Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: A Complete Guide
Hey Pokémon trainers! Wondering what Pokémon adventures you can dive into on your Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch has become a fantastic hub for Pokémon fans, offering a diverse range of games from classic remakes to innovative new entries. Let's break down all the amazing Pokémon games you can play right now on your Switch. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer eager to catch 'em all, there's something here for everyone. So, grab your Poké Balls and let’s get started!
Main Series Pokémon Games
The main series Pokémon games are the core experiences that define the Pokémon franchise. These are the games that most fans think of when they hear the word "Pokémon." They typically involve exploring a vast region, battling trainers, collecting Pokémon, and thwarting the plans of an evil organization. On the Nintendo Switch, we have a few standout titles in this category.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are heartwarming reimaginings of the original Pokémon Yellow game, designed to bring a fresh and accessible experience to both longtime fans and newcomers. These games cleverly blend classic Pokémon gameplay with elements from the wildly popular Pokémon GO mobile game, creating a unique and engaging adventure. Set in the iconic Kanto region, you'll embark on a nostalgic journey to catch, train, and battle Pokémon, all while forming an inseparable bond with your partner Pokémon, either Pikachu or Eevee, who rides along on your shoulder.
The gameplay in Let's Go is incredibly intuitive and easy to pick up, making it perfect for players of all ages and skill levels. Catching Pokémon is now an active and engaging process, similar to Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you use motion controls or the Joy-Con's analog stick to throw Poké Balls. Successfully catching Pokémon earns you experience points and adds them to your team. This streamlined approach to catching Pokémon allows you to focus more on exploring the world, battling trainers, and building your team. The connection with Pokémon GO doesn't end there; you can even transfer Pokémon from your Pokémon GO account to your Let's Go game, bringing your favorite companions from the mobile world to the big screen.
Battling trainers and gym leaders remains a central part of the Let's Go experience. These battles are turn-based and require strategic thinking to exploit your opponent's weaknesses. As you progress through the game, you'll encounter familiar faces, such as Brock, Misty, and the infamous Team Rocket. Defeating these opponents earns you badges, which are essential for progressing further in the game and proving your skills as a Pokémon trainer. The Let's Go games also feature cooperative multiplayer, allowing you to team up with a friend to explore the Kanto region together. By connecting a second Joy-Con, a friend can join your adventure, making battles and exploration even more fun. This cooperative mode adds a new dimension to the gameplay, encouraging teamwork and communication as you overcome challenges together.
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield mark the eighth generation of Pokémon games and introduce players to the captivating Galar region. Inspired by the United Kingdom, Galar is a land of rolling hills, bustling cities, and imposing industrial areas. These games brought several new features to the franchise, enhancing the overall experience for both newcomers and veterans.
Galar is home to a diverse range of Pokémon, including many brand-new species and regional variants of classic Pokémon. Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced the Wild Area, a vast, open-world environment where players can freely explore and encounter Pokémon in their natural habitats. The Wild Area features dynamic weather conditions, which affect the types of Pokémon that appear, adding an element of surprise and encouraging exploration. This area is also home to Max Raid Battles, where you can team up with other players online or locally to battle Dynamax Pokémon.
Dynamaxing is a new mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, allowing Pokémon to grow to gigantic sizes during battles. This transformation significantly boosts their stats and changes their moves into powerful Max Moves. Dynamaxing adds a new layer of strategy to battles, as you must carefully choose when to use this ability to gain an advantage over your opponent. Max Raid Battles are a cooperative mode where you team up with other players to battle Dynamax Pokémon. These battles are challenging and require teamwork and coordination to succeed. Defeating Dynamax Pokémon rewards you with valuable items and the chance to catch the Pokémon for yourself. Pokémon Sword and Shield also include a compelling storyline centered around uncovering the mysteries of the Galar region and stopping a looming threat. You'll meet a colorful cast of characters, including gym leaders, rivals, and members of Team Yell, a group of disruptive fans who support Marnie, one of your rivals.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the beloved Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl games, originally released on the Nintendo DS. These remakes bring the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics, enhanced features, and the same heartwarming story that made the originals so popular. Whether you're a long-time fan revisiting Sinnoh or a newcomer experiencing it for the first time, these games offer a nostalgic and engaging adventure.
The Sinnoh region is rich in history and mythology, with stunning landscapes ranging from snow-covered mountains to lush forests. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl stay true to the original games, preserving the core gameplay mechanics and story elements that fans know and love. You'll embark on a journey to become the Pokémon Champion, battling gym leaders, collecting Pokémon, and uncovering the secrets of the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. The remakes feature updated graphics that breathe new life into the Sinnoh region. The environments are more detailed, and the Pokémon models are more expressive, making the world feel more vibrant and immersive.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl introduce several enhancements that improve the overall gameplay experience. The Grand Underground, a vast network of tunnels beneath Sinnoh, has been expanded with new areas to explore and Pokémon to discover. You can also decorate your Secret Base in the Grand Underground and connect with other players online or locally to trade and battle Pokémon. The remakes also include a revamped Contests system, where you can showcase your Pokémon's skills in various competitions. Winning Contests earns you ribbons and enhances your Pokémon's popularity. The story of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl remains faithful to the original games, with the same memorable characters and plot twists. You'll encounter Professor Rowan, your rival Barry, and the nefarious Team Galactic as you journey through Sinnoh. The story explores themes of creation, time, and space, with Dialga and Palkia playing central roles in the narrative.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a groundbreaking entry in the Pokémon series, offering a fresh and innovative take on the traditional gameplay formula. Set in the vast and untamed Hisui region, which would eventually become the Sinnoh region, this game combines open-world exploration with action-based gameplay, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. As a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, your mission is to survey the region, study Pokémon, and complete the first-ever Pokédex. This game is a must-play for those looking for something new and exciting in the Pokémon universe.
The Hisui region is a sprawling wilderness filled with diverse ecosystems and untamed Pokémon. Unlike previous games, Pokémon Legends: Arceus features seamless transitions between exploration and battles. You can encounter Pokémon roaming freely in the environment and engage them in battle without any loading screens. The game introduces a new battle system that blends turn-based combat with real-time action. You can choose from different combat styles, such as Strong Style and Agile Style, to tailor your approach to each battle. Catching Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is also more dynamic. You can sneak up on Pokémon and throw Poké Balls to catch them without battling, or you can engage them in battle to weaken them before attempting to catch them. Some Pokémon may even be aggressive and attack you directly, requiring you to dodge and evade their attacks.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus features a compelling storyline centered around the mysterious Pokémon Arceus, who is said to have created the Pokémon world. As you explore the Hisui region, you'll uncover the secrets of Arceus and work to quell the disturbances that are affecting the land. The game also introduces new characters, such as Commander Kamado, the leader of the Galaxy Expedition Team, and the wardens who oversee the different regions of Hisui. These characters play important roles in the story and help you on your quest to complete the Pokédex and unravel the mysteries of Arceus.
Spin-Off Pokémon Games
Aside from the main series, the Nintendo Switch also offers a variety of spin-off Pokémon games that provide unique and different experiences. These games often explore different genres and gameplay mechanics, offering a fresh perspective on the Pokémon universe.
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a delightful and relaxing photography game that takes you on a scenic tour of the Lental region, a diverse and vibrant ecosystem teeming with wild Pokémon. As a budding Pokémon photographer, your mission is to capture stunning photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. This game is perfect for those who enjoy a more laid-back and creative experience.
The Lental region is divided into several distinct islands, each with its own unique environments and Pokémon. You'll ride in the NEO-ONE, an automated vehicle that follows a set path through each area, allowing you to focus on taking photos of the Pokémon you encounter. New Pokémon Snap is all about capturing the perfect shot. You'll need to pay attention to the Pokémon's behavior, their surroundings, and the time of day to get the best photos. You can use various tools, such as Fluffruit, Illumina Orbs, and music, to interact with the Pokémon and elicit different reactions, allowing you to capture a wide range of poses and expressions.
Once you've completed a course, you can review your photos and select the best ones to submit to Professor Mirror, who will evaluate your work based on several criteria, including the Pokémon's pose, size, direction, and background. Earning high scores unlocks new courses and allows you to upgrade your camera and tools. New Pokémon Snap also features online leaderboards, where you can compare your scores with other players around the world. The game encourages you to revisit courses multiple times to discover new Pokémon and capture even better photos.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a charming and heartwarming remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team games. In this game, you wake up as a Pokémon and must form a rescue team to help other Pokémon in need. This game combines roguelike gameplay with a touching story, making it a unique and engaging experience.
The game begins with a personality quiz that determines which Pokémon you will become. You can also choose your partner Pokémon, who will accompany you on your adventures. As a rescue team, you'll embark on missions to explore dungeons, rescue stranded Pokémon, and solve mysteries. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX features roguelike gameplay, which means that dungeons are randomly generated each time you enter them. This adds an element of unpredictability and challenge to the game, as you never know what to expect. You'll need to navigate through the dungeons, battle enemy Pokémon, and collect items to survive.
Combat in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is turn-based. You can use your Pokémon's moves to attack enemies, and you'll need to manage your hunger and health to stay alive. If you faint in a dungeon, you'll lose all your items and money, so it's important to be cautious and strategic. The game also features a touching story about friendship, courage, and helping others. As you complete missions and rescue Pokémon, you'll build relationships with other Pokémon and uncover the mysteries of the world. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX also includes several enhancements over the original games, such as updated graphics, improved gameplay mechanics, and new Pokémon.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a strategic team battle game where players compete in 5-on-5 matches. In this game, you control a Pokémon and work with your team to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and enemy players. Pokémon UNITE is free-to-play and offers a fast-paced and competitive experience that's easy to pick up but difficult to master.
Before each match, you'll choose a Pokémon to control from a diverse roster of characters, each with its own unique abilities and playstyles. During the match, you'll work with your team to capture objectives, defeat wild Pokémon, and score points by depositing them in the opposing team's goals. The game is designed to be accessible to players of all skill levels. The controls are simple and intuitive, and the game provides helpful tutorials to guide you through the basics. However, mastering Pokémon UNITE requires strategic thinking, teamwork, and coordination.
You'll need to communicate with your team, coordinate your attacks, and defend your goals to succeed. Pokémon UNITE also features a progression system where you can earn rewards by playing matches and completing challenges. These rewards can be used to unlock new Pokémon, customize your Pokémon's appearance, and upgrade your items. The game is constantly updated with new content, including new Pokémon, maps, and events.
Upcoming Pokémon Games
As of now, there are no upcoming main series Pokémon games announced for the Nintendo Switch. However, The Pokémon Company regularly releases new games and updates, so keep an eye out for future announcements!
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch is a treasure trove for Pokémon fans, offering a wide variety of games to suit every taste. From the nostalgic adventures of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! to the innovative gameplay of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there's no shortage of Pokémon experiences to enjoy. So, whether you're a seasoned trainer or a newcomer to the world of Pokémon, grab your Nintendo Switch and embark on an unforgettable adventure! Happy gaming, and may your Poké Balls always find their mark!