Nintendo Switch has become a popular platform for Pokémon fans with several game options to choose from. From remakes of classic titles to brand new adventures, there’s something for every type of player. Players have different opinions about which games offer the best experience, with some preferring traditional gameplay while others enjoy newer innovations.
Legends: Arceus is commonly regarded as the best Pokémon game on Switch because it introduces fresh gameplay mechanics while respecting the series’ roots. Other popular titles include Sword and Shield, which received an 8/10 rating from many players despite some controversy, and the Diamond and Pearl remakes which appeal to nostalgic fans. The variety of Pokémon games available means Switch owners can find one that matches their personal playing style.
🏆 Mainline Pokémon Adventures
1. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022, with DLC through 2023)
- The first fully open-world Pokémon games.
- Introduced the Paldea region, Terastal phenomenon, and seamless exploration.
- Despite a rocky technical launch, updates and DLC (The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero) made them fan favorites.
2. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
- A bold reimagining of the series formula.
- Set in the ancient Hisui region, blending action RPG mechanics with traditional Pokémon catching.
- Praised for its fresh approach and immersive exploration.
3. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
- Faithful remakes of the DS classics.
- Updated visuals, quality-of-life improvements, and modernized features.
- Perfect for fans of traditional Pokémon gameplay.
4. Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019, with DLC through 2020)
- The first mainline Pokémon games on Switch.
- Introduced the Galar region, Dynamax battles, and the Wild Area.
- Expanded with The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra DLCs.
🌀 Spin-Offs & Side Adventures
5. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
- A remake of the beloved GBA/DS dungeon crawler.
- Gorgeous storybook art style and emotional storytelling.
- Great for those who want something different from the main series.
6. Pokémon Café ReMix (2020, free-to-play)
- A cozy puzzle game where you run a café with Pokémon staff.
- Simple, fun, and relaxing with regular updates.
7. Pokémon Unite (2021, free-to-play)
- A 5v5 MOBA-style Pokémon battle game.
- Strategic, fast-paced, and continually updated with new Pokémon and balance changes.
8. Pokémon Quest (2018, free-to-play)
- A casual RPG with cube-style Pokémon.
- Lighthearted and accessible for younger players.
🌟 Looking Ahead
Pokémon Legends: Z-A (TBA, announced for Switch 2 & Switch)
- Announced in 2024, set in Lumiose City (Kalos).
- Expected to blend open-world gameplay with Legends-style mechanics.
- Currently one of the most anticipated Pokémon titles.
📝 Quick Summary
- For classic RPG fans: Scarlet & Violet, Sword & Shield, Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
- For something fresh: Legends: Arceus is the standout.
- For casual fun: Pokémon Unite, Café ReMix, and Quest.
- For the future: Keep an eye on Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
👉 In 2025, the Switch is the console for Pokémon fans, offering both nostalgia and innovation in one package.
1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus broke new ground for the franchise when it launched on Nintendo Switch. This game took a fresh approach by blending action and exploration with the traditional RPG elements that fans love.
Many players consider it the best Pokémon game in 15 years, bringing renewed excitement to longtime fans who were losing interest. The game’s open-world structure and new catching mechanics changed how trainers interact with Pokémon.
Set in the ancient Hisui region (later known as Sinnoh), players explore vast areas filled with Pokémon roaming freely in their natural habitats. This creates a more immersive and realistic Pokémon world than previous games offered.
The battle system received significant updates too. Players can now seamlessly transition between exploration and combat without entering separate battle screens for every encounter. This makes the gameplay flow more naturally.
Catching Pokémon also changed dramatically. Players must sneak, dodge, and use various throwing techniques to capture wild Pokémon. These new mechanics make each capture feel like a unique accomplishment.
Some fans have even called it an absolute masterpiece and one of the best games available on the Switch. The game has been praised by both critics and casual players for its innovative approach.
The story takes players back in time, offering new insights into Pokémon lore and the legendary Arceus. This narrative approach gives longtime fans fresh perspectives on familiar elements of the Pokémon world.
With its mix of action, exploration, and RPG elements, Pokémon Legends: Arceus successfully reimagined what a Pokémon game could be. Its popularity has shown that players welcome bold new directions for the franchise.
2. Pokémon Sword
Pokémon Sword arrived on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, bringing the main series to a home console for the first time. The game introduces players to the Galar region, which draws inspiration from the United Kingdom with its architecture and landscapes.
One of the most exciting additions to Pokémon Sword is the Dynamax feature, which allows Pokémon to grow gigantic during battles. This mechanic adds a new strategic layer to fights, especially in the spectacular gym battles that take place in massive stadiums.
The Wild Area stands out as a major innovation. This open-world section lets players freely explore and encounter Pokémon that visibly roam the landscape. Weather changes affect which Pokémon appear, creating a dynamic environment.
Max Raid Battles bring a fresh multiplayer element to the series. Players can team up with three others either locally or online to battle powerful Dynamax Pokémon for special rewards.
The game implements several quality of life improvements that make the experience more enjoyable. PC access from anywhere, elimination of HM requirements, and a convenient fast travel system all streamline gameplay.
Competitive players appreciate the easier methods for training battle-ready Pokémon. Nature-changing mints, simplified IV checking, and more accessible egg move transfers make team building less tedious.
Many fans consider Sword and Shield to be among the best Pokémon games on Switch because they balance traditional elements with new features. The games maintain the core catching and training mechanics while adding innovations that refresh the formula.
Despite initial criticism for not including all previous Pokémon, the game’s DLC expansions added more creatures and content. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra brought new areas, storylines, and legendary Pokémon to discover.
3. Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Shield offers trainers a chance to explore the beautiful Galar region, which takes inspiration from the United Kingdom. The game pairs with Pokémon Sword as part of the eighth generation of Pokémon games released on the Nintendo Switch.
Players can embark on a new journey as they collect gym badges and aim to become the Pokémon Champion. The main story involves unraveling the mystery behind the Legendary Pokémon Zamazenta, who serves as the mascot for Pokémon Shield.
One of the biggest additions to the series in Shield is the Wild Area, an open-world section where Pokémon roam freely. Weather changes affect which Pokémon appear, adding variety to the gameplay experience.
The Dynamax feature lets players temporarily grow their Pokémon to massive sizes during battles. This mechanic adds a new strategic layer to gym battles and raid encounters throughout the game.
Shield contains exclusive Pokémon that can’t be found in Sword, encouraging trading between players. Some of these exclusives include Galarian Ponyta, Larvitar, and the Legendary Pokémon Zamazenta.
Despite initial criticism for not including all previous Pokémon, many fans have come to appreciate the game. Some even consider Sword and Shield top tier Pokémon games on the Switch due to their balance between traditional elements and new features.
The game’s DLC expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, added significant content after release. These areas introduced new Pokémon, storylines, and features that weren’t available in the base game.
Shield features a gym challenge rather than trials, returning to the classic Pokémon formula fans love. The gyms are themed around sports stadiums, creating an exciting atmosphere for battles.
4. Pokémon Scarlet
Pokémon Scarlet arrived as part of the ninth generation of Pokémon games, introducing trainers to the vast Paldea region. This game marked a significant shift for the series by embracing an open-world format, allowing players to explore at their own pace.
The game features lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities across its landscape. Players can freely roam this diverse environment while catching and training Pokémon, creating a more immersive experience than previous entries.
Scarlet introduced new mechanics like the Terastal phenomenon, which adds strategic depth to battles. The game also features a compelling storyline with three separate paths players can tackle in any order.
Despite its ambitious design, Pokémon Scarlet faced criticism for its technical performance. Many players experienced poor visuals, performance issues, and bugs that hindered the experience at launch.
The DLC expansions for Scarlet have added substantial content and improvements. The Indigo Disk expansion particularly impressed fans, bringing new storylines and Pokémon to collect.
What makes Scarlet stand out is its attempt to evolve the Pokémon formula while maintaining core elements that fans love. The freedom to explore, discover new Pokémon, and battle trainers anywhere creates a sense of adventure previous games couldn’t match.
For players who can look past the technical issues, Scarlet offers one of the most content-rich Pokémon experiences on the Switch. Its blend of tradition and innovation makes it worth considering for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series.
5. Pokémon Violet
Pokémon Violet stands as one of the most ambitious titles in the Switch lineup. Released alongside Pokémon Scarlet, this game introduced trainers to an open-world RPG experience for the first time in the franchise’s history.
Players can explore the vast Paldea region at their own pace. The freedom to tackle gym challenges in any order creates a refreshing break from the linear progression of earlier games.
The game features Miraidon, a legendary Pokémon that transforms to help you traverse land, water, and air. This mobility makes exploration more fluid and engaging than previous titles.
Violet’s story branches into three main routes plus a final section. Each path offers unique challenges and narratives that eventually converge into an epic conclusion.
The game isn’t without flaws. Many players note that while Violet offers some of the best gameplay in the series, technical issues hampered the experience at launch. Frame rate drops and visual glitches disappointed some fans.
Post-launch updates have addressed many technical problems. The added DLC content, including the Indigo Disk expansion, has enhanced the game with new areas and Pokémon to discover.
Violet shines in its creature design and character development. The professors and rivals have more personality than in some previous entries, making the adventure feel more personal.
The Terastal phenomenon adds a fresh twist to battles. This mechanic allows Pokémon to temporarily change types, adding strategic depth to competitive play.
For collectors, Violet offers exclusive Pokémon not found in Scarlet. These version-specific creatures give players reason to trade with friends who own the companion game.
Despite its rocky start, Pokémon Violet has earned its place among the top Switch Pokémon games through its innovative world design and ambitious scope.
6. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond brings the classic Gen 4 Sinnoh adventure to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics while keeping the familiar gameplay loop intact. Released as a faithful remake of the 2006 Nintendo DS game, it offers players both nostalgia and accessibility.
The game follows your journey through the Sinnoh region as you aim to become the Pokémon League Champion. You’ll catch, train, and battle with your chosen starter—Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup—and build a team to take on gym leaders and the villainous Team Galactic.
Players looking for an oldschool Pokémon experience will find it here. The game sticks closely to the original Diamond version’s story and gameplay mechanics, making few changes to the formula that longtime fans know and love.
The chibi art style gives the game a cute, toy-like aesthetic that works well in handheld mode. Battle scenes switch to a more modern presentation with detailed 3D models of trainers and Pokémon. The music has also been beautifully remastered while staying true to the original compositions.
Brilliant Diamond adds some quality-of-life improvements over the DS original. The Underground area has been expanded into the Grand Underground, offering more exploration options. Hidden Moves no longer require a party Pokémon to use, freeing up team slots.
The game isn’t revolutionary within the franchise, but it isn’t trying to be. Its strength lies in delivering a nostalgic yet refreshed version of a beloved Pokémon adventure that both newcomers and veterans can enjoy.
For Switch owners who want a traditional Pokémon experience with all the classic elements—eight gyms, a regional Pokédex, and a straightforward story—Brilliant Diamond delivers exactly that without unnecessary complications.
7. Pokémon Shining Pearl
Pokémon Shining Pearl brings the classic Sinnoh region adventure to the Nintendo Switch with refreshed graphics and gameplay. This reimagined adventure stays true to the original 2006 release while adding modern touches that make it more accessible to new players.
The game features the familiar turn-based battle system that Pokémon fans love. Players can catch, train, and battle with their Pokémon as they journey through the region. The ultimate goal remains the same – to become the Pokémon League Champion.
Shining Pearl offers a nostalgic experience with its chibi art style in the overworld. Characters and buildings have a cute, toy-like appearance that pays homage to the original DS game’s pixel art. Battle scenes switch to a more detailed style with fully rendered 3D models.
The remake includes several quality-of-life improvements over the original. The hidden move system has been revamped, with HMs now accessible through the Pokétch device rather than requiring a team member to learn them. This change frees up move slots for combat techniques.
Underground areas have been expanded into the Grand Underground, offering more exploration options. Players can dig for fossils and items, and even encounter Pokémon in special hideaways based on environmental themes.
Shining Pearl works particularly well for newcomers who missed the original games. The game provides a more traditional Pokémon experience compared to newer titles, with a linear story progression and gym-based challenge structure.
For longtime fans, the remakes offer a trip down memory lane with enhanced visuals and smoother gameplay. The story remains largely unchanged, following the player’s journey to stop Team Galactic while collecting gym badges.
The game also includes the Super Contest Shows, a mini-game that lets players show off their Pokémon in performance competitions. These contests provide a fun break from the main storyline and battle-focused gameplay.
8. Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu brought the classic Kanto region back to life on the Nintendo Switch in 2018. This reimagining of Pokémon Yellow combines nostalgic elements with modern gameplay features that appeal to both new and longtime fans.
The game stands out with its impressive graphics and updated gameplay, including Kanto Mega Evolutions and Alolan form Pokémon. These visual improvements make exploring familiar locations like Viridian Forest and Mt. Moon feel fresh and exciting.
Let’s Go Pikachu introduced a new catching mechanic inspired by Pokémon GO. Players use a gentle throwing motion with either Joy-Con controllers or the optional Poké Ball Plus accessory. This interactive element adds a hands-on dimension to the traditional Pokémon experience.
Your partner Pikachu sits on your shoulder throughout the adventure, showing personality and emotion unlike any previous Pokémon game. You can interact with Pikachu, dress it up, and strengthen your bond as you progress.
The game simplifies certain aspects of traditional Pokémon gameplay. Wild Pokémon are visible in the overworld rather than appearing as random encounters. This change makes exploring more strategic and less frustrating.
Let’s Go Pikachu also features local co-op play, allowing a friend to join your journey with a second controller. This addition makes it an excellent choice for introducing younger or new players to the series.
Critics praised the game for its delightful return to Kanto with modern improvements. While some hardcore fans missed the traditional wild Pokémon battles, many appreciated the streamlined approach that focuses on the joy of collecting and training Pokémon.
For Switch owners seeking a more casual and accessible Pokémon adventure, Let’s Go Pikachu delivers a charming experience that balances nostalgia with innovation.
9. Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee
Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee brings players back to the familiar Kanto region with modern graphics and updated gameplay. Released alongside its Pikachu variant, this game offers a refreshing remake of the original Pokémon Yellow version.
The game features impressive graphics that many fans consider among the best on the Nintendo Switch. It includes welcome additions like Mega Evolutions and Alolan Pokémon forms, adding new elements to the classic adventure.
Catching Pokémon works differently in Let’s Go Eevee. Players use a gentle throwing motion with either Joy-Con controllers or the optional Poké Ball Plus accessory. This creates a more interactive experience as the controller lights up, vibrates, and makes sounds during gameplay.
Your partner Eevee sits perched on your shoulder throughout the journey. This furry companion has special moves and abilities that help players overcome obstacles and defeat tough trainers.
Critics have noted that Let’s Go Eevee provides a delightful return to Kanto with its powerful friend system and new mechanics. The game streamlines many elements from the original games while maintaining the core Pokémon experience.
Despite initial concerns about changes to traditional gameplay, many players find Let’s Go Eevee surprisingly solid compared to other Pokémon titles on the Switch. The removal of random encounters allows players to see Pokémon in the overworld, making exploration more engaging.
The game serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers while offering enough nostalgia and quality-of-life improvements to please veteran trainers. Its simplified catching mechanics and removal of wild Pokémon battles make it more accessible without sacrificing depth.
10. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a charming remake of the original Red and Blue Rescue Team games. Released for Nintendo Switch, this title brings the beloved dungeon crawler back with a fresh coat of paint and some welcome additions.
The game features a unique art style that looks like a watercolor painting come to life. This visual approach sets it apart from other Pokémon games on the Switch and gives it a distinct personality.
Unlike mainline Pokémon games, Mystery Dungeon lets players become a Pokémon themselves. After taking a personality quiz, you’re transformed into one of several Pokémon options and team up with a partner to form a rescue team.
The gameplay revolves around exploring randomly generated dungeons to rescue stranded Pokémon. Each floor presents new challenges, enemies, and items to discover. Combat uses a turn-based system that’s easy to learn but offers strategic depth.
Fans of the original games will find this remake stays faithful to what made those titles special. The story remains touching and surprisingly deep for a Pokémon game, dealing with themes of friendship and identity.
New features include auto-mode for smoother exploration, improved rescue team camps, and the ability to have up to eight Pokémon in your party. These changes make the game more accessible without sacrificing challenge.
Some players consider it the best Pokémon game on the Switch when compared to Sword/Shield or Let’s Go. Its strong narrative and unique gameplay help it stand out in the Pokémon lineup.
Though it’s a niche title compared to mainline Pokémon games, Rescue Team DX ranks 41st on the list of best-selling Switch games as of August 2021. This speaks to its quality and appeal among Nintendo fans.
Understanding Pokémon Game Categories
The Nintendo Switch offers various types of Pokémon games that fall into distinct categories. Each category provides different gameplay experiences and appeals to different types of players.
Main Series Games
The main series Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch follow the traditional formula that fans have loved for decades. These include titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
In these games, players:
- Choose a starter Pokémon
- Travel through a region catching and training Pokémon
- Battle gym leaders to earn badges
- Compete to become the Pokémon champion
The Let’s Go series (Eevee and Pikachu) offers a remake experience of the original Kanto region with simplified catching mechanics inspired by Pokémon GO.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus breaks from tradition with its open-world approach and action elements, earning high praise from many players for its fresh take on the series.
Spin-off Titles
The Switch hosts numerous Pokémon spin-offs that explore different gameplay styles beyond the traditional catching and battling format. Detective Pikachu Returns offers a mystery-solving adventure where players work with a talking Pikachu to solve cases.
New Pokémon Snap revives the photography gameplay where players capture Pokémon on film instead of in Poké Balls. Players travel through diverse environments taking pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats.
Other notable spin-offs include:
- Pokémon Café Mix – a puzzle game about running a café
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX – a dungeon-crawling adventure
- Pokkén Tournament DX – a fighting game featuring Pokémon
These spin-offs provide a refreshing change from the main series while still letting players engage with the Pokémon universe in new and exciting ways.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Game
When selecting a Pokémon game for your Nintendo Switch, there are key elements that can make or break your gaming experience. Your enjoyment will largely depend on how you like to play and what aspects of Pokémon games matter most to you.
Multiplayer Options
The Switch offers various multiplayer experiences across different Pokémon titles. Pokémon Sword and Shield include dynamax raid battles where you can team up with three other players to defeat powerful Pokémon. These games also feature traditional trading and battling options.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet take multiplayer further with an open-world co-op mode. Up to four players can explore the Paldea region together, which is perfect for friends who want to adventure as a group. According to player feedback, SV offers the best classic Pokémon battles among Switch games.
For more casual multiplayer, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee allows a second player to join with a shake of a Joy-Con, making it ideal for introducing younger players to the series.
Storyline and Gameplay
Each Pokémon game on Switch offers unique storylines and gameplay mechanics. Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides a historical setting with action-RPG elements, breaking from the traditional format with its focus on Pokémon research rather than gym battles.
Scarlet and Violet feature three distinct story paths that players can tackle in any order. This open-ended approach gives players freedom, but some find it less structured than earlier games.
New Pokémon Snap offers completely different gameplay focused on photography rather than battles. Players earn points based on factors like the Pokémon’s pose, the number captured in a shot, and positioning.
For players seeking a traditional Pokémon journey with gym battles and a champion to defeat, Sword and Shield or Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl provide more familiar experiences with modern quality-of-life improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nintendo Switch offers many Pokémon games with different gameplay styles, release dates, and features. Players often have specific questions about which titles provide the best experience or how they compare to each other.
What are the latest Pokémon game releases for the Nintendo Switch?
The most recent mainline Pokémon games for Nintendo Switch are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which were released as a pair. These games introduced the ninth generation of Pokémon and an open-world concept.
Before that, Pokémon Legends: Arceus launched as a standalone title with a different approach to the traditional Pokémon formula. It features a historical setting in the Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh).
Remakes like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are also fairly recent additions to the Switch library.
Which Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch offers the best gameplay experience?
Many fans consider Pokémon Legends: Arceus one of the best gameplay experiences due to its innovative open-area design and real-time catching mechanics.
For traditional Pokémon gameplay, Scarlet and Violet provide the best battle difficulty that closely resembles classic Pokémon games. They also add the open-world element.
Sword and Shield are rated highly by many players, with some giving them an 8.5/10 rating and calling them their favorite Pokémon games on the console.
How do the Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch Lite compare to those on the original console?
Pokémon games run identically on both the Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite in terms of performance and content. The only difference is the play mode.
Switch Lite cannot connect to a TV and is handheld-only, which works well for Pokémon games as they were originally designed for portable play. The smaller screen might affect visibility of small details.
Motion controls in games like Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee work differently on the Switch Lite, requiring players to move the entire console to aim Poké Ball throws.
Are there any exclusive Pokémon titles available for the Nintendo Switch?
All mainline Pokémon games released since 2018 are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch platform. This includes Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet, and Legends: Arceus.
The Let’s Go series (Pikachu and Eevee) are remakes of Pokémon Yellow but remain Switch exclusives. They blend classic gameplay with Pokémon GO catching mechanics.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are also Switch-exclusive remakes of the Nintendo DS titles from 2006.
What is the general ranking of Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch?
Based on player feedback, Sword and Shield typically rank around 8/10, with fans praising them despite initial controversy. Some players consider them the best on the platform.
Legends: Arceus often receives ratings around 8/10 for its fresh approach to the series. Many players appreciate its innovative gameplay even with some technical limitations.
Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee games typically score around 7/10, with players enjoying their simplicity but noting they’re less feature-rich than other entries.
For a newcomer, which Pokémon game for the Nintendo Switch is recommended to play first?
Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee are excellent starting points for complete newcomers due to their simplified mechanics and familiar Kanto region that introduced the series.
For those familiar with gaming but new to Pokémon, Scarlet and Violet offer the most modern experience with guidance features that help new players learn the basics.
Sword and Shield provide a good middle ground with a linear story progression that helps newcomers understand the typical Pokémon journey structure while including modern quality-of-life improvements.
