Ranking The Best & Worst Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch

Nov 3, 2025 by Admin 58 views

Hey Pokémon trainers! Let's dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games and rank them from the absolute best to... well, let's just say the ones that didn't quite hit the mark. The Switch has been a fantastic home for the Pocket Monsters, bringing both new adventures and classic remakes to our fingertips. We'll be looking at everything from the open-world exploration of Pokémon Legends: Arceus to the more traditional gameplay of Pokémon Sword and Shield, along with the remakes of the classic games, Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee, and the latest entry, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. So, grab your Poké Balls, and let's get started on this ranking of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games!

The Very Best: Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus took a massive leap for the franchise, and it's easily one of the best games on the Switch. This game is a breath of fresh air for Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, offering a vast, open-world environment to explore. Forget the usual gym battles and linear paths; here, you're tasked with exploring the Hisui region (later known as Sinnoh) and filling out the very first Pokédex. The gameplay is all about catching Pokémon in the wild, battling them in real-time, and uncovering the mysteries of the ancient past. The freedom to roam around, the engaging story, and the innovative gameplay mechanics make Arceus a standout title, making it a favorite for many players. You'll find yourself engrossed in the experience of actually being a Pokémon trainer, sneaking through tall grass, throwing Poké Balls, and battling wild Pokémon in ways we've never seen before. The sense of discovery and the unique take on the Pokémon formula earned it a top spot on this list. Guys, this one is a must-play!

Let me break down why it's so good:

Open-World Freedom: The Hisui region is vast and filled with secrets. You're not just following a predetermined path; you're exploring. The sense of freedom is incredible, and you can spend hours just wandering around, discovering new Pokémon and environments.
Real-Time Battles: This is a big change from the traditional turn-based combat. You can dodge attacks, use different moves in quick succession, and strategize in a whole new way. It makes battles feel more dynamic and engaging.
Innovative Catching Mechanics: No more random encounters! You can sneak up on Pokémon, use different items to lure them, and throw Poké Balls in real-time. It adds a whole new layer of depth to catching.
Compelling Story: The story is unique and interesting, focusing on the origins of the Pokédex and the Pokémon world. It's a fresh take on the Pokémon universe and is really compelling.
Great Visuals: The game has a unique art style that makes the world pop. While not the most technically advanced game on the Switch, the art style and design of the world make up for it.

Close Contenders: Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield brought the traditional Pokémon experience to the Switch, and they're still solid entries in the series. While not quite as groundbreaking as Legends: Arceus, they offer a polished and enjoyable experience for fans of the classic formula. The Galar region is beautiful, with diverse environments to explore, and the addition of the Dynamax and Max Raid Battles added a new dimension to combat. The story is engaging, and the Pokémon designs are top-notch. For those who enjoy the classic formula, Sword and Shield deliver a familiar, comfortable, and well-executed Pokémon adventure. It's a must for those who want that classic Pokémon feel and are ready to take on the Gym Challenge. I mean, the Wild Area alone offered hours of fun, with Pokémon roaming freely and changing with the weather.

Key strengths include:

Beautiful Graphics: The Galar region looks amazing. From the rolling hills to the bustling cities, the environments are well-designed and visually appealing.
Dynamax Battles: The addition of Dynamax battles was a lot of fun. Watching your Pokémon grow to giant sizes and battle it out was a real spectacle.
Wild Area: The Wild Area offered a taste of the open world, with Pokémon roaming freely. It was a great place to explore and catch Pokémon.
Raids: The Max Raid Battles were a fun way to team up with friends or other players to take on powerful Pokémon.
Competitive Battling: Sword and Shield had a great competitive scene, with plenty of options to battle with others.

A Nostalgic Trip: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were designed to be a bridge between the classic games and the modern era. These games are remakes of Pokémon Yellow, with a focus on simplicity and nostalgia. The gameplay is simplified, making it accessible to newcomers, and the graphics are charming. The use of motion controls for catching Pokémon adds a unique touch. If you're looking for a dose of nostalgia or want to introduce younger players to the world of Pokémon, these games are perfect. The focus here is on fun and accessibility. These were a nice step back in time. For anyone who grew up with the original games, this duo is a heartwarming revisit to the Kanto region, with a modern twist. The connection with Pokémon GO was a clever addition, allowing players to transfer Pokémon between games.

Here's a breakdown of what makes them stand out:

Nostalgia Factor: These games bring back the classic Kanto region with a fresh coat of paint. It's a joy to revisit familiar locations and characters.
Simplified Gameplay: The gameplay is streamlined, making it easier for new players to jump in. This is a great game for younger audiences or those new to the franchise.
Catching Mechanics: The catching mechanics, inspired by Pokémon GO, are a fun and engaging way to interact with Pokémon.
Charming Graphics: The art style is adorable and well-suited for a more casual Pokémon experience.
Partner Pokémon: Having Pikachu or Eevee following you around and interacting with you is a nice touch, adding to the charm.

The Newest Addition: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are the latest additions to the mainline series and are a step forward for the franchise, aiming for a full open-world experience. You get to explore the Paldea region, participate in the academy, and uncover the mysteries of the area. However, the games were plagued with technical issues upon release, which impacted the overall experience for many players. While the core gameplay is enjoyable, the performance issues prevent it from ranking higher on this list. The ambitious open-world design and the new gameplay features are promising, but the technical problems held it back from reaching its full potential. They have improved significantly, but the initial launch issues were hard to ignore, although the additions of new features, Pokémon, and the open-world gameplay are a welcome change.

Here's the lowdown:

Open-World Exploration: The ability to explore the vast Paldea region is incredible, with plenty of areas to uncover and explore.
New Pokémon: The new Pokémon designs are great, with some exciting additions to the roster.
Cooperative Gameplay: The ability to play with friends is a fantastic addition, making the game even more enjoyable.
Academy Story: The academy setting and the story are well-done, with a good mix of exploration and progression.
Technical Issues: The performance issues are the biggest downside, which impacted the gameplay.

Bringing Up the Rear:

In the spirit of being completely honest, there really aren't any bad Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch. Each game has its strengths and weaknesses, and the enjoyment of each game varies from person to person. However, based on the overall experience, some games are better than others. It's all about personal preference, so what one person dislikes, another person might love! So, just because a game is listed here, doesn't mean it's not worth playing.

Final Thoughts:

The Nintendo Switch has proven to be a fantastic platform for the Pokémon series, providing players with a diverse range of experiences. From the innovative open-world gameplay of Legends: Arceus to the classic charm of Let's Go, Pikachu!, there's a Pokémon game for everyone on the Switch. The upcoming titles and potential future games are something to look forward to, too! It's an exciting time to be a Pokémon fan, and the future of the series on the Switch looks bright. So, grab your Switch, choose your favorite Pokémon game, and get ready to embark on a memorable journey! Happy training, guys!