Best Pokemon Games On Nintendo Switch: Ranked!

by Jhon Lennon 47 views

Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the amazing world of Pokemon on your Nintendo Switch? With so many titles available, it can be tough to figure out which ones are truly worth your time. So, I’ve put together a comprehensive ranking of the best Pokemon games you can play right now on your Nintendo Switch. Get ready to catch ‘em all!

1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends: Arceus completely revitalizes the Pokemon experience, offering an open-world adventure unlike anything we've seen before. The gameplay is centered around exploring the Hisui region (ancient Sinnoh), completing research tasks for the Pokemon living there, and uncovering the mysteries surrounding Arceus. What makes this game so special? Well, for starters, the seamless integration of exploration and Pokemon catching is revolutionary. You can sneak through tall grass, craft items, and engage Pokemon in real-time battles right on the overworld. No more random encounters that break the flow of exploration!

The storyline is captivating, too, blending familiar Pokemon lore with new elements and intriguing characters. As you progress, you’ll unravel the secrets of the Hisui region and the origins of the Pokemon world. The visuals are stunning, with vibrant environments and detailed Pokemon models that truly bring the world to life. The freedom to roam around, discover new areas, and interact with Pokemon in such a dynamic way is simply exhilarating. And let's not forget the challenging battles against powerful Alpha Pokemon and the epic showdown with Arceus himself. This game is a must-have for any Pokemon fan and a standout title on the Nintendo Switch.

Why it’s great:

  • Innovative Gameplay: Real-time battles and seamless exploration transform the Pokemon experience.
  • Engaging Story: Uncover the mysteries of the Hisui region and the origins of the Pokemon world.
  • Stunning Visuals: Vibrant environments and detailed Pokemon models bring the world to life.

2. Pokemon Sword and Shield

Pokemon Sword and Shield brought the Pokemon franchise to the Nintendo Switch with a bang! Set in the Galar region, which is inspired by Great Britain, these games offer a blend of classic Pokemon gameplay with new and exciting features. One of the biggest additions is the Wild Area, a vast open-world zone where you can encounter a variety of Pokemon in different weather conditions. This area is a fantastic place to explore, battle, and participate in Max Raid Battles with other players online. These battles pit you against giant Dynamax Pokemon, requiring teamwork and strategy to defeat them.

The storyline in Sword and Shield is classic Pokemon, but with its own unique twists and turns. You'll embark on a journey to become the Champion of the Galar region, battling Gym Leaders, rivals, and uncovering a mysterious plot along the way. The characters are memorable, and the world is full of charm and personality. Visually, Sword and Shield are a significant step up from previous Pokemon games, with detailed environments, expressive character models, and stunning special effects. The battles are dynamic and engaging, with Dynamax and Gigantamax forms adding a new layer of strategy. Overall, Pokemon Sword and Shield are excellent additions to the Pokemon franchise and a must-play for any Nintendo Switch owner.

Why it’s great:

  • Vast Wild Area: Explore a sprawling open-world zone with diverse Pokemon encounters.
  • Max Raid Battles: Team up with other players to take on giant Dynamax Pokemon.
  • Charming Story and Characters: Embark on a classic Pokemon journey with unique twists.

3. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games from the Nintendo DS. These games bring the Sinnoh region to life on the Nintendo Switch with enhanced graphics, updated features, and the same beloved gameplay. If you're a long-time Pokemon fan, these remakes will feel like a warm embrace, offering a nostalgic trip down memory lane. You'll revisit familiar locations, battle classic Pokemon, and relive the same epic storyline. But even if you're new to the Pokemon franchise, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are excellent entry points, providing a traditional Pokemon experience with modern enhancements.

The gameplay in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is classic Pokemon through and through. You'll explore the Sinnoh region, catch and train Pokemon, battle Gym Leaders, and unravel the mysteries of Team Galactic. The remakes stay true to the original games, but they also include some new features, such as updated graphics, improved battle mechanics, and a revamped Underground area where you can dig for fossils and build your own secret base. While some players have criticized the art style, the gameplay remains engaging and addictive. These games are a great way to experience the Sinnoh region in a fresh new way.

Why it’s great:

  • Faithful Remakes: Relive the classic Pokemon Diamond and Pearl games with enhanced graphics.
  • Classic Gameplay: Experience traditional Pokemon gameplay with modern enhancements.
  • Nostalgic Trip: A must-play for long-time Pokemon fans who want to revisit the Sinnoh region.

4. New Pokemon Snap

New Pokemon Snap is a unique and relaxing spin-off title that puts you in the role of a Pokemon photographer. Set in the Lental region, this game tasks you with exploring various islands, capturing photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats, and uncovering the secrets of the Illumina phenomenon. Unlike traditional Pokemon games, there are no battles or catching involved. Instead, your goal is to take the best possible photos of Pokemon engaging in various activities, such as eating, playing, and interacting with their environment.

The gameplay in New Pokemon Snap is simple but addictive. You ride in a vehicle called the Neo-One, which travels along a pre-determined path through each area. As you move along, you can use various tools, such as Pokemon food and Illumina orbs, to attract Pokemon and trigger special interactions. The better your photos, the higher your score. The game is incredibly relaxing and rewarding, allowing you to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pokemon world and appreciate the creatures in a whole new way. With its stunning visuals, diverse environments, and charming Pokemon interactions, New Pokemon Snap is a must-play for any Pokemon fan.

Why it’s great:

  • Unique Gameplay: Capture photos of Pokemon in their natural habitats.
  • Relaxing Experience: Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Pokemon world.
  • Stunning Visuals: Explore diverse environments and capture charming Pokemon interactions.

5. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games from the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. In this game, you play as a human who has been transformed into a Pokemon and must team up with other Pokemon to form a rescue team. Together, you'll explore randomly generated dungeons, battle enemy Pokemon, and complete rescue missions to help those in need. The gameplay is a mix of roguelike and turn-based strategy, requiring you to carefully plan your moves and manage your resources.

The storyline in Rescue Team DX is heartwarming and engaging. As you progress, you'll uncover the mysteries of your transformation and the cause of the natural disasters plaguing the Pokemon world. The characters are charming, and the world is full of personality. The game features a unique art style that resembles watercolor paintings, which adds to its charm. While the gameplay can be challenging at times, it's also incredibly rewarding, especially when you successfully complete a difficult rescue mission. If you're a fan of roguelike games or looking for a Pokemon game with a unique twist, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is definitely worth checking out.

Why it’s great:

  • Unique Gameplay: Explore randomly generated dungeons and complete rescue missions.
  • Heartwarming Story: Uncover the mysteries of your transformation and the cause of the natural disasters.
  • Charming Art Style: The game features a unique art style that resembles watercolor paintings.

So there you have it, folks! My ranking of the best Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're a long-time Pokemon fan or new to the franchise, there's something for everyone on this list. Happy gaming, and remember to catch ‘em all!