exploring vast open worlds, reliving classic adventures, or diving into new storylines, there's a Pokémon game on the Switch for everyone. Happy gaming, and catch 'em all!