Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games

Hey Pokémon Trainers! Ready to dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games? We're ranking them from best to worst. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a newbie just starting your adventure, this guide will help you decide which games are worth your time and which ones you might want to skip. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let's get started!

The Elite Tier: Top-Rated Pokémon Games on Switch

Let's kick things off with the absolute best Pokémon games you can find on the Nintendo Switch. These titles have captivated players with their engaging stories, innovative gameplay mechanics, and overall polish. If you're looking for the crème de la crème of Pokémon experiences, these are the games you should prioritize.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus completely revolutionizes the Pokémon formula, and that's why it tops our list. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would eventually become Sinnoh), this game throws you into a vast, open world where you directly interact with Pokémon in their natural habitats. The crafting system adds a new layer of depth, allowing you to create Poké Balls and other essential items. The story is captivating, exploring the mysteries of Arceus and the origins of the Pokémon world.

What makes Arceus stand out is its blend of action and RPG elements. You can sneak through tall grass, throw berries to distract Pokémon, and engage in seamless battles without loading screens. The sense of immersion is unparalleled, making you feel like a true explorer charting unknown territory. The narrative is also more mature and compelling compared to previous entries, delving into themes of coexistence and understanding between humans and Pokémon. For instance, the dynamic weather system and day-night cycle affect which Pokémon appear, adding a layer of realism and strategy to your exploration. You will find yourself spending hours just wandering around, discovering new Pokémon and completing side quests. The challenge of completing the first-ever Pokédex in this historical setting adds a unique sense of accomplishment. Plus, the introduction of Noble Pokémon battles, where you must quell frenzied creatures with balms, provides thrilling and memorable encounters that break away from the traditional gym battles. If you are looking for a fresh and exciting Pokémon experience, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an absolute must-play. It is a bold step forward for the franchise and sets a new standard for what a Pokémon game can be.

2. Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield land high on our list due to their introduction of the Wild Area, a sprawling open zone filled with diverse Pokémon and dynamic weather. This was the first real taste of open-world exploration in a mainline Pokémon game, and it was a game-changer. The Galar region, inspired by the UK, is beautifully realized with charming towns and stunning landscapes. The gym challenges are grand spectacles, filled with cheering crowds and epic battles. The story, while not the most groundbreaking, is engaging enough to keep you hooked, especially with the addition of the post-game content featuring the legendary Zacian and Zamazenta.

The Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics add a fun, strategic layer to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes and unleash powerful moves. The sense of scale during these battles is truly impressive, and it's always exciting to see your favorite Pokémon transform. Additionally, Sword and Shield introduced Max Raid Battles, where you team up with other players to take on Dynamax Pokémon in cooperative battles. This adds a social element to the game, making it even more enjoyable to play with friends. The variety of Pokémon in the Galar region is also a major draw, with both new creatures and returning favorites to catch and train. From the adorable Wooloo to the powerful Dragapult, there's something for everyone. The character customization options are also a welcome addition, allowing you to personalize your trainer's appearance with a wide range of clothing and accessories. While Sword and Shield had their controversies at launch, they remain solid entries in the Pokémon series and offer a lot of fun for both newcomers and veterans. The blend of traditional Pokémon gameplay with new features makes them a worthwhile addition to any Switch library. For those who enjoy a mix of exploration, battling, and collecting, Pokémon Sword and Shield are definitely worth checking out.

The Great Tier: Solid Pokémon Adventures

These games are definitely worth playing and offer engaging experiences that stay true to the core of what makes Pokémon great. They may have a few minor flaws, but overall, they provide hours of fun and adventure.

3. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet bring a truly open-world experience to the Pokémon franchise, allowing you to explore the Paldea region with complete freedom. The three main storylines – Victory Road, Path of Legends, and Starfall Street – offer a refreshing take on the traditional Pokémon journey. While the game suffered from performance issues at launch, the core gameplay is solid and enjoyable. The Terastal phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to change their types during battle, adds a new layer of strategy. The ability to ride the legendary Pokémon Koraidon or Miraidon as vehicles is a fun and convenient way to traverse the vast landscapes of Paldea.

One of the biggest strengths of Scarlet and Violet is the sense of discovery and exploration. You can stumble upon rare Pokémon, hidden areas, and challenging trainers as you freely roam the world. The collaborative aspect of the game, where you can team up with friends to tackle Tera Raid Battles and explore together, enhances the overall experience. The character designs are also a standout, with a diverse cast of trainers and gym leaders that add personality to the world. The story, while somewhat disjointed due to the three separate paths, is engaging and features memorable characters. However, the performance issues cannot be ignored, as they can detract from the overall experience. Despite these flaws, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet represent a significant step forward for the franchise and offer a glimpse into the future of open-world Pokémon games. If you can look past the technical hiccups, you'll find a rewarding and immersive adventure that captures the spirit of Pokémon. With updates and patches addressing the performance issues, Scarlet and Violet have the potential to climb even higher in our rankings.

4. New Pokémon Snap

New Pokémon Snap is a delightful and relaxing game that puts you in the role of a Pokémon photographer. Instead of battling, your goal is to capture the best possible photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The Lental region is filled with beautiful islands, each with unique environments and Pokémon. The game is surprisingly deep, with a complex scoring system that rewards you for capturing Pokémon in specific poses and interactions. Unlocking new courses and items keeps the gameplay fresh and engaging. The sense of discovery and satisfaction you get from taking a perfect photo is incredibly rewarding.

What makes New Pokémon Snap so enjoyable is its focus on observation and patience. You need to learn the behaviors of different Pokémon and use items to trigger unique interactions. The game encourages you to experiment and explore every corner of the environment to find hidden Pokémon and photo opportunities. The graphics are stunning, with vibrant colors and detailed Pokémon models that bring the Lental region to life. The game is also surprisingly replayable, as you can always strive to improve your scores and discover new secrets. While it may not appeal to those who prefer traditional Pokémon battles, New Pokémon Snap offers a refreshing and unique take on the franchise. It's a perfect game for relaxing and unwinding, while still engaging with the world of Pokémon in a meaningful way. The addition of post-launch content, including new areas and Pokémon, has further enhanced the game's value. If you're looking for a different kind of Pokémon experience, New Pokémon Snap is definitely worth a shot.

The Decent Tier: Enjoyable but Flawed

These games have their moments, but they also suffer from noticeable flaws that hold them back from being truly great. They might be worth playing if you're a die-hard Pokémon fan, but they're not essential titles.

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

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are charming but somewhat shallow remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow. They streamline the gameplay, removing wild Pokémon battles and replacing them with a catching mechanic inspired by Pokémon GO. While this makes the game more accessible to newcomers, it can feel repetitive and less engaging for veteran players. The Kanto region is beautifully recreated, and riding Pokémon is a fun way to explore the world. However, the lack of difficulty and the simplified gameplay make these games feel more like a side adventure than a true Pokémon experience. The story is largely unchanged from the original, which can feel stale for those who have played it before.

One of the main appeals of Let's Go is its nostalgia factor, bringing back the original 151 Pokémon in a vibrant and modern setting. The ability to play with a friend in co-op mode is a welcome addition, making the game more enjoyable for families and friends. The Poké Ball Plus accessory adds a unique way to interact with the game, allowing you to catch Pokémon and bring them with you on the go. However, the limited roster of Pokémon and the lack of challenge make these games feel less substantial than other entries in the series. While Let's Go is a fun and accessible entry point for new players, it may not satisfy those looking for a more complex and challenging Pokémon experience. The simplified gameplay and lack of depth make it a decent but flawed addition to the Switch Pokémon library. If you're looking for a nostalgic trip back to Kanto, Let's Go is worth a look, but don't expect a groundbreaking Pokémon experience.

The Avoid Tier: Disappointing Pokémon Games

These games are generally considered to be the weakest entries in the Nintendo Switch Pokémon library. They may have some redeeming qualities, but their flaws outweigh their strengths, making them difficult to recommend.

6. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. While the art style is charming and the story is heartwarming, the gameplay is repetitive and lacks depth. The dungeon crawling mechanics can become tedious, and the difficulty is often unbalanced. The story, while touching, is not enough to carry the entire game. The lack of innovation and the outdated gameplay mechanics make this remake feel underwhelming compared to other Pokémon games on the Switch. The game's focus on randomly generated dungeons, while intended to provide variety, often results in repetitive and uninspired level designs. This can lead to a sense of monotony as you progress through the game.

One of the main issues with Rescue Team DX is its reliance on grinding. You'll often find yourself repeating the same dungeons over and over again to level up your Pokémon and progress through the story. This can be a major turnoff for players who prefer a more streamlined and engaging experience. The game's AI can also be frustrating, as your teammates often make poor decisions that can lead to your party's defeat. While the game's story is emotionally resonant, it's not enough to compensate for the repetitive gameplay and unbalanced difficulty. Overall, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a disappointing remake that fails to capture the magic of the original games. It's a decent option for fans of the Mystery Dungeon series, but it's not a must-play for Pokémon fans in general. The game's lack of innovation and outdated mechanics make it the weakest entry in the Switch Pokémon library.

Final Thoughts

So, there you have it – our ranking of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games from best to worst! Remember, this is just our opinion, and your own preferences may vary. Whether you're exploring the vast Hisui region in Pokémon Legends: Arceus or snapping photos of Pokémon in New Pokémon Snap, there's a Pokémon game on the Switch for everyone. Happy gaming, and may your adventures be filled with rare shinies and epic battles! Be sure to tell us your own rankings in the comments below. We'd love to hear which Pokémon games are your favorites and why! Let's keep the Pokémon conversation going and help each other discover new and exciting adventures in the world of Pokémon! Gotta catch 'em all!