Pokémon Games On Switch: A Complete List
Hey Pokémon fans! Wondering what Pokémon adventures you can dive into on your Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch has become a fantastic hub for Pokémon games, offering everything from classic remakes to innovative new experiences. Let's break down all the amazing Pokémon titles currently available, so you can decide which ones to add to your collection. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting your Pokémon journey, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let's get started!
Main Series Pokémon Games
The main series Pokémon games are the core of the franchise, delivering the traditional RPG experience that fans know and love. These games typically involve exploring a new region, battling gyms, and thwarting the plans of an evil team, all while collecting and training a diverse team of Pokémon. On the Nintendo Switch, we've seen both classic remakes and entirely new entries that push the boundaries of what a Pokémon game can be. Let's take a closer look at the standout titles in the main series available on the Switch.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were among the first Pokémon games to arrive on the Nintendo Switch, offering a nostalgic trip back to the Kanto region. These games are essentially remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow Version, but with several modern twists and enhancements that make them perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers alike. One of the biggest changes is the integration of gameplay mechanics inspired by Pokémon GO, the popular mobile game. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you now catch them using a motion-controlled throwing mechanic, which adds a fun and interactive element to the experience. This makes catching Pokémon feel more engaging and immersive, especially when playing in handheld mode. The games also feature a cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing you and a friend to explore the Kanto region together. This is a fantastic way to share the adventure and makes battles and exploration even more enjoyable. Another significant addition is the ability to have your Pokémon follow you in the overworld, with Pikachu or Eevee riding on your shoulder. This feature adds a charming and personal touch to the game, making your journey feel even more special. While some traditional fans initially had reservations about the changes, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! proved to be a delightful and accessible entry point into the world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield mark the eighth generation of Pokémon games and introduce players to the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom. These games brought several new features and enhancements to the series, making them a significant step forward for the franchise on the Nintendo Switch. One of the most notable additions is the Wild Area, a vast open-world environment where players can freely explore, encounter wild Pokémon, and participate in Max Raid Battles. The Wild Area offers a sense of freedom and exploration that was previously unseen in Pokémon games, allowing players to control the camera and discover hidden areas and rare Pokémon. Max Raid Battles are another exciting new feature, allowing players to team up with friends online or local to battle Dynamax Pokémon, which are giant-sized versions of regular Pokémon. These battles are challenging and rewarding, offering the chance to catch powerful Pokémon and earn valuable items. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield also introduced Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which are temporary transformations that increase the size and power of Pokémon during battles. These transformations add a strategic element to battles, as players must carefully choose when to use them to gain an advantage. The story of Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield revolves around the Darkest Day, a legendary event that threatened the Galar region in the past. Players must team up with the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta to uncover the truth behind the Darkest Day and protect the region from a new threat. The games also feature a diverse cast of characters, including gym leaders, rivals, and villains, who add depth and personality to the story. Overall, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield offer a compelling and engaging Pokémon experience with their new features, open-world exploration, and dynamic battles.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. These games bring the beloved Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and modern features, while staying true to the original gameplay and story. For many fans, Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl hold a special place in their hearts, and these remakes aim to capture the nostalgia and charm of the original games. One of the key features of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl is the enhanced visual presentation. The games feature updated character models, environments, and battle animations, bringing the Sinnoh region to life in vibrant detail. The overworld has been redesigned with a charming chibi art style, while battles feature more detailed and dynamic character models. While the visual style may not appeal to everyone, it stays true to the spirit of the original games and adds a fresh coat of paint to the classic experience. The gameplay in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl remains largely unchanged from the original games. Players explore the Sinnoh region, battle gym leaders, and confront Team Galactic, a nefarious organization with plans to reshape the world. The games also feature a variety of side quests and activities, such as exploring the Underground, participating in Pokémon Contests, and catching legendary Pokémon. One of the new features in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl is the Grand Underground, an expanded version of the Underground from the original games. The Grand Underground allows players to dig for fossils, build secret bases, and encounter rare Pokémon in special hideaways. This adds a new layer of exploration and customization to the game, giving players more reasons to explore the Sinnoh region. Overall, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are faithful and enjoyable remakes that will appeal to fans of the original games and newcomers alike. They offer a nostalgic trip back to the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and modern features, while staying true to the core gameplay and story that made the originals so beloved.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative entry in the Pokémon series, taking players to the ancient Hisui region, which would eventually become the Sinnoh region. This game breaks away from many of the traditional conventions of Pokémon games, offering a more open-world experience with a focus on exploration and discovery. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in a time when humans and Pokémon did not coexist as closely as they do in modern Pokémon games. Players take on the role of a researcher who is tasked with creating the first Pokémon encyclopedia, known as the Pokédex. This involves exploring the vast and untamed Hisui region, observing Pokémon in their natural habitats, and battling them to gather data. One of the biggest changes in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the way that Pokémon are encountered and battled. Instead of random encounters, Pokémon roam freely in the overworld, and players can choose to approach them stealthily or engage them in battle. Battles take place seamlessly in the overworld, without the need for a separate battle screen. This makes the battles feel more integrated into the environment and adds a sense of dynamism to the gameplay. The game also introduces new battle mechanics, such as Strong Style and Agile Style moves, which allow players to customize their battle strategies and gain an advantage over their opponents. Pokémon Legends: Arceus also features a crafting system, allowing players to create items such as Poké Balls, potions, and smoke bombs using materials gathered from the environment. This adds a new layer of resource management to the game and encourages players to explore the Hisui region thoroughly. The story of Pokémon Legends: Arceus revolves around the mystery of Arceus, the mythical Pokémon said to have created the Pokémon universe. Players must uncover the truth behind Arceus and the strange phenomena occurring in the Hisui region, while also building trust between humans and Pokémon. Overall, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a fresh and exciting take on the Pokémon formula, offering a unique blend of exploration, action, and RPG elements that will appeal to both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
Spin-Off Pokémon Games
In addition to the main series, the Nintendo Switch also offers a variety of spin-off Pokémon games that explore different genres and gameplay styles. These games offer a unique and refreshing take on the Pokémon universe, providing new ways to interact with your favorite Pokémon. Whether you're looking for a fighting game, a puzzle game, or a mystery adventure, there's a Pokémon spin-off on the Switch that's sure to capture your attention. Let's take a closer look at some of the standout spin-off titles available on the platform.
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic, Pokémon Snap. This game takes players on a photographic journey through the Lental region, a lush and diverse archipelago teeming with wild Pokémon. As a Pokémon photographer, your mission is to capture the best possible shots of Pokémon in their natural habitats, documenting their behavior and interactions with the environment. The gameplay in New Pokémon Snap revolves around riding in the NEO-ONE, an automated vehicle that follows a predetermined path through each course. As you ride, you can take photos of Pokémon using your camera, and the game will evaluate your photos based on various criteria, such as composition, pose, and the Pokémon's size and position in the frame. The better your photos, the more points you'll earn, and the higher your score. New Pokémon Snap features over 200 different Pokémon to photograph, each with their own unique behaviors and interactions. Some Pokémon will only appear at certain times of day, while others will only reveal themselves if you trigger certain events. This encourages players to explore each course thoroughly and experiment with different strategies to capture the best possible photos. The game also includes a variety of items that can be used to interact with Pokémon, such as Fluffruit, Illumina Orbs, and Melody Players. These items can be used to lure Pokémon closer, trigger special poses, or even cause them to evolve. New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing and enjoyable game that will appeal to Pokémon fans of all ages. It offers a unique perspective on the Pokémon world, allowing players to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game's challenging photography mechanics and vast array of Pokémon to photograph ensure that there's always something new to discover.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a strategic team battle game developed by TiMi Studio Group, the same team behind Call of Duty: Mobile. In this game, two teams of five players compete against each other to score the most points within a set time limit. Pokémon UNITE combines elements of Pokémon battles with the mechanics of a multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA), creating a unique and engaging gameplay experience. At the start of each match, players choose a Pokémon to control, each with its own unique moves and abilities. As the match progresses, players earn experience points by defeating wild Pokémon and opposing players. These experience points can be used to level up your Pokémon, unlocking new moves and abilities. The goal of the game is to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and depositing them into the opposing team's goals. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins. Pokémon UNITE features a diverse roster of Pokémon to choose from, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some Pokémon are better suited for offense, while others are better suited for defense or support. This encourages players to experiment with different Pokémon and team compositions to find the strategies that work best for them. The game also includes a variety of items that can be used to enhance your Pokémon's abilities or provide tactical advantages. These items can be purchased using in-game currency earned by playing matches. Pokémon UNITE is a free-to-play game, but it also offers optional in-app purchases that can be used to acquire new Pokémon, items, and cosmetic customizations. The game is constantly updated with new content, including new Pokémon, maps, and game modes. Pokémon UNITE is a fast-paced and strategic game that will appeal to Pokémon fans who enjoy competitive multiplayer experiences. It offers a unique blend of Pokémon battles and MOBA mechanics, creating a challenging and rewarding gameplay experience.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team, which were released on the Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. In this game, you play as a human who has been transformed into a Pokémon and must team up with other Pokémon to form a rescue team. Together, you'll explore randomly generated dungeons, battle enemy Pokémon, and rescue stranded Pokémon in need. The gameplay in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is turn-based, with players taking turns moving their Pokémon and using attacks and abilities. Each dungeon is filled with traps and enemies, and players must carefully navigate the environment to avoid danger and reach the exit. As you explore dungeons, you'll find items that can be used to heal your Pokémon, increase their stats, or provide other benefits. You'll also encounter other Pokémon who may join your rescue team, adding to your party's strength and diversity. The story of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX revolves around a series of natural disasters that are plaguing the Pokémon world. As a rescue team, you'll investigate the cause of these disasters and work to prevent them from causing further harm. Along the way, you'll encounter a variety of characters, both Pokémon and human, who will help you on your journey. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX features a charming art style and a heartwarming story that will appeal to Pokémon fans of all ages. The game's randomly generated dungeons and challenging gameplay provide endless replayability, ensuring that there's always something new to discover. The game also includes a variety of quality-of-life improvements over the original games, such as auto-save, auto-move, and the ability to recruit defeated Pokémon.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch offers a fantastic array of Pokémon games, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. From the classic RPG experience of the main series titles to the innovative and unique gameplay of the spin-off games, there's something for every Pokémon fan to enjoy. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or just starting your Pokémon journey, the Nintendo Switch is the perfect platform to explore the Pokémon world and embark on unforgettable adventures. So, grab your Switch, choose your game, and get ready to catch 'em all!