Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: A Complete Guide

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Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch: A Complete Guide

Hey Pokémon fans! Are you wondering what Pokémon games 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 adventures, offering a mix of classic-style gameplay and innovative new experiences. Let’s break down all the amazing Pokémon games available on the Switch, so you can choose your next adventure.

Core Series Pokémon Games

The core series Pokémon games are the heart and soul of the franchise, delivering the traditional RPG experience that fans know and love. These games typically involve exploring a vast region, catching and training Pokémon, battling Gym Leaders, and ultimately challenging the Elite Four to become the Champion. The Switch offers several core series titles that bring this experience to life with enhanced graphics, new features, and engaging storylines.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the eighth generation of Pokémon games and introduced players to the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom. These games brought with them a host of new features, including the vast, open-world-like Wild Area, where players can encounter Pokémon in their natural habitats and participate in Max Raid Battles with other trainers. The introduction of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing added a new layer of strategy to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to immense sizes and unleash powerful moves. The storyline revolves around uncovering a conspiracy linked to the region's history and battling the mysterious Eternatus. With engaging characters, a compelling narrative, and stunning visuals, Pokémon Sword and Shield offer a memorable Pokémon adventure on the Nintendo Switch. The games received generally positive reviews, with critics praising the expansive Wild Area, the engaging Dynamax battles, and the overall polish of the game. However, some criticized the linearity of the main story and the lack of a fully open world. Despite these criticisms, Pokémon Sword and Shield have become some of the best-selling games on the Nintendo Switch, loved by both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

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

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are reimaginings of the original Pokémon Yellow game, designed to introduce a new generation of players to the world of Pokémon. Set in the Kanto region, these games offer a nostalgic trip for veteran fans while providing a fresh and accessible experience for newcomers. One of the most notable features of these games is the integration of Pokémon GO-style catching mechanics, allowing players to catch Pokémon in the wild using motion controls or button presses. The games also feature a partner Pokémon—Pikachu in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee in Let's Go, Eevee!—that accompanies the player on their journey and can be interacted with in various ways. With their vibrant graphics, charming characters, and intuitive gameplay, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are perfect entry points for anyone looking to get into the Pokémon franchise. The games were well-received by critics, who praised their accessibility, charming visuals, and nostalgic appeal. However, some criticized the simplified catching mechanics and the lack of challenge for experienced players. Nevertheless, the Let's Go games have been a commercial success, introducing a new wave of trainers to the world of Pokémon.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the original Pokémon Diamond and Pearl games, bringing the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with enhanced graphics and modernized features. These games stay true to the original storyline, allowing players to embark on a nostalgic journey to defeat Team Galactic and become the Pokémon League Champion. While the core gameplay remains largely unchanged, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl introduce updated visuals, smoother animations, and quality-of-life improvements that enhance the overall experience. The games also feature the Grand Underground, a vast subterranean area where players can explore, mine for treasure, and encounter rare Pokémon. With their faithful recreation of the original games and added enhancements, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a delightful experience for both long-time fans and newcomers to the Sinnoh region. The games received mixed reviews, with critics praising their faithfulness to the original games but criticizing the lack of significant innovation and the somewhat dated graphics. Despite these criticisms, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have been commercially successful, demonstrating the enduring popularity of the Sinnoh region and the Pokémon franchise as a whole.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus represents a bold new direction for the Pokémon franchise, offering an open-world action RPG experience set in the Hisui region, the ancient past of the Sinnoh region. In this game, players join the Galaxy Expedition Team and set out to create the region's first-ever Pokédex. Legends: Arceus departs from the traditional turn-based battle system, allowing players to seamlessly engage in battles in the open world. The game also introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as crafting, stealth, and Pokémon riding, adding depth and variety to the exploration and discovery. With its expansive world, engaging storyline, and innovative gameplay, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a fresh and immersive Pokémon experience unlike any other. The game was widely praised by critics for its innovative gameplay, expansive world, and engaging storyline. Many reviewers lauded the game as a breath of fresh air for the Pokémon franchise, praising its departure from traditional conventions and its bold new direction. Pokémon Legends: Arceus has been a critical and commercial success, setting a new standard for Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.

Spin-Off Pokémon Games

Beyond the core series titles, the Nintendo Switch also offers a variety of spin-off Pokémon games that explore different genres and gameplay styles. These games provide unique and engaging experiences for Pokémon fans of all ages.

New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap is a long-awaited sequel to the classic Nintendo 64 game, inviting players to embark on a photographic expedition in the Lental region. As a Pokémon photographer, players travel through diverse environments, capturing stunning photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game features a wide variety of Pokémon, each with unique behaviors and interactions, providing endless opportunities for capturing the perfect shot. With its beautiful graphics, charming atmosphere, and addictive gameplay, New Pokémon Snap offers a relaxing and immersive Pokémon experience for players of all ages. The game was well-received by critics, who praised its beautiful visuals, charming atmosphere, and addictive gameplay. Many reviewers lauded the game as a worthy successor to the original Pokémon Snap, praising its attention to detail and its ability to capture the magic of the Pokémon world. New Pokémon Snap has been a commercial success, appealing to both long-time fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team games, bringing the classic dungeon-crawling adventure to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and features. In this game, players take on the role of a Pokémon and form a rescue team to explore randomly generated dungeons, battle enemies, and rescue other Pokémon in need. With its charming characters, engaging storyline, and challenging gameplay, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX offers a unique and rewarding Pokémon experience. The game received mixed reviews, with critics praising its charming characters and engaging storyline but criticizing its repetitive gameplay and dated mechanics. Despite these criticisms, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX has been a commercial success, appealing to fans of the original games and newcomers alike.

Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game that pits two teams of five players against each other in fast-paced, strategic battles. Players choose from a roster of iconic Pokémon and work together to score points, defeat opponents, and control key areas of the arena. With its accessible gameplay, vibrant graphics, and competitive multiplayer action, Pokémon Unite offers a unique and engaging Pokémon experience for players of all skill levels. The game has been a commercial success, attracting a large and active player base. Pokémon Unite is constantly updated with new Pokémon, maps, and features, ensuring that the game remains fresh and engaging for players of all levels.

Pokémon Stadium Games on Nintendo Switch Online

Nintendo Switch Online has some hidden gems to consider!

Pokémon Stadium

Available through Nintendo Switch Online's Nintendo 64 library, Pokémon Stadium lets you battle using Pokémon you've trained in other games (via the Transfer Pak) or rental Pokémon. It’s a classic experience for those who grew up with the N64 era.

Pokémon Stadium 2

Also on Nintendo Switch Online, Pokémon Stadium 2 includes Pokémon from Gold and Silver, expanding the roster and challenges. These games are great for reliving the old-school battling experience.

Which Pokémon Game Should You Choose?

Choosing the right Pokémon game for your Nintendo Switch depends on your personal preferences and interests.

  • For traditional RPG fans: Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus offer engaging storylines, vast regions to explore, and challenging battles.
  • For newcomers to the franchise: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are accessible and charming entry points that introduce the world of Pokémon in a fun and engaging way.
  • For photography enthusiasts: New Pokémon Snap offers a relaxing and immersive experience that allows you to capture stunning photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats.
  • For dungeon-crawling fans: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX offers a challenging and rewarding adventure with charming characters and randomly generated dungeons.
  • For competitive gamers: Pokémon Unite offers fast-paced, strategic battles that require teamwork and skill.
  • For nostalgic gamers: Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium 2 offer a throwback to the classic battling experience of the Nintendo 64 era.

No matter which Pokémon game you choose, you're sure to have a fantastic adventure on the Nintendo Switch. So grab your Switch, choose your starter Pokémon, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey!