Pokémon is considered the world’s most valuable media franchise, having been a mainstay of Nintendo since the Games Boy era, including its release on Nintendo Switch. The series features hundreds of creatures and continues to evolve with each new generation.
Every Nintendo console, including the Nintendo Switch, has tons of Pokémon games. In 2024, it’s a good time for you to explore Pokémon’s offerings on Nintendo Switch and catch up before the release of new games.
Overview of Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that you can play at home or on the go, consisting of a console unit, dock, and two Joy-Con controllers, and there’s no need to connect it to a TV.
In total, twelve Pokémon games were released for Nintendo Switch, including both main titles and spin-offs. Each main entry with two versions counts as one release, while Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch Online are not included in that count.
List of Best Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Here are some Pokémon games that have been released on Nintendo Switch and might be your recommendation to play a new game.
1. Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)
Pokkén Tournament was first released on the Wii U in 2016. A year later, Nintendo and Bandai Namco launched a deluxe version of the game for Nintendo Switch, which added new characters and visual updates to take advantage of better hardware capabilities.
This three-on-three battle system is a lot of fun to play with friends, either in person or online.
2. Pokémon Quest (2018)
Pokémon Quest brings you all your favorite Pokémon in a small cube. It’s free to play and offers a fun and easy battle system, where you send your Pokémon on expeditions.
There are many abilities you can give your Pokémon, which you can utilize in different types of battles.
3. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are remake versions of Pokémon Yellow, which was released in 1998. These two titles were the first major Pokémon games released for home consoles, as no Pokémon games made it to Wii U.
Set in the Kanto region, all 151 original Pokémon come in a variety of different forms than with previous installments. This remake offers a high level of accessibility, making it a positive first step for the series on Nintendo Switch, for both new players and longtime fans.
4. Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Pokémon Sword & Shield is the first edition in the series to introduce open-world elements. Known as Wild Areas, these areas give players the opportunity to explore and battle wild Pokémon.
Gyms make a comeback after being absent since the X & Y games. In addition, Sword & Shield introduces the eighth generation of Pokémon, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms of pre-existing Pokémon.
5. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake version of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games released in 2005, namely Rescue Team Red and Rescue Team Blue. Interestingly, this is the first remake of a Pokémon spin-off ever made, with development done by Spike Chunsoft.
The gameplay involves completing missions in various dungeons and earning new Pokémon along the way.
6. Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)
Another Pokémon game release in 2020 is Pokémon Café ReMix. This game offers similar mechanics to other puzzle games, such as Disney’s Tsum Tsum, where you need to connect Pokémon to solve puzzles.
In Pokémon Café ReMix, you and Eevee run a café and are tasked with serving Pokémon who come in for food or drinks! This fun game is available for free on the Nintendo eShop.
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7. New Pokémon Snap (2021)
After more than two decades, the Nintendo Switch is finally getting a sequel to Pokémon Snap. The developer of this game is Bandai Namco, where players can explore various biomes and locations by using the on-rails camera to photograph Pokémon in their habitats.
Players can explore new paths by taking interesting photos in New Pokémon Snap, so there’s plenty of content to access and explore. Each session will bring unexpected surprises!
8. Pokémon Unite (2021)
This free game is Pokémon’s first foray into the MOBA genre. You’ll lead and control a team of five Pokémon in live battles against other players online.
There are a variety of Pokémon to choose from, allowing you to organize your team according to your needs. Pokémon Unite later appeared in various eSports tournaments, with a number of championships for the game.
9. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are remake versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, which were originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS console.
As the fourth generation of Pokémon, Diamond & Pearl introduces different types of Pokémon that can be battled and found. This remake version presents a new chibi art style to honor the original title while still giving it a fresh feel.
9. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Many have hailed Pokémon Legends: Arceus as one of the best Pokémon games available on Switch. This game is set in the past, in the Hisui region.
With an emphasis on exploration, you have the freedom to explore the map, catch Pokémon, and explore various environments. You can find Pokémon roaming all over the map, so you need to be strategic if you want to avoid battles.
10. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)
Pokémon Generation 9 kicks off with the latest title, Scarlet & Violet, which offers new gameplay and world design. With an open world, players are free to explore. The DLC titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is now complete, making this the perfect time to try out the game.
11. Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
After a game and a movie, the sequel to Detective Pikachu is now available to play on Nintendo Switch. Tim’s father is missing, and it’s up to Detective Pikachu to solve the mystery.
This sequel presents fresh challenges and investigations, where you get to explore different locations and utilize notebooks to unravel the mystery at hand. If you’re a fan of Pokémon games and love puzzles, this title is worth considering.
12. Pokémon Legends Z-A (Upcoming 2025)
Pokemon has come and gone in 2024, and now we’re finally getting some clear information regarding upcoming Pokemon games. The most significant announcement from the presentation was that the new Pokemon Legends game will be released in 2025, which further fuels conjecture about the launch of Nintendo Switch 2 next year.
Those are some of the Pokémon games available on Nintendo Switch, both those that have been released in previous years and those that will be released in 2025.
