All Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: Complete Guide

Hey there, Pokémon Trainers! Ready to dive into the wonderful world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! This guide will cover every Pokémon game available on the Nintendo Switch, from the mainline adventures to the fun spin-offs. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie just starting your journey, there's something here for everyone. Let's get started!

Mainline Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

Okay, let's kick things off with the big hitters – the mainline Pokémon games! These are the games that follow the classic formula of exploring a region, battling gyms, and catching 'em all. Each title offers a unique adventure, so let's explore what makes each one special.

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

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were the first Pokémon games to grace the Nintendo Switch, launching in November 2018. These games are essentially a reimagining of the classic Pokémon Yellow version, set in the Kanto region. What sets them apart is their integration with Pokémon GO, allowing players to transfer Pokémon caught in the mobile game to their Switch. This feature was a huge draw for Pokémon GO fans, bridging the gap between the mobile and console experiences.

The gameplay in Let's Go is more streamlined than traditional Pokémon games. Instead of random wild Pokémon encounters, you see Pokémon roaming in the overworld, similar to Pokémon GO. Catching Pokémon involves mimicking the throwing motion from Pokémon GO using the Joy-Con controller, which can be a lot of fun! However, some longtime fans missed the traditional battling mechanics for wild Pokémon. Battles against trainers, on the other hand, remain a core part of the experience.

Another notable feature is the co-op mode, where a second player can join in at any time using another Joy-Con. This makes exploring and battling even more enjoyable, especially for families or friends playing together. The graphics are vibrant and charming, bringing the Kanto region to life in a way that hadn't been seen before. While Let's Go might not be the most challenging Pokémon game, it's a delightful and accessible entry point for newcomers and a nostalgic trip for veterans.

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield, released in November 2019, marked the eighth generation of Pokémon games and introduced players to the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain. These games brought with them a host of new features and Pokémon, continuing the series' tradition of innovation.

One of the most significant additions was the Wild Area, a vast, open-world environment where players could freely explore, encounter various Pokémon, and participate in Max Raid Battles. These battles allowed players to team up with others online to take on Dynamax Pokémon, gigantic versions of familiar creatures. The Wild Area added a new layer of depth and excitement to the gameplay, making exploration feel more rewarding than ever before. The sense of scale and the dynamic weather conditions further enhanced the immersive experience.

Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing were other key features, allowing Pokémon to grow to massive sizes during battles. Gigantamax Pokémon also had unique forms, adding a visual spectacle to the battles. These mechanics added a new strategic element to battles, as players had to decide when and how to use Dynamaxing to gain an advantage. The story of Sword and Shield revolves around a mysterious energy causing Pokémon to Dynamax uncontrollably, and it's up to the player to uncover the truth and save the Galar region. With new Pokémon, a captivating story, and innovative gameplay mechanics, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield provided a fresh and exciting experience for fans.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl, released in November 2021, are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. These games take players back to the Sinnoh region, a land rich in mythology and diverse environments. While the graphics have been updated for the Switch, the core gameplay and story remain true to the original games.

Players once again embark on a journey to become the Champion of the Sinnoh region, battling against the nefarious Team Galactic and uncovering the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. The remakes introduce updated character models and environments, giving the Sinnoh region a fresh coat of paint. However, the developers chose to maintain the original game's art style, which divided some fans. Some appreciated the nostalgia, while others felt that the graphics could have been more ambitious.

Despite the mixed opinions on the graphics, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a faithful and enjoyable recreation of the original games. The gameplay remains engaging, with a wide variety of Pokémon to catch and train, challenging gym battles, and a compelling story. For those who missed out on the original Diamond and Pearl or want to relive the experience on the Switch, these remakes are a solid choice. They capture the essence of what made the original games so beloved while adding enough modern touches to make them accessible to new players.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus, released in January 2022, is a major departure from the traditional Pokémon formula. Set in the Hisui region (which would later become the Sinnoh region) in a bygone era, this game emphasizes exploration and Pokémon research. Instead of just battling gym leaders, you're tasked with creating the region's first Pokédex. Sounds cool, right?

The gameplay in Arceus is more action-oriented, with players able to move freely in a 3D environment and sneak up on Pokémon to catch them. Battles are seamless, occurring directly in the overworld without transitioning to a separate battle screen. This makes the world feel more alive and dynamic. You can also craft items, gather resources, and complete various research tasks to fill out the Pokédex. One of the most exciting aspects of Arceus is the ability to ride certain Pokémon, allowing you to traverse the vast landscapes quickly.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a fresh and innovative take on the Pokémon formula, with a strong emphasis on exploration, discovery, and research. It's a must-play for fans looking for a different kind of Pokémon experience. The story is engaging, the gameplay is addictive, and the Hisui region is a joy to explore. It successfully blends action, adventure, and RPG elements into a cohesive and captivating package. Arceus is a bold step forward for the series, showing that Pokémon games can evolve and innovate while still retaining the core elements that fans love.

Pokémon Spin-Off Games on Nintendo Switch

Alright, let's switch gears and check out the Pokémon spin-off games on the Nintendo Switch. These games offer unique gameplay experiences that deviate from the traditional formula, exploring different genres and styles. They're perfect for when you want a break from the main series or just want to try something different.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, released in March 2020, is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team games. In this game, you play as a Pokémon who has been transformed from a human. You team up with other Pokémon to form a rescue team and embark on various missions to help Pokémon in need. This premise is pretty unique, am I right?

The gameplay in Rescue Team DX involves exploring randomly generated dungeons, battling other Pokémon, and collecting items. It's a roguelike RPG, meaning that the dungeons change every time you enter them, and if you faint, you lose your items and have to start over. This can be challenging, but it also adds a lot of replayability. The game features a charming story with memorable characters and a heartwarming message about friendship and helping others. With its colorful graphics, engaging gameplay, and touching narrative, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a delightful spin-off that offers a unique and rewarding experience.

New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap, released in April 2021, is a long-awaited sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic Pokémon Snap. In this game, you play as a Pokémon photographer who travels to various islands in the Lental region, taking pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. It's like a safari, but with Pokémon! The game focuses on capturing the perfect shot, experimenting with different angles, and using items to elicit unique reactions from the Pokémon. You explore various environments, from lush jungles to underwater reefs, each teeming with Pokémon.

As you progress, you'll unlock new areas, items, and lenses, allowing you to capture even more stunning photos. The game features a grading system, where your photos are evaluated based on various criteria, such as pose, size, and direction. This encourages you to experiment and improve your photography skills. New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing and visually stunning game that offers a unique perspective on the Pokémon world. It's a must-play for fans of photography and nature, offering a peaceful and immersive experience.

Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite, released in July 2021, is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed in collaboration with Tencent Games. In this game, two teams of five players battle it out in a real-time arena, trying to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and enemy players. It's a different take on the Pokémon franchise and is available on both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, with cross-platform play.

Players choose from a roster of Pokémon, each with unique abilities and roles, and work together to control key objectives on the map. As you level up during the match, your Pokémon can evolve and learn new moves. The objective is to score more points than the opposing team by depositing them into the enemy's goal zones. Pokémon Unite is a fast-paced and strategic game that requires teamwork and coordination. With its accessible gameplay, diverse roster of Pokémon, and cross-platform play, it's a fun and engaging MOBA for both casual and competitive players.

Other Notable Pokémon Games and Apps on Nintendo Switch

Beyond the mainline and spin-off games, there are also a few other notable Pokémon experiences available on the Nintendo Switch. These include smaller titles and apps that offer unique ways to engage with the Pokémon franchise.

Pokémon Quest

Pokémon Quest is a free-to-start action RPG where you control cube-shaped Pokémon called