Pokemon Games On Switch: Best To Worst Ranked!

Hey guys! If you're like me, you're probably obsessed with Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch. With so many titles available, it can be tough to know where to start or which ones are actually worth your time. So, I've put together a comprehensive ranking of Pokemon games on the Switch, from the absolute best to the ones you might want to skip. Let's dive in!

1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus absolutely revolutionized the Pokemon gaming experience, and it easily takes the top spot on my list. This game dared to break away from the traditional Pokemon formula, and it did so in spectacular fashion. Instead of rigidly following the gym challenge structure, Arceus throws you into a vast, open world inspired by feudal Japan, where you're tasked with completing the first-ever Pokedex.

The gameplay is incredibly immersive. You're not just walking through routes and battling trainers; you're actively exploring the Hisui region, observing Pokemon in their natural habitats, and sneaking around to catch them without initiating battles. The seamless transition from exploration to battle is a game-changer, making encounters feel dynamic and exciting. The action-based battle system adds another layer of depth, requiring you to dodge attacks and strategically position yourself.

What truly sets Pokemon Legends: Arceus apart is its engaging story. The narrative is rich with lore and mystery, drawing you into the history of the Pokemon world and the origins of the Sinnoh region. The characters are well-developed and memorable, and the sense of discovery and progress is incredibly rewarding. Completing research tasks for each Pokemon adds a unique challenge, encouraging you to learn about their behaviors and habitats.

Visually, the game is stunning. The environments are beautifully rendered, with lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and serene waterways. The Pokemon themselves look fantastic, with detailed models and expressive animations. While there were some initial concerns about performance, updates have significantly improved the overall experience.

Overall, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a must-play for any Pokemon fan. It's a bold and innovative game that pushes the boundaries of what a Pokemon game can be. Whether you're a long-time veteran or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to be captivated by its immersive world, engaging gameplay, and compelling story. This is the future of Pokemon, and I can't wait to see what Game Freak does next.

2. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield marked the beginning of the eighth generation of Pokemon and brought the franchise to the Nintendo Switch with a bang. Set in the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain, these games offer a fresh and exciting adventure filled with new Pokemon, unique features, and a captivating story.

The Galar region is a visually stunning landscape, featuring sprawling cities, rolling hills, and the vast, open-world Wild Area. The Wild Area is a game-changer, allowing players to freely explore a massive zone filled with diverse Pokemon, raid battles, and dynamic weather conditions. This area alone provides countless hours of exploration and discovery.

One of the standout features of Pokemon Sword and Shield is the introduction of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing. These transformations allow Pokemon to grow to gigantic sizes during battles, adding a new layer of strategy and spectacle. The Dynamax battles, especially the Max Raid Battles, are incredibly fun and engaging, encouraging players to team up with friends online to take down powerful Dynamax Pokemon.

The story of Pokemon Sword and Shield is compelling, focusing on the energy crisis in Galar and the mysterious Darkest Day. The characters are well-developed, and the rivalries are intense. The gym challenge is as exciting as ever, with each gym featuring unique challenges and charismatic gym leaders. The post-game content is also substantial, offering new areas to explore, new Pokemon to catch, and new challenges to overcome.

While the games did receive some criticism for their linearity and lack of difficulty, the overall experience is incredibly enjoyable. The new Pokemon are creatively designed and add to the rich tapestry of the Pokemon world. The music is fantastic, with memorable themes that perfectly capture the spirit of the Galar region. Pokemon Sword and Shield are essential titles for any Pokemon fan, offering a blend of classic gameplay and innovative features that make them stand out in the series.

3. Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are charming and nostalgic games that reimagine the classic Pokemon Yellow version for the Nintendo Switch. These games offer a delightful blend of familiar gameplay with modern enhancements, making them perfect for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.

The games are set in the Kanto region, the original setting of the Pokemon franchise. Players embark on a journey to become the Pokemon League Champion, battling gym leaders, catching Pokemon, and uncovering the secrets of Team Rocket. The story is faithful to the original, but with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and new features that make it feel fresh and exciting.

One of the biggest changes in Pokemon: Let's Go is the catching mechanic. Instead of battling wild Pokemon, players use the motion controls of the Joy-Con to throw Poke Balls and catch them. This mechanic is intuitive and engaging, making the process of catching Pokemon more interactive and fun. The games also feature seamless co-op, allowing a second player to join the adventure and assist in battles and catching Pokemon.

The bond between the player and their partner Pokemon, Pikachu or Eevee, is a central theme in these games. The partner Pokemon rides on the player's shoulder, can be customized with outfits and accessories, and even interacts with the environment. This adds a layer of personality and charm to the game, making the adventure feel more personal and engaging.

Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are visually stunning, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and expressive character models. The Kanto region has never looked better, and the Pokemon are beautifully rendered. The music is also fantastic, with updated versions of the classic themes that evoke a sense of nostalgia and excitement.

Overall, these games are a delightful and accessible entry point to the Pokemon series. They offer a perfect blend of classic gameplay and modern enhancements, making them a must-play for any Pokemon fan. Whether you're reliving the nostalgia of the original games or experiencing the Kanto region for the first time, you're sure to be captivated by the charm and adventure of Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

4. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the classic Pokemon Diamond and Pearl versions, bringing the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch. These games offer a nostalgic trip for longtime fans while providing a fresh and accessible experience for new players.

The Sinnoh region is a diverse and captivating landscape, featuring lush forests, snow-capped mountains, and sprawling cities. Players embark on a journey to become the Pokemon League Champion, battling gym leaders, catching Pokemon, and uncovering the mysteries of Team Galactic. The story is faithful to the original, but with updated graphics, enhanced gameplay, and new features that make it feel modern and engaging.

One of the standout features of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is the updated graphics. The games feature a charming chibi art style that brings the Sinnoh region to life in a vibrant and colorful way. The environments are beautifully rendered, and the Pokemon are expressive and detailed. The games also include enhanced animations and visual effects, making battles feel more dynamic and exciting.

The gameplay in Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is largely faithful to the original games. Players explore the Sinnoh region, battling trainers, catching Pokemon, and completing quests. The games also include the Grand Underground, a vast underground area where players can mine for treasures, build secret bases, and encounter rare Pokemon. This adds a new layer of exploration and discovery to the game.

While the games received some criticism for their lack of innovation and faithfulness to the original, they offer a solid and enjoyable Pokemon experience. The story is compelling, the characters are memorable, and the Sinnoh region is as captivating as ever. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are essential titles for any Pokemon fan looking to relive the nostalgia of the original games or experience the Sinnoh region for the first time.

5. New Pokemon Snap

New Pokemon Snap is a unique and charming game that puts you in the role of a Pokemon photographer, exploring the Lental region and capturing stunning photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats. This game offers a refreshing and relaxing departure from the traditional Pokemon battling formula, focusing instead on observation, discovery, and artistic expression.

The Lental region is a diverse and beautiful landscape, featuring lush forests, tropical beaches, and underwater reefs. Players ride in the NEO-ONE, an autonomous vehicle, and travel through various courses, observing Pokemon in their natural behaviors and capturing photos of them. The goal is to fill out your Photodex with the best possible photos of each Pokemon.

One of the standout features of New Pokemon Snap is the attention to detail. The Pokemon are incredibly lifelike, with realistic animations and behaviors. They interact with each other and the environment in ways that feel natural and authentic. The game encourages you to observe their behaviors closely, experiment with different tools and techniques, and capture the perfect shot.

The gameplay in New Pokemon Snap is simple but engaging. Players use a variety of tools, such as fruit, Illumina orbs, and music, to interact with the Pokemon and elicit different reactions. The better the photo, the higher the score. The game also includes a grading system that evaluates photos based on pose, size, direction, and other factors. This adds a layer of challenge and encourages players to improve their photography skills.

New Pokemon Snap is a visually stunning game, with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and expressive Pokemon models. The Lental region is a joy to explore, and the Pokemon are a delight to watch. The game also includes a robust online community where players can share their photos, rate each other's work, and participate in contests.

Overall, New Pokemon Snap is a refreshing and unique entry in the Pokemon series. It offers a relaxing and rewarding experience that is perfect for both casual and hardcore Pokemon fans. Whether you're a seasoned photographer or a newcomer to the series, you're sure to be captivated by the beauty and charm of the Lental region.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! My ranking of Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch, from best to worst. Of course, this is just my opinion, and your mileage may vary. But I hope this guide helps you decide which games to play and which ones to skip. Happy gaming, and catch 'em all!