Pokémon Games On Switch: A Complete Guide
Hey Pokémon trainers! Want to know what Pokémon games you can get on Nintendo Switch? You've come to the right place! The Nintendo Switch has become a fantastic hub for Pokémon adventures, offering everything from classic remakes to innovative new entries. Let's dive into the exciting world of Pokémon games you can play right now on your Switch.
Core Series Pokémon Games
The core series Pokémon games are the main installments in the Pokémon franchise, and the Nintendo Switch has several amazing options. These games typically feature a sprawling region to explore, hundreds of Pokémon to catch, and a compelling storyline that will keep you hooked for hours. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a newcomer, these titles are essential for any Pokémon fan.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the arrival of the eighth generation of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch. Set in the Galar region, which is inspired by the United Kingdom, these games introduce players to a brand-new set of Pokémon, characters, and adventures. The Galar region is known for its stunning landscapes, from sprawling grassy plains to towering industrial cities, providing a diverse and engaging environment for players to explore. One of the standout features of Pokémon Sword and Shield is the introduction of the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena. Dynamaxing allows Pokémon to grow to an enormous size during battles, while Gigantamaxing changes their appearance and gives them access to unique G-Max moves. These features add an exciting layer of strategy to battles and make them more visually impressive. The games also feature the Wild Area, a vast open-world area where players can encounter a variety of Pokémon and participate in Max Raid Battles with other players online. Max Raid Battles involve teaming up with other trainers to take on powerful Dynamax Pokémon, offering a cooperative and rewarding gameplay experience. Pokémon Sword and Shield received positive reviews for their engaging gameplay, vibrant graphics, and innovative features, making them a must-have for any Pokémon fan on the Nintendo Switch. The sense of adventure and discovery in the Galar region is truly captivating, and the new Pokémon designs are among the best in the series. Whether you're exploring the Wild Area, battling in the Champion Cup, or uncovering the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, Pokémon Sword and Shield offer an unforgettable Pokémon experience.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow game, reimagined for the Nintendo Switch. These games offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans while also providing a fresh and accessible experience for newcomers. Set in the Kanto region, players embark on a classic Pokémon journey to become the Champion, catching Pokémon, battling trainers, and foiling the plans of Team Rocket. One of the standout features of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! is the integration of Pokémon GO mechanics. Catching Pokémon is done using motion controls, mimicking the throwing of Poké Balls in the mobile game. This adds a fun and interactive element to the gameplay and makes it more engaging for players of all ages. The games also feature a partner Pokémon – Pikachu in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Eevee in Let's Go, Eevee! – that accompanies the player on their journey. These partner Pokémon can be dressed up in various outfits, ridden on, and interacted with, adding a personal touch to the gameplay experience. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are perfect for players who want to experience the classic Pokémon adventure in a new and exciting way. The vibrant graphics, charming characters, and intuitive gameplay make them a great entry point for newcomers to the series, while the nostalgic elements will delight longtime fans. Whether you're exploring the Viridian Forest, battling the Elite Four, or catching rare Pokémon like Mewtwo, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! offer a delightful and memorable Pokémon experience.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. These games bring the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and modern gameplay features. Players embark on a nostalgic journey to become the Champion, exploring the vast landscapes of Sinnoh, catching Pokémon, and uncovering the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. The remakes stay true to the original games, preserving the classic storyline, characters, and locations that fans know and love. However, they also include new features and enhancements to improve the overall gameplay experience. One of the notable additions is the Grand Underground, a vast underground area where players can explore, mine for treasure, and create secret bases. The Grand Underground adds a new layer of exploration and customization to the games, allowing players to personalize their experience and connect with other players online. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl also feature updated graphics that bring the Sinnoh region to life in vibrant detail. The character models, environments, and battle animations have been enhanced to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch's capabilities, making the games more visually appealing than ever before. Whether you're revisiting the Sinnoh region for the first time or experiencing it for the first time, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a nostalgic and enjoyable Pokémon adventure. The faithful remakes capture the essence of the original games while also providing modern enhancements that improve the overall gameplay experience. From exploring Mount Coronet to battling the Elite Four, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer an unforgettable Pokémon journey.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a groundbreaking entry in the Pokémon series, offering a unique blend of open-world exploration and traditional Pokémon gameplay. Set in the ancient Hisui region, which would eventually become the Sinnoh region, players embark on a quest to create the region's first Pokédex. The game features a vast open world to explore, with diverse environments ranging from lush forests to snow-capped mountains. Players can freely roam the Hisui region, observing Pokémon in their natural habitats and catching them using stealth and strategy. Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduces a new battle system that blends real-time action with turn-based combat. Players can engage in battles directly in the open world, using agile movements and strategic thinking to defeat Pokémon. The game also features crafting and resource gathering, allowing players to create items and equipment to aid them on their journey. One of the standout features of Pokémon Legends: Arceus is its immersive storyline, which explores the history and mythology of the Pokémon world. Players will uncover the mysteries of the legendary Pokémon Arceus and learn about the origins of the Pokémon universe. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play for any Pokémon fan who wants to experience a new and innovative take on the classic formula. The open-world exploration, dynamic gameplay, and engaging storyline make it a standout title on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're surveying Pokémon in the Obsidian Fieldlands, battling powerful Alpha Pokémon, or unraveling the secrets of the Temple of Sinnoh, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers an unforgettable Pokémon adventure.
Spin-Off Pokémon Games
Beyond the core series, the Nintendo Switch also boasts a selection of spin-off Pokémon games that offer unique and diverse gameplay experiences. These games explore different genres and mechanics, providing a fresh perspective on the Pokémon universe. Whether you're a fan of puzzle games, fighting games, or strategy games, there's a spin-off Pokémon game on the Switch for you.
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a charming and relaxing photography game that takes players on a safari adventure through the Lental region. Players ride in a vehicle called the NEO-ONE, photographing Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game features a variety of environments to explore, from tropical beaches to dense jungles, each teeming with unique Pokémon and hidden secrets. New Pokémon Snap is all about capturing the perfect photo of each Pokémon. Players can use items like fruit and Illumina orbs to provoke reactions from Pokémon and capture them in interesting poses. The game also features a grading system that evaluates photos based on composition, pose, and other factors. One of the standout features of New Pokémon Snap is its attention to detail. The Pokémon are beautifully animated and behave realistically in their environments. The game also features a day-night cycle, which affects the behavior of Pokémon and the types of photos that can be captured. New Pokémon Snap is a perfect game for Pokémon fans who enjoy photography and exploration. The relaxing gameplay, stunning visuals, and charming Pokémon make it a delightful experience for players of all ages. Whether you're photographing Pikachu surfing on a Sharpedo, capturing a close-up of a Meganium's flower, or uncovering the mysteries of the Illumina phenomenon, New Pokémon Snap offers a unique and rewarding Pokémon adventure.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the classic Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games for the Nintendo Switch. Players take on the role of a Pokémon who has been mysteriously transformed into a Pokémon and must form a rescue team to help other Pokémon in need. The game features a procedurally generated dungeon system, where players explore randomly generated dungeons filled with traps, enemies, and treasure. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX features a turn-based combat system, where players strategically navigate dungeons and battle enemies using a variety of moves and abilities. The game also features a recruitment system, where players can recruit other Pokémon to join their rescue team. One of the standout features of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is its heartwarming storyline, which explores themes of friendship, courage, and sacrifice. Players will encounter a colorful cast of characters and embark on a thrilling adventure to save the Pokémon world from disaster. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a perfect game for Pokémon fans who enjoy roguelike gameplay and engaging storylines. The challenging dungeons, strategic combat, and charming characters make it a rewarding experience for players of all ages. Whether you're exploring the depths of Mt. Freeze, rescuing Pokémon from natural disasters, or uncovering the mysteries of the legendary Ninetales, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX offers an unforgettable Pokémon adventure.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where players team up and battle against each other in strategic 5v5 matches. Players control Pokémon characters, each with unique abilities and roles, and work together to capture objectives and defeat the opposing team. The game features a variety of maps and game modes, each with its own set of challenges and objectives. Pokémon UNITE is easy to pick up and play, but it also offers a deep level of strategy and customization. Players can customize their Pokémon with different items and builds, and they can coordinate with their teammates to execute complex strategies. One of the standout features of Pokémon UNITE is its accessibility. The game is free to play, and it offers cross-platform play between the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. This allows players to team up and battle with their friends regardless of their platform. Pokémon UNITE is a perfect game for Pokémon fans who enjoy competitive multiplayer games. The fast-paced action, strategic gameplay, and customizable Pokémon make it a thrilling experience for players of all skill levels. Whether you're scoring goals in Remoat Stadium, battling for control of Zapdos, or climbing the ranked ladder, Pokémon UNITE offers an engaging and rewarding Pokémon adventure. Guys, this game is great for playing with your friends!
Which Pokémon Game is Right For You?
Choosing the right Pokémon game for you depends on your personal preferences and what you're looking for in a Pokémon experience. Here's a quick guide to help you decide:
- For Classic Pokémon Fans: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer nostalgic trips to the Kanto and Sinnoh regions, respectively.
 - For Open-World Explorers: Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides a groundbreaking open-world experience with a unique blend of action and adventure.
 - For Competitive Players: Pokémon UNITE offers fast-paced and strategic MOBA gameplay with cross-platform play.
 - For Photography Enthusiasts: New Pokémon Snap is a relaxing and charming photography game that lets you capture Pokémon in their natural habitats.
 - For Roguelike Fans: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX offers challenging dungeon exploration and a heartwarming storyline.
 
No matter what type of Pokémon fan you are, the Nintendo Switch has something for everyone. So grab your Poké Balls, trainers, and embark on an unforgettable adventure today!