Best Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch: A Trainer's Guide

Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! If you're like me, you're always on the lookout for the next great adventure in the world of Pokémon. And what better way to embark on that journey than with the Nintendo Switch, a console that perfectly blends handheld convenience with home console power? Today, we're diving deep into the best Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, giving you the lowdown on what makes each title unique and why you should add them to your collection. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newbie just starting, there's a Pokémon adventure waiting for you!

Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Galar Region Awaits

Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield marked the beginning of a new era for the franchise on the Nintendo Switch. Set in the Galar region, inspired by Great Britain, these games introduce players to a vibrant world filled with stunning landscapes, unique Pokémon, and a compelling storyline. One of the standout features is the Wild Area, a vast open-world environment where you can encounter a variety of Pokémon, participate in Max Raid Battles, and explore to your heart's content. The sense of freedom and discovery in the Wild Area is truly captivating. The new generation of Pokémon introduced in Sword and Shield are some of the most creative and well-designed in the series. From the adorable Wooloo to the majestic Zacian and Zamazenta, there's a Pokémon for everyone to love. The introduction of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing adds a thrilling new layer to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes and unleash powerful moves. Max Raid Battles, where you team up with other players to defeat Dynamax Pokémon, offer a challenging and rewarding cooperative experience. Beyond the main storyline, Sword and Shield offer plenty of post-game content to keep you engaged. You can continue exploring the Galar region, complete your Pokédex, and participate in various battles and challenges. The addition of the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC expansions further expands the world and adds new Pokémon, areas, and storylines to the game. These expansions are definitely worth checking out for any serious Pokémon fan. Whether you're battling Gym Leaders, exploring the Wild Area, or teaming up with friends in Max Raid Battles, Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield offer a rich and immersive Pokémon experience that's sure to delight fans of all ages.

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

For those who yearn for a trip down memory lane, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are the perfect choice. These games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, bringing the Kanto region to life with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. The Let's Go titles offer a more streamlined and accessible experience, making them ideal for newcomers to the series. One of the biggest changes is the replacement of traditional wild Pokémon battles with a catching mechanic inspired by Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you simply throw Poké Balls to catch them. This makes the games faster-paced and more approachable, especially for younger players. However, you still battle trainers and Gym Leaders, so the core Pokémon experience remains intact. The ability to ride your Pokémon in the overworld is another delightful addition. Imagine soaring through the skies on a Charizard or cruising along the water on a Lapras! This adds a new layer of immersion and makes exploring the Kanto region even more enjoyable. Pikachu and Eevee, your partner Pokémon, are incredibly adorable and expressive. They sit on your shoulder, interact with you in various ways, and even have their own unique moves. The bond you form with your partner Pokémon is a central part of the Let's Go experience. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are more than just remakes; they're a celebration of the Pokémon franchise. Whether you're a long-time fan looking for a nostalgic trip or a newcomer eager to experience the magic of Kanto, these games offer a charming and accessible Pokémon adventure that's sure to capture your heart.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Reliving the Sinnoh Region

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. These games bring the Sinnoh region to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and modern features while staying true to the original experience. For fans who grew up with the original games, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a nostalgic trip down memory lane. The games faithfully recreate the Sinnoh region, with its iconic locations, memorable characters, and engaging storyline. Exploring familiar places like Twinleaf Town, Jubilife City, and Mount Coronet feels like coming home. While the graphics have been updated, the overall art style remains faithful to the original games. The character models and environments have been given a fresh coat of paint, but the core aesthetic remains intact. This helps preserve the nostalgic feel of the original games. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl introduce several modern features that enhance the gameplay experience. The Grand Underground, a vast underground network, has been expanded with new areas and activities. You can now create your own Secret Base, mine for valuable items, and encounter rare Pokémon. The addition of Fairy-type Pokémon adds a new layer of strategy to battles. Fairy-type Pokémon are strong against Dragon-type Pokémon, which were previously difficult to counter. This helps balance the type matchups and adds more variety to team building. Whether you're a long-time fan of the series or a newcomer looking to experience a classic Pokémon adventure, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a faithful and engaging journey through the Sinnoh region.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A Bold New Direction

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a groundbreaking entry in the Pokémon series, offering a unique blend of action and RPG elements. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would eventually become the Sinnoh region), this game throws players into a vast open world where they can explore, catch Pokémon, and uncover the mysteries of Arceus. Pokémon Legends: Arceus departs from the traditional Pokémon formula in several significant ways. The game features a seamless open world where you can freely explore and interact with Pokémon in real-time. You can sneak up on Pokémon, throw Poké Balls to catch them, and even battle them directly in the overworld. The traditional turn-based battles are still present, but they're integrated more seamlessly into the exploration experience. The story of Pokémon Legends: Arceus is more complex and narrative-driven than previous Pokémon games. You play as a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with studying Pokémon and creating the first Pokédex. As you explore the Hisui region, you'll uncover the secrets of Arceus and unravel the mysteries surrounding the region's history. The new catching mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are a major departure from previous games. Instead of battling wild Pokémon to weaken them, you can simply throw Poké Balls at them. However, some Pokémon are more difficult to catch than others, and you may need to use stealth, distractions, or even battle them to increase your chances of success. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative entry in the Pokémon series that's sure to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers alike. Whether you're exploring the vast open world, catching Pokémon using the new mechanics, or unraveling the mysteries of Arceus, this game offers a fresh and exciting Pokémon experience.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: An Open-World Adventure Evolved

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet represent the latest generation of Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, taking the open-world formula introduced in Legends: Arceus and expanding upon it in exciting new ways. Set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, these games offer a truly open-world experience where you can explore at your own pace, discover new Pokémon, and embark on three distinct storylines. The Paldea region is a vast and diverse landscape filled with rolling hills, bustling cities, and hidden secrets. You can freely explore the region from the very beginning of the game, choosing your own path and discovering new areas at your own pace. The freedom to explore is truly liberating. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet introduce a new generation of Pokémon, each with its own unique design and abilities. From the adorable Sprigatito to the fierce Koraidon and Miraidon, there's a Pokémon for everyone to love. The Terastal Phenomenon adds a new layer of strategy to battles, allowing Pokémon to transform into crystalline forms and change their types. The three storylines in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer a diverse range of experiences. The traditional Gym Challenge returns, allowing you to battle Gym Leaders and earn badges. The Path of Legends sees you teaming up with Arven to hunt down Herba Mystica, while Starfall Street challenges you to take down Team Star, a group of rebellious students. The ability to play cooperatively with friends is another major highlight of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. You can explore the Paldea region together, battle Pokémon, and complete challenges as a team. This adds a social element to the game that's sure to appeal to players of all ages. With its vast open world, diverse storylines, and cooperative gameplay, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet offer an engaging and immersive Pokémon experience that's sure to delight fans of the series.

So there you have it, trainers! A comprehensive guide to the best Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip, a groundbreaking adventure, or an open-world experience, there's a Pokémon game on the Switch that's perfect for you. Now, grab your Switch, choose your starter, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in the world of Pokémon! Happy gaming, and may your catches always be shiny!