All Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: Complete List
Hey Pokémon Trainers! Are you ready to dive into the world of Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch? Let's explore every single Pokémon game available on this awesome console. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie just starting your journey, there’s something here for everyone. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let’s get started!
Core Pokémon Games
When we talk about core Pokémon games, we mean the main series titles that form the backbone of the Pokémon universe. These are the games that typically introduce new regions, new Pokémon, and drive the overall narrative of the Pokémon world. These games are essential for any serious Pokémon fan. Let's dive into what the Nintendo Switch has to offer:
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are your gateway to the Kanto region on the Nintendo Switch. These games are a delightful blend of classic Pokémon gameplay and the innovative mechanics of Pokémon GO. Imagine revisiting the iconic Kanto region with a fresh, vibrant look and feel! These titles are perfect for both newcomers and long-time fans alike. The gameplay is approachable, making it easy for anyone to pick up and play. You start your adventure with either Pikachu or Eevee as your partner, who rides on your shoulder and accompanies you throughout your journey. One of the most significant changes from the traditional games is the encounter system. Instead of battling wild Pokémon to catch them, you use a catching mechanic similar to Pokémon GO, flicking your Joy-Con to toss a Poké Ball. This makes catching Pokémon feel more interactive and engaging. The graphics are a huge step up from previous handheld entries, with the Kanto region brought to life in stunning detail. The towns are bustling, the routes are lush, and the Pokémon themselves look fantastic. Exploring this familiar world in HD is a treat for the eyes. These games also introduce cooperative play. A second player can join you on your adventure by simply shaking a Joy-Con. This allows you to explore the world and battle trainers together, making the game a fun experience to share with friends or family. While Let's Go streamlines some of the traditional Pokémon mechanics, it retains the core elements that make the series so beloved. You'll still battle Gym Leaders, challenge the Elite Four, and strive to become the Pokémon Champion. These games are a fantastic entry point into the world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch and offer a nostalgic trip for veteran players.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield take you to the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom. Get ready, because this region is brimming with new Pokémon, exciting locations, and a compelling storyline. These games mark the first mainline Pokémon RPGs on a home console, bringing a new level of immersion and visual fidelity to the series. One of the standout features of Sword and Shield is the Wild Area. This expansive open-world area allows you to freely explore and encounter a variety of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The weather changes dynamically, affecting which Pokémon appear, adding an element of surprise and exploration to your adventure. The Dynamax phenomenon is another key feature. Pokémon can grow to enormous sizes during battles, adding a new layer of strategy and spectacle. These Dynamax battles often take place in Max Raid Battles, where you team up with other players online to take down powerful Dynamax Pokémon. The Galar region is diverse and captivating, featuring sprawling cities, picturesque countryside, and imposing industrial areas. Each location is richly detailed, making exploration a joy. The characters you meet along the way are memorable and well-developed, adding depth to the story. Pokémon Sword and Shield also introduce new gameplay mechanics, such as the ability to cook and eat curry with your Pokémon, enhancing your bond with them. The graphics are a significant improvement over previous generations, with vibrant colors and detailed environments. While the games faced some criticism for certain graphical limitations, they still offer a visually engaging experience. These games capture the essence of the Pokémon series while pushing it forward with new features and a fresh setting. They are a must-play for any Pokémon fan on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the beloved Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl games, originally released on the Nintendo DS. These remakes bring the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and modern features while staying true to the core gameplay of the originals. These games offer a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a great introduction to the Sinnoh region for new players. One of the most notable aspects of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is their faithful recreation of the Sinnoh region. The towns, routes, and landmarks are all lovingly recreated, preserving the charm and layout of the original games. The updated graphics give the world a fresh and vibrant look, making exploration a delight. The gameplay remains largely unchanged from the original games, with turn-based battles, Pokémon catching, and Gym challenges forming the core experience. However, some modern features have been added to enhance the gameplay, such as the Grand Underground, where you can explore, dig for fossils, and create your Secret Base. The Pokémon Contests have also been revamped, offering a fun and engaging side activity. The characters and storyline of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are virtually identical to the originals, allowing players to relive the classic adventure. You'll encounter familiar faces, battle Team Galactic, and strive to become the Pokémon Champion of the Sinnoh region. The remakes also include quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to change your Pokémon's moves more easily and a more user-friendly interface. While some players have criticized the chibi art style of the overworld characters, the overall visual presentation is a significant upgrade from the Nintendo DS versions. The battles are particularly impressive, with detailed Pokémon models and dynamic animations. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a loving tribute to the original games, offering a faithful and enjoyable experience for both old and new fans. They are a great way to experience the Sinnoh region on the Nintendo Switch.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold departure from the traditional Pokémon formula, offering a unique and immersive open-world experience. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would later become Sinnoh), this game challenges you to explore vast landscapes, study Pokémon behavior, and create the region's first Pokédex. This game is a breath of fresh air for the Pokémon series, offering a new perspective on the world and its creatures. One of the most striking features of Legends: Arceus is its open-world environment. You can freely roam the Hisui region, encountering Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game encourages exploration, with hidden areas, challenging terrain, and a sense of discovery around every corner. The gameplay in Legends: Arceus is a significant departure from the traditional turn-based battles. You can now engage Pokémon in real-time combat, using strategic positioning and quick reflexes to gain the upper hand. Catching Pokémon is also more interactive, requiring you to observe their behavior and use stealth to approach them undetected. The story of Legends: Arceus is compelling and engaging, focusing on the mysteries of the Hisui region and the mythical Pokémon Arceus. You'll uncover ancient secrets, encounter intriguing characters, and learn about the history of the Pokémon world. The game also introduces a crafting system, allowing you to create essential items such as Poké Balls and potions using materials gathered from the environment. This adds a new layer of depth to the gameplay, encouraging you to explore and gather resources. The graphics in Legends: Arceus are a mixed bag, with some areas looking stunning and others appearing less polished. However, the overall visual presentation is a significant step up from previous generations, with detailed Pokémon models and immersive environments. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative game that pushes the boundaries of the Pokémon series. It offers a fresh and exciting experience for both longtime fans and newcomers, making it a must-play on the Nintendo Switch. It's a game that truly captures the spirit of adventure and discovery.
Spin-Off Titles
Okay, so outside the main series, we have some super fun spin-off titles. These games take the Pokémon world and twist it into new and exciting genres. Let's take a look:
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a charming and relaxing photography game that takes you on a journey through the Lental region. As a Pokémon photographer, your mission is to capture stunning photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. This game is a delightful escape into the world of Pokémon, offering a unique and immersive experience. The gameplay in New Pokémon Snap is simple yet engaging. You ride in the NEO-ONE, an auto-driving vehicle, through various courses, observing and photographing Pokémon as you go. The key to taking great photos is to capture Pokémon in interesting poses, interacting with their environment, and displaying unique behaviors. The Lental region is diverse and vibrant, featuring lush jungles, arid deserts, and icy mountains. Each course is teeming with Pokémon, offering plenty of opportunities to capture amazing photos. The game also includes a research element, as you work to uncover the mysteries of the Illumina phenomenon, which causes Pokémon to glow. The graphics in New Pokémon Snap are stunning, with detailed Pokémon models and beautiful environments. The game is a visual treat, bringing the world of Pokémon to life in vibrant detail. New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing and enjoyable game that offers a fresh perspective on the Pokémon world. It's perfect for players of all ages and skill levels, and a must-have for any Pokémon fan. It’s super fun and relaxing!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the classic Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, bringing the beloved dungeon-crawling experience to the Nintendo Switch. In this game, you play as a Pokémon who forms a rescue team to help other Pokémon in need. This game offers a unique and engaging take on the Pokémon universe, with a focus on exploration, strategy, and teamwork. The gameplay in Rescue Team DX revolves around exploring procedurally generated dungeons, battling enemy Pokémon, and rescuing stranded Pokémon. Each dungeon is filled with traps, treasures, and challenging encounters, requiring you to use your skills and strategy to survive. The game features a wide variety of Pokémon to recruit to your rescue team, each with their unique abilities and strengths. Building a balanced and effective team is essential for tackling the more challenging dungeons. The story of Rescue Team DX is heartwarming and engaging, focusing on the bonds between Pokémon and the importance of helping others. You'll encounter a colorful cast of characters, uncover mysteries, and ultimately save the world from disaster. The graphics in Rescue Team DX have been updated with a charming and stylized look, giving the game a fresh and appealing visual presentation. The gameplay remains true to the original games, with turn-based battles and a focus on exploration. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a delightful and engaging game that offers a unique and rewarding experience for Pokémon fans. It's a must-play for anyone who enjoys dungeon-crawling games with a heartwarming story. This is a must for those who love a good story and challenge.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that brings Pokémon battles to a whole new level. In this game, two teams of five players compete to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and enemy players. This game is a fast-paced and strategic take on the Pokémon battles, offering a fun and competitive experience. The gameplay in Pokémon UNITE is fast-paced and strategic, requiring you to work with your team to capture objectives, defeat enemies, and score points. Each Pokémon has unique abilities and roles, and mastering your favorite Pokémon is essential for success. The game features a variety of maps and game modes, each with its own challenges and strategies. You can customize your Pokémon with different held items and emblems, allowing you to tailor their abilities to your play style. Pokémon UNITE is a constantly evolving game, with new Pokémon, maps, and features being added regularly. The game also features a ranked mode, allowing you to compete against other players and climb the leaderboards. The graphics in Pokémon UNITE are vibrant and colorful, with detailed Pokémon models and dynamic battle arenas. The game is optimized for both the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, allowing you to play with your friends regardless of their platform. Pokémon UNITE is a fun and addictive game that offers a unique and engaging experience for Pokémon fans. It's free to play, making it accessible to everyone, and it's constantly updated with new content. The multiplayer aspect is super fun!
Other Notable Pokémon Games
Besides the main titles and spin-offs, there are a few other notable Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch that are worth checking out:
Pokémon Café ReMix
Pokémon Café ReMix is a charming puzzle game where you run a café for Pokémon. You solve puzzles to prepare drinks and dishes for your customers, building relationships with them along the way. It’s a super cute and relaxing game!
Detective Pikachu Returns
Detective Pikachu Returns Is an adventure game where you team up with a talking Pikachu to solve mysteries. Explore Ryme City, gather clues, and unravel the truth behind strange events. This game offers a fun and engaging storyline!
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a fantastic console for Pokémon fans, offering a wide variety of games to suit every taste. Whether you're a fan of the core RPGs, the spin-off titles, or the puzzle games, there's something for everyone on the Nintendo Switch. So, grab your console, pick your favorite game, and embark on your Pokémon adventure today! Happy gaming, trainers!