Best Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked & Reviewed

Hey guys! Ready to dive into the amazing world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch? If you're a long-time fan or just getting started, the Switch offers some incredible adventures. Let's break down the best Pokémon games available, giving you the lowdown on what makes each one special. We'll cover everything from gameplay and story to graphics and overall fun factor. Get ready to catch 'em all!

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise on the Nintendo Switch, and it's a game that sparks a lot of discussion among fans. Set in the Galar region, which is heavily inspired by the United Kingdom, the game introduces players to a vibrant and modern world filled with rolling hills, industrial cities, and snow-capped mountains. The main goal? Become the Champion, of course! You'll embark on a journey to defeat all the Gym Leaders and ultimately challenge the reigning Champion, Leon.

One of the standout features of Sword and Shield is the introduction of the Wild Area. This expansive open-world area allows players to freely explore and encounter Pokémon in real-time. The weather changes dynamically, influencing which Pokémon appear, adding an element of surprise and replayability. Raids are another exciting addition, where you can team up with other players online or locally to battle gigantic Dynamax Pokémon. These raids offer unique challenges and the chance to catch rare and powerful Pokémon.

The story in Sword and Shield follows the traditional Pokémon formula, but with a few twists. While the primary focus is on becoming the Champion, there's also a looming threat involving the Darkest Day, a cataclysmic event that almost destroyed the Galar region in the past. The narrative delves into the legends of the Hero Duo, two ancient heroes who saved the region, adding a layer of mystery and intrigue to the adventure. The characters are also a highlight, with rivals like Hop pushing you to improve, and Gym Leaders like Milo and Nessa showcasing the diverse personalities of the Galar region.

Graphically, Sword and Shield were a significant step up for the Pokémon franchise. The environments are more detailed and vibrant than ever before, and the Pokémon models are well-designed and expressive. However, the game isn't without its graphical shortcomings, with some players noting occasional frame rate issues and less-than-stellar textures in certain areas. Despite these flaws, the overall visual presentation is charming and engaging.

Pokémon Sword and Shield received mixed reviews upon release. While many praised the new features, such as the Wild Area and Dynamaxing, others criticized the game for its linear story, lack of post-game content, and perceived lack of challenge. Despite these criticisms, the game has sold incredibly well and remains a popular choice for Pokémon fans on the Nintendo Switch. The expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, added significant new content, including new areas to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and new storylines to experience, addressing some of the initial criticisms.

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

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are like a warm, nostalgic hug for fans of the original Pokémon Red and Blue games. These titles reimagine the Kanto region with a fresh, modern twist, making them perfect for both newcomers and veterans. Instead of the traditional battling system for catching Pokémon, these games borrow mechanics from Pokémon GO, allowing you to catch Pokémon by mimicking throwing Poké Balls with the Joy-Con controllers.

The gameplay in Let's Go is streamlined and accessible. You journey through the Kanto region, visiting familiar towns and routes, battling Gym Leaders, and thwarting the mischievous Team Rocket. The story remains largely faithful to the original games, but with updated graphics, smoother gameplay, and a few new additions. One of the biggest changes is the removal of wild Pokémon battles. Instead, you encounter Pokémon in the overworld, and catching them involves timing your Poké Ball throws and using berries to make them more amenable.

A key feature of Let's Go is the partner Pokémon system. Your chosen partner, either Pikachu or Eevee, travels with you on your shoulder or head, and you can interact with them in various ways. You can dress them up in adorable outfits, pet them, and even ride them around the world. These interactions add a layer of charm and personality to the game, making your partner Pokémon feel like a true companion.

Graphically, Let's Go is a significant upgrade from the original Game Boy games. The Kanto region is brought to life with vibrant colors, detailed environments, and expressive character models. The Pokémon look fantastic, and the animations are smooth and fluid. The game also features a charming art style that captures the spirit of the Pokémon universe.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were generally well-received by critics and fans alike. Many praised the games for their nostalgic appeal, accessible gameplay, and charming presentation. However, some criticized the simplified catching mechanics and the lack of challenge compared to traditional Pokémon games. Despite these criticisms, the Let's Go games are a delightful entry point to the Pokémon franchise and a fun way for veteran players to revisit the Kanto region.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Set in the Sinnoh region, these games bring back the beloved story, characters, and Pokémon of the original titles with updated graphics and modern features. If you loved exploring Sinnoh back in the day, these remakes are a trip down memory lane. You'll be choosing your first partner Pokémon, Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup, and start journeying to become the Pokémon League Champion.

The gameplay in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl stays true to the core Pokémon formula. You explore the Sinnoh region, battle trainers, collect badges, and challenge the Elite Four. The games feature all the Pokémon from the original Diamond and Pearl, as well as some additional Pokémon from later generations. The story revolves around Team Galactic, a nefarious organization seeking to reshape the world according to their ideals. You must stop their plans and protect the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh.

One of the new features in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is the Grand Underground. This expansive underground area allows you to mine for fossils, build a Secret Base, and encounter wild Pokémon in unique biomes. The Grand Underground adds a new layer of exploration and discovery to the game, providing hours of additional content.

Graphically, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have a distinct chibi art style that has been a point of contention among fans. While the environments are detailed and colorful, the character models are more stylized and less realistic than in other Pokémon games. Despite the art style, the games run smoothly and feature updated animations and effects.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl received mixed reviews upon release. While many praised the games for their faithfulness to the original titles, others criticized the chibi art style and the lack of significant new content. Some players also noted technical issues, such as frame rate drops and glitches. Despite these criticisms, the games have sold well and remain a popular choice for fans of the Sinnoh region.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative departure from the traditional Pokémon formula. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would later become the Sinnoh region), the game throws you into a vast open world where you can freely explore and interact with Pokémon in new and exciting ways. This game is like nothing else in the Pokémon world; it's a real game-changer!

The gameplay in Arceus is a mix of exploration, crafting, and action-based battles. You are tasked with creating the first-ever Pokédex for the Hisui region, which involves venturing into the wilderness, observing Pokémon behavior, and catching them using stealth and skill. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, battles take place seamlessly in the overworld, with you directly controlling your character and Pokémon.

One of the most significant changes in Arceus is the way you catch Pokémon. Instead of battling every Pokémon you encounter, you can sneak up on them and throw a Poké Ball to catch them by surprise. Some Pokémon are more aggressive and will attack you on sight, requiring you to battle them before you can catch them. This new catching system adds a layer of strategy and challenge to the game.

The story in Arceus is more complex and narrative-driven than in previous Pokémon games. You are a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with investigating the mysterious phenomena occurring in the Hisui region. As you progress, you uncover the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Arceus and its connection to the region. The story features memorable characters, unexpected twists, and a satisfying conclusion.

Graphically, Arceus has a unique art style that blends traditional Pokémon designs with a more realistic and painterly aesthetic. The environments are vast and detailed, with diverse biomes ranging from snowy mountains to lush forests. The Pokémon models are well-designed and animated, and the game features dynamic weather and lighting effects.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus was widely praised by critics and fans for its innovative gameplay, compelling story, and immersive world. Many hailed it as the best Pokémon game in years and a breath of fresh air for the franchise. Some criticized the game for its occasional graphical shortcomings and technical issues, but overall, Arceus is a must-play for any Pokémon fan.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the latest installments in the main Pokémon series, set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula. These games introduce a fully open-world experience, allowing you to explore the region freely without any set paths or restrictions. Get ready to discover new Pokémon, meet interesting characters, and embark on an unforgettable adventure!

The gameplay in Scarlet and Violet is a mix of exploration, battling, and questing. You play as a student at Naranja Academy (in Scarlet) or Uva Academy (in Violet), where you embark on a Treasure Hunt to explore the Paldea region and discover your own path. The game features three main storylines: Victory Road, where you challenge the Gym Leaders to become the Champion; Path of Legends, where you battle giant Titan Pokémon; and Starfall Street, where you take on the rebellious Team Star.

One of the new features in Scarlet and Violet is the Terastal Phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to transform into a crystalline form, boosting their stats and changing their type. Terastallizing adds a new layer of strategy to battles, as you must carefully consider when and how to use this powerful ability.

The story in Scarlet and Violet is more open-ended than in previous Pokémon games. You have the freedom to pursue the three main storylines in any order, allowing you to tailor your adventure to your own preferences. The game features a diverse cast of characters, including your classmates, teachers, and rivals, each with their own unique personalities and motivations.

Graphically, Scarlet and Violet feature a vibrant and colorful art style that captures the beauty of the Paldea region. The environments are detailed and varied, with sprawling cities, rolling hills, and treacherous caves. The Pokémon models are well-designed and animated, and the game features dynamic weather and lighting effects.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet received mixed reviews upon release. While many praised the open-world design and new gameplay features, others criticized the game for its technical issues, such as frame rate drops and glitches. Despite these criticisms, the games have sold well and remain a popular choice for Pokémon fans looking for a new and ambitious adventure.

Which Pokémon Game is Right for You?

So, which Pokémon game on the Nintendo Switch should you choose? It really depends on what you're looking for!

• If you want a classic Pokémon experience with modern graphics, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are great choices.
• For a nostalgic trip to the Kanto region with simplified gameplay, check out Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
• If you're craving an open-world adventure with innovative gameplay, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play.
• For the latest and greatest open-world experience, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet offer a vast region to explore and new Pokémon to discover.
• And if you want a traditional Pokémon journey with new features and a compelling story, Pokémon Sword and Shield are solid options.

No matter which game you choose, you're sure to have a fantastic time exploring the world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch! Happy gaming, trainers!