Top 11 Pokemon Games for the Nintendo Switch

The Pokemon Franchise remains one of the most popular and beloved animated creations. And considering it’s Japanese, it’s no surprise. Nobody does it better than them. From the good old days of the Game Boy advance to the current Nintendo Switch and mobile gaming, the franchise has come a long way. The new Pokemon games have shifted from the 2.5D perspective they were known for, and have moved into titles that match the graphics of AAA titles like Witcher 3.

Nintendo has always closely worked with Gamefreak on Pokemon. Players have been treated to well over 100 different games from the classic ruby, emerald, sapphire etc to the latest, modernized versions with AR like Pokemon Go. With the Switch being Nintendo’s current console, the focus has shifted to making Pokemon games suited for the Switch. And Switch players have gotten 11 such games. It can be hard to decide which games were a hit and which ones could have been better. In this article, we rank the Pokemon titles according to how well they have been made for the Switch.

Ranking all 11 Pokemon Games on the Nintendo Switch from lowest to highest

11. Pokémon Quest

Kicking off the Switch era, Pokémon Quest introduced a free-to-play mobile game experience that left many fans yearning for more substance. With minimal player involvement, the core gameplay involved Pokémon wandering and auto-attacking, coupled with micromanaging and cooking mechanics.

The game was not something the players were used to and in the end, the game gets overshadowed by the better titles on the list.

10. Pokémon Cafe ReMix

Slightly better received than its predecessor, Pokémon Cafe ReMix comes in a familiar mobile game style. Despite being a reiteration of gameplay mechanics from similar games, the art style and the cozy ambiance of the café setting make it a much nicer game to kick back to. Yet, somehow this game didn’t reach the peak popularity of Pokemon Quest.

9. New Pokémon Snap

Snap introduces a new way to enjoy Pokemon. The game gives players a camera and asks them to go wild with capturing amazing pictures of the lovable monsters. This game changes the tried and tested formula of capturing Pokemon and sticks to taking pictures and enjoying them being in their natural habitat.

This game is stunning to look at, but it is not considered a mainline game that Gamefreak established.

8. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Considered by some as underwhelming releases, the Gen 4 remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, failed to fully capture the essence of their DS predecessors. While they brought improvements, such as separating HM moves from Pokémon, they failed at showcasing what was possible from a main series game on the Switch.

Despite selling extremely well, the game lacks the polish that 2.5D games from the past have had.

7. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Taking a nostalgic turn, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon DX charmed players with its distinctive art style. This game has been the rank one game for many Pokemon players in the past because of its art style and shift in mechanics to show a story from the monster’s perspective.

Coming in as a remake of the first spin-off game, the plot of a human being transformed into a Pokemon to carry out missions that include rescuing Pokémon, delivering items, and escorting clients.

6. Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu

Serving as a nostalgic homage to Gen 1, Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu faced criticism for their limited multiplayer and short shelf life. However, the games’ positives include co-op gameplay, delightful music, and shiny hunting.

The game takes players back to Kanto to revisit some of the franchise’s most iconic locations like Vermillion City and Mt. Moon in 3D. This game does complete justice for being a Gen 1 remake as it gives newer players a chance to experience where it all began while enjoying the game with graphics that hold up today.

5. Pokkén Tournament DX

A Switch port of the Wii U game, Pokkén Tournament, this game is another spin-off game that brings many Pokemon fans’ dreams to life. Traditionally, Pokemon has mainly been a turn-based strategy game. But after watching the anime, one thing players always wanted was to see the Pokemon in action in real-time. The game is a fresh take on the series with players being able to enjoy real-time, Tekken-styled combat.

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4. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Stepping into the Galar region, Pokémon Sword and Shield struck a balance between the familiar and the innovative mechanics. This game came with a fresh take on Pokemon designs and introduced the over-world encounters. This is a huge transition to players finding Pokemon while walking in tall grass.

The game ‘switches’ from locked camera angles to giving players freedom to explore the 3d world in wild areas. Although this was a game that marked the transition phase of the franchise, it was still a brilliant one at that.

3. Pokémon Unite

Pokemon Unite is the last game that players can find on mobile devices from this list. This game is a MOBA reimagination of the franchise to compete with games like Mobile Legends. The game is a fresh take on the MOBA genre with players needing to score more points as opposed to breaking enemy towers and bases.

Players get to pick from a long list of their favorite Pokemon and battle it out in a game where teamwork and reflexes are the main factors.

2. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Boldly pushing into a fully 3D realm, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offered a different experience with an open-world approach. The latest game in the series introduces the new tera-type mechanic, and it leads the PvP scene when it comes to meta.

There are many new Pokemon like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly introduced in the game. Players obtain the box art legendaries at the beginning of the game. These include Miraidon and Koraidon. The game changes the formula of constantly beating gyms and completing the Pokemon League and gives players many end-game goals to achieve in the game.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Taking a daring step into the past, Pokémon Legends: Arceus redefined the formula in a beautiful 3D world. Considered being one of the mainline games, this title reimagines how players catch and battle Pokemon. This is another Gen-4 remake where players dive into the past to understand the true beginning of the universe.

This game takes players through the evolution of Sinnoh from its early days as Hisui. The game comes with stunning visuals and can sometimes feel like a game made by FromSoftware. It takes Rank 1 in the list for being an innovative take on the tried and tested formula of mainline games.

With this, we conclude our list of the top 11 best Pokemon games to play. Let us know what are your top picks in the comments section below.

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