Top Nintendo Switch Pokemon Games: Ranked!

Hey everyone! If you're anything like me, you're absolutely obsessed with Pokemon. And let's be real, the Nintendo Switch has become the ultimate platform for diving into the world of these amazing creatures. So, if you're wondering which Pokemon games on the Switch are must-plays, you've come to the right place! I've compiled a list of the top titles, ranking them based on gameplay, storyline, graphics, and overall fun factor. Let's jump right in!

1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Okay, guys, let's start with a game that completely shook up the Pokemon formula: Pokemon Legends: Arceus. This isn't your typical gym-battling, linear adventure. Instead, you're transported to the ancient Hisui region (which would later become Sinnoh) and tasked with creating the region's first Pokedex. What makes this game stand out? It's the open-world exploration! You can freely roam vast landscapes, encounter Pokemon in their natural habitats, and even sneak up on them to initiate battles. The catching mechanics are also super engaging; you can throw Pokeballs directly without even battling if you're stealthy enough!

The storyline is incredibly captivating. The mystery surrounding Arceus and the space-time distortions keeps you hooked from start to finish. Plus, the characters are well-developed and add a lot of depth to the world. Graphically, the game has a unique art style that, while not the most technically advanced, perfectly captures the sense of adventure and exploration. The gameplay is where Arceus truly shines. The seamless transition between exploration and battle, the ability to craft items, and the sheer variety of Pokemon to discover make for an addicting experience. If you're looking for a fresh and innovative take on the Pokemon formula, Pokemon Legends: Arceus is an absolute must-play. It's a game that respects the core values of the franchise while pushing it in exciting new directions. The sense of discovery and the thrill of encountering rare and powerful Pokemon in the wild is something that I found to be truly special. The crafting system adds another layer of depth, allowing you to create essential items like Pokeballs and potions, making you feel more self-sufficient and connected to the environment. And let's not forget the story, which is arguably one of the most compelling in the entire Pokemon series. The lore surrounding Arceus and the Hisui region is rich and fascinating, and the characters you meet along the way are memorable and well-developed. This is a game that I wholeheartedly recommend to any Pokemon fan looking for a new and exciting adventure.

2. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Next up, we have Pokemon Sword and Shield, the Gen 8 games that introduced us to the Galar region. This is a more traditional Pokemon experience, but with some fantastic modern updates. The Galar region is inspired by the UK, and it's full of rolling hills, industrial cities, and snow-covered mountains. One of the biggest draws of Sword and Shield is the Wild Area, a vast open zone where you can encounter a wide variety of Pokemon, participate in Max Raid Battles, and even control the camera! These games also introduced Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which allow your Pokemon to grow to enormous sizes and unleash powerful moves. The storyline is pretty classic – you're a young trainer aiming to become the Champion of the Galar region. But the characters, particularly your rival Hop, are well-written and add a lot of heart to the journey. Graphically, Sword and Shield are a step up from previous Pokemon games, with more detailed environments and character models.

The gameplay in Pokemon Sword and Shield is classic Pokemon with a modern twist. The addition of the Wild Area makes exploration much more engaging, and Max Raid Battles provide a fun and challenging co-op experience. While some fans were disappointed by the lack of a complete National Pokedex, the Galar region has plenty of unique and interesting Pokemon to discover. Pokemon Sword and Shield are a solid entry in the series that offers a great balance of classic gameplay and modern features. The Wild Area is a true highlight, providing a sense of freedom and exploration that was previously missing from the mainline games. Max Raid Battles are also a fun and engaging way to team up with friends and battle powerful Pokemon. While the story may not be the most groundbreaking in the series, it's still well-written and features memorable characters. And let's not forget about the music, which is some of the best in the entire franchise. Overall, Pokemon Sword and Shield are a great choice for both long-time fans and newcomers to the series.

3. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

For those who crave a nostalgic trip, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are the faithful remakes of the Gen 4 classics. These games stay very true to the original Diamond and Pearl, recreating the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and some quality-of-life improvements. The storyline is the same as the original games – you're a young trainer who sets out to become the Champion of the Sinnoh region, battling Team Galactic along the way. While the graphics are updated, they retain the same charm and art style of the original games. The gameplay is also largely unchanged, with the same turn-based battles and exploration that fans have come to love.

What makes Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl appealing is their faithfulness to the original games. If you're a fan of Diamond and Pearl, you'll find these remakes to be a nostalgic and enjoyable experience. However, if you're looking for something new and innovative, you might be disappointed. The remakes do add some quality-of-life improvements, such as the Grand Underground, which allows you to explore underground areas and catch Pokemon. However, they don't make any major changes to the core gameplay or storyline. Overall, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a solid choice for fans of the original games, but they may not be as appealing to those looking for a more modern Pokemon experience. The faithful recreation of the Sinnoh region is a treat for longtime fans, and the updated graphics make the games look more appealing than ever. However, the lack of significant changes may leave some players wanting more.

4. Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

Now, for something a bit different, we have Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. These games are remakes of the original Pokemon Yellow, but with a major twist: they incorporate gameplay mechanics from Pokemon Go. Instead of battling wild Pokemon, you catch them by throwing Pokeballs using motion controls (or the buttons if you prefer). These games are set in the Kanto region, and you'll be able to explore all the classic locations like Viridian Forest, Cerulean City, and Lavender Town. The storyline is similar to the original Pokemon Yellow, but with some added twists and turns. Graphically, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are vibrant and colorful, with a charming art style that's sure to appeal to fans of all ages.

The gameplay in Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! is a unique blend of classic Pokemon and Pokemon Go. The catching mechanics are simplified, but they can still be challenging, especially when trying to catch rare Pokemon. The games also feature co-op play, allowing you to team up with a friend and explore the Kanto region together. While some hardcore Pokemon fans may be turned off by the simplified gameplay, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are a great entry point for newcomers to the series. They're also a fun and nostalgic experience for longtime fans who grew up with the original games. The integration of Pokemon Go mechanics is a clever way to bring the franchise to a new audience, and the co-op play adds a fun social element. However, the lack of traditional battling may disappoint some players.

5. New Pokemon Snap

Last but not least, we have New Pokemon Snap, a relaxing and charming photography game where you travel to different islands and take pictures of Pokemon in their natural habitats. This isn't a traditional Pokemon game with battling and training. Instead, it's all about observation and capturing the perfect shot. You'll explore lush jungles, serene beaches, and even underwater environments, all filled with a wide variety of Pokemon. The storyline is simple – you're a Pokemon photographer who's tasked with documenting the Pokemon of the Lental region. But the real draw of the game is the gameplay. You'll need to use your skills to lure Pokemon out of hiding, capture them in interesting poses, and even trigger special events.

What makes New Pokemon Snap so appealing is its relaxing and rewarding gameplay. It's a game that you can easily pick up and play for a few minutes or a few hours. The graphics are beautiful, and the Pokemon are brought to life in stunning detail. While it may not be for everyone, New Pokemon Snap is a unique and charming addition to the Pokemon franchise. It's a game that celebrates the beauty and diversity of the Pokemon world, and it's a great way to unwind and relax. The challenge of capturing the perfect shot is surprisingly addictive, and the sense of accomplishment you feel when you get a great photo is very satisfying. However, some players may find the lack of traditional Pokemon gameplay to be disappointing. Overall, New Pokemon Snap is a great choice for those looking for a different kind of Pokemon experience.

Conclusion

So there you have it, my ranking of the top Nintendo Switch Pokemon games! Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, there's a Pokemon game on the Switch for everyone. From the open-world exploration of Pokemon Legends: Arceus to the classic gameplay of Pokemon Sword and Shield, there's no shortage of adventures to be had. So grab your Switch, choose your starter, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey into the world of Pokemon!