Best Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games To Play
Hey Pokémon trainers and future trainers! So you’ve got your hands on a shiny new Nintendo Switch and you're wondering, “Which Pokémon games should I dive into first?” It’s a great question, guys, because Nintendo has blessed us with a whole bunch of Pokémon adventures on this versatile console. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking to catch ‘em all or a total newbie curious about what all the fuss is about, figuring out the order can be a bit tricky. But don’t sweat it! We’re here to break down all the awesome Pokémon experiences available on the Switch, helping you decide which journey is the right one for you. Get ready to embark on some epic quests, train some incredible creatures, and maybe even save the world – or at least a region or two!
Stepping into the Pokémon Universe: Your First Switch Adventure
For those of you who are completely new to the Pokémon world or are looking for the most accessible entry point on the Switch, you've got a couple of fantastic options that really capture the essence of what makes Pokémon so special. These games are designed to be beginner-friendly, easing you into the mechanics of catching, battling, and training Pokémon without overwhelming you. They are the perfect starting point to understand the core gameplay loop and fall in love with the charming creatures that inhabit the Pokémon universe. Think of these as your foundational training grounds before you tackle more complex adventures. They offer a polished experience that showcases the best of what Pokémon has to offer, with vibrant graphics, engaging stories, and a sense of wonder that’s hard to beat. You’ll learn the ropes of how Pokémon battles work, the importance of type advantages, and the joy of discovering new species. The progression is smooth, allowing you to gradually unlock new abilities and face tougher challenges as you grow more confident. It’s all about building that connection with your Pokémon team and experiencing the thrill of exploration. These titles often feature streamlined mechanics and helpful in-game tutorials, ensuring that no one feels left behind. They are a celebration of the Pokémon legacy, updated with modern graphics and gameplay for a truly immersive experience. So, grab your starter and let's begin this exciting journey together!
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: A Nostalgic Return to Kanto
If you're looking for the absolute best place to start your Nintendo Switch Pokémon journey, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! are arguably your top picks. These games are essentially remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, set in the beloved Kanto region. They’ve been beautifully updated with stunning graphics that make the world and its Pokémon pop like never before. What makes them particularly great for newcomers is their simplified mechanics, inspired by the wildly popular Pokémon GO mobile game. Catching Pokémon involves a motion-based system where you aim your Joy-Con or Poké Ball Plus and flick your wrist – it feels intuitive and incredibly engaging. Battling is still present, but it's primarily focused on Gym Leaders and trainers, with wild Pokémon encounters being catch-focused. This approach makes the initial learning curve much gentler. You also get a partner Pokémon, either Pikachu or Eevee, who follows you around the overworld, adding a wonderful sense of companionship. They can even learn special moves! The progression is straightforward, guiding you through the iconic story of becoming a Pokémon Master, collecting all eight Gym badges, and taking on the Elite Four. Plus, the connectivity with Pokémon GO allows you to transfer Pokémon you've caught in the mobile game, which is a neat bonus for existing fans. The charm and nostalgia are off the charts, making it an unforgettable first experience for anyone wanting to dive into the Pokémon world. You’ll recognize many of the classic Pokémon and locations, but presented in a fresh, modern way that’s sure to delight. It’s a delightful blend of old-school charm and modern gameplay innovation.
Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Galar Region Awaits
Another excellent starting point, especially if you want a more traditional, yet still modern, Pokémon RPG experience, is Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These games introduce you to the Galar region, a land inspired by the United Kingdom, featuring vast, explorable Wild Areas alongside more linear routes. Sword and Shield bring back the classic Pokémon formula: you choose a starter, battle trainers, collect Gym badges, and aim to become the Champion. However, they also introduce some exciting new mechanics. The Dynamax and Gigantamax features allow your Pokémon to grow to immense sizes during battles, unleashing powerful special moves. This adds a spectacular visual flair and strategic depth to combat. The Wild Area is a significant addition, offering open-world-like exploration where Pokémon appear dynamically, and the weather can affect which Pokémon you encounter. It’s a fantastic way to explore and catch a variety of Pokémon. The storyline is engaging, focusing on the Pokémon League challenge and the mystery surrounding the legendary wolves, Zacian and Zamazenta. These games are highly polished and offer a robust single-player experience that’s perfect for both newcomers and returning players. The introduction of Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area also provides a fun, cooperative multiplayer element where you team up with other players to take down giant Dynamax Pokémon. The variety of Pokémon available, including many new Galar natives and returning favorites, ensures that every playthrough feels fresh and exciting. The overall presentation is top-notch, with beautiful environments and memorable characters that make the Galar region a joy to explore. If you want a full-fledged Pokémon adventure with all the classic elements plus some cool new twists, Sword and Shield are a solid choice for your first Switch game.
Continuing Your Pokémon Journey: For the Dedicated Trainer
Once you’ve got your feet wet with the more accessible titles, or if you’re already a seasoned Pokémon veteran ready for a deeper challenge, the Nintendo Switch offers more complex and rewarding adventures. These games often build upon the core mechanics, introducing more intricate storylines, a wider variety of Pokémon to discover, and sometimes even entirely new gameplay systems. They are designed for those who want to spend more time strategizing in battles, exploring vast and diverse regions, and uncovering every secret the Pokémon world has to offer. Think of these as the next level of your training, where you'll really hone your skills as a Pokémon master. They demand a bit more dedication and offer a richer, more comprehensive Pokémon experience that can keep you hooked for hundreds of hours. You’ll find yourself diving deep into competitive battling, breeding the perfect Pokémon, and completing extensive Pokédexes. These are the games that truly test your knowledge and passion for all things Pokémon. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of the series, offering endless possibilities for exploration, collection, and battle. Get ready to push your limits and discover the true depth of the Pokémon universe!
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: A Faithful Sinnoh Remake
For those who love the classics or are curious about the games that came before Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are fantastic choices. These are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, set in the unique Sinnoh region. The Sinnoh region is known for its compelling mythology, involving ancient Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia, and its diverse geography, from mountains to lakes. The games retain the beloved chibi art style for overworld exploration, which gives them a distinct charm, while battles feature more traditionally proportioned character models. The gameplay is very close to the original DS versions, meaning you get the classic Pokémon RPG experience that many fans adore. You'll explore Sinnoh, challenge eight Gym Leaders, thwart Team Galactic's nefarious plans, and ultimately aim to become the Pokémon League Champion. A significant addition is the Grand Underground, a vast underground area where you can dig for treasures, mine for TMs, and encounter Pokémon in hidden caves – it’s incredibly addictive! Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl also feature the return of Contests, allowing you to showcase your Pokémon's talents in different categories. These remakes are perfect for players who appreciate the traditional Pokémon formula and want to experience a story rich with lore and legendary Pokémon. They offer a nostalgic trip for veterans while providing a solid, engaging adventure for newcomers. The sheer amount of content, including the post-game, ensures you’ll be busy for a long time. It’s a wonderful way to experience a pivotal generation of Pokémon games with modern conveniences and graphical updates. The faithful recreation of the Sinnoh region is a treat for the eyes and a joy to navigate, making it a truly special addition to the Switch library.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A Bold New Direction
If you’re looking for something completely different and are eager to see Pokémon gameplay evolve, then Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an absolute must-play. This game takes place in the ancient Sinnoh region, known as Hisui, long before the events of Diamond and Pearl. It completely reimagines the Pokémon formula, focusing heavily on exploration, research, and real-time action combat. You’re part of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with creating the very first Pokédex by studying Pokémon in their natural habitats. The way you interact with Pokémon is drastically changed; you can sneak up on them, throw Poké Balls directly, and even initiate battles seamlessly from the overworld. Battling is more action-oriented, with commands like
