Find out the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch to immerse yourself in one of the longest-running video game franchises of all time.
Nintendo Switch continues to expand its domain in the handheld gaming console market. Despite the arrival of Steam Deck and recent opponents like Asus ROG Ally, the Switch is still going strong thanks to its exclusives.
That’s where the best Pokemon Games on Nintendo Switch take the scene. As one of the most powerful IPs, there is a wide range of Pokemon games you can play on Switch right now. It’s the perfect time, as the games like Palworld are dominating the current gaming landscape.
6. Pokemon Sword and Shield
Sword and Shield represent the eighth generation of Pokemon, meaning that they come with new features and exciting ideas. Although they couldn’t fully meet the fans’ expectations, Sword and Shield serve as a great entry point for the newbies.
While the Dexit issue troubled the launch period of the games, Sword and Shield compensated that process with the introduction of two DLCs. Although they are not the greatest among the fans, Sword and Shield are some of the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch if you’re just getting started with Pokemon.
Thanks to The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra DLCs, these creature-catchers will offer enjoyable gaming sessions.
5. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
For many, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are some of the best entries that the franchise has ever seen. The games come with three great storylines that allow you to explore the open world. Moreover, some great gameplay mechanics alongside solid NPCs make these games unmatched in the franchise.
There are some of the most successful ongoing Pokemon games out there, as well. They feature some of the darkest Pokemons in the series too.
4. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
It’s impossible not to mention the Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl when it comes to the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch. That’s because this pair of remakes strike a solid balance in their gameplay. They offer a rich gameplay formula on top of their solid foundation inspired by Diamond and Pearl on Nintendo DS.
In addition to the faithful reimagination of the original games, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl come with much-needed improvements. These include the essential quality-of-life improvements as well. For all these reasons and more, these are some of the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch. They are also the perfect starting point for those who missed the originals.
The result is brilliant and lovely gameplay that just keeps on giving at every stage of the game.
3. Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu
Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu masterfully offer the most beloved aspects of their predecessor, Pokemon Yellow. This great pair of games are some of the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch.
That’s an expected result as they offer a great blend of the old and the new. If you’re looking for the classic Pokemon experience with some inventive mechanics, dive into Let’s Go Eeve or Let’s Go Pikachu. Become the best trainer in the Kanto region and aim to catch the 151 Pokemon. Here’s hoping Nintendo and The Pokemon Company develop new games like these ones for Nintendo Switch 2 as well.
2. New Pokemon Snap
New Pokemon Snap is a refreshing journey that completely revamps the beloved Pokemon Snap on Nintendo 64. The game takes all the best aspects of its predecessor and successfully reforms it on the Switch.
According to favourable reviews, it’s one of the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch. It comes with a vast difference from the classic “Toss-and-capture” gameplay formula. Your task is to capture the best moments of Pokemon in the wild during your trip into different biomes. It’s also quite entertaining to see the strongest Pokemon in the series just roaming around in their natural habitats.
1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Legends: Arceus is one of the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch. It’s also the most ambitious among them, with its sprawling open world and bold innovations.
The highly-anticipated Legends: Arceus takes the franchise into the past and offers new ways to interact with the Pokemon. The game’s open world allows players to dive into a new journey of becoming a master trainer as well. In the meantime, it also explores the concept of the first Pokedex and provides a bold new direction for the entire series.
It’s definitely one of the best Nintendo Switch exclusives that make the console shine years after its release.
Final Thoughts
Years after its initial release, Nintendo’s gaming handheld has a large arsenal of creature-catchers. Indeed, some of them couldn’t meet the expectations. Still, most of the Pokemon titles on the Switch play great and are well worth your time.
But of course, we suggest you start with the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch if you are just diving into the franchise. The fans, on the other hand, are probably sinking hours into Legends: Arceus.
Author Profile
- My journey into the world of video games began at four, when I was first introduced to arcade machines in 1996. Over the past decades, I've been fortunate enough to witness the incredible evolution of gaming, as it has grown from a niche hobby to a thriving art. Today, I'm dedicated to creating content that celebrates all genres of games. We will talk about them at Player.me.