Best Pokemon Games On Nintendo Switch: A Deep Dive
Hey guys! Are you ready to dive into the wonderful world of Pokemon on the Nintendo Switch? If you're a seasoned trainer or just starting your Pokemon journey, the Switch offers a fantastic selection of games that cater to all tastes. We're going to break down the best Pokemon titles available, giving you the lowdown on what makes each game special, so you can choose the perfect adventure for you. Let's get started!
Pokemon Sword and Shield
Pokemon Sword and Shield marked the beginning of a new generation of Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch, and boy, did they make a splash! Set in the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom, these games introduced us to a vibrant new world filled with unique Pokemon, stunning landscapes, and a captivating storyline. One of the most exciting features was the introduction of the Wild Area, a vast open-world environment where players could encounter Pokemon roaming freely, a first for the main series. This innovation brought a new level of immersion and exploration to the Pokemon experience.
Another standout feature in Sword and Shield is the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena. Dynamaxing allows Pokemon to grow to gigantic sizes during battles, boosting their power and changing their moves. Gigantamaxing takes it a step further by altering the Pokemon's appearance and granting them unique G-Max Moves. These transformations add a thrilling strategic layer to battles, making them more dynamic and visually impressive. The gym challenges in the Galar region are also a highlight, featuring massive stadiums filled with cheering crowds, creating an electrifying atmosphere that truly captures the spirit of competitive Pokemon battling.
The storyline of Pokemon Sword and Shield revolves around the player's journey to become the Champion of the Galar region. Along the way, you'll encounter a colorful cast of characters, including your rival Hop, the charismatic Champion Leon, and the mysterious Chairman Rose. The narrative explores themes of ambition, tradition, and the importance of protecting the environment, adding depth and intrigue to the classic Pokemon formula. While some players have criticized certain aspects of the game, such as the linearity of the main story and the lack of a complete national Pokedex, Pokemon Sword and Shield undeniably offer a compelling and enjoyable Pokemon experience on the Nintendo Switch. The engaging gameplay, stunning visuals, and memorable characters make it a must-play for any Pokemon fan. And with the addition of the Expansion Pass, which includes The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra DLCs, there's even more content to explore and Pokemon to catch, extending the adventure far beyond the main story.
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are like a warm hug of nostalgia for Pokemon fans. These games are essentially remakes of the original Pokemon Yellow, bringing the beloved Kanto region to life on the Nintendo Switch with a fresh and vibrant coat of paint. What makes these games truly special is their accessibility. They're designed to be welcoming to new players, especially those who might have only experienced Pokemon through Pokemon GO.
One of the most significant changes in the Let's Go games is the way you encounter Pokemon. Instead of battling wild Pokemon to weaken them before catching them, you simply throw Pokeballs, much like in Pokemon GO. This streamlined approach makes the catching process quick and easy, allowing you to focus on exploring the world and building your team. The games also feature co-op multiplayer, allowing you and a friend to explore the Kanto region together, doubling the fun and making it a great option for families.
The connection with Pokemon GO is another highlight of Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. You can transfer Pokemon that you've caught in Pokemon GO to your Let's Go game, adding a unique element of cross-platform play. This integration not only enhances the gameplay experience but also strengthens the bond between the mobile and console Pokemon worlds. The storyline remains faithful to the original Pokemon Yellow, following your journey as you team up with Pikachu (in Let's Go, Pikachu!) or Eevee (in Let's Go, Eevee!) to become the Pokemon League Champion. You'll battle familiar faces like Brock, Misty, and Lt. Surge, and face off against the notorious Team Rocket. While the Let's Go games may not appeal to hardcore Pokemon fans looking for a challenging experience, they offer a delightful and accessible entry point into the world of Pokemon for newcomers and a nostalgic trip down memory lane for longtime fans. The charming visuals, intuitive gameplay, and strong emphasis on friendship make these games a standout addition to the Nintendo Switch library.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
For those who grew up exploring the Sinnoh region, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a dream come true. These games are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics, Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl, bringing the beloved story and characters to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and gameplay. While the visual style may not be for everyone, the core experience remains true to the original, offering a nostalgic and engaging adventure for both returning players and newcomers.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl stay true to the original games' story. You will navigate the Sinnoh region, catching Pokemon, battling trainers, and unraveling the mysteries surrounding the legendary Pokemon Dialga (in Brilliant Diamond) and Palkia (in Shining Pearl). One of the most appealing aspects of these remakes is their adherence to the original games' structure and gameplay mechanics. The Underground, a vast network of tunnels beneath the Sinnoh region, returns with new features, allowing players to create secret bases, mine for valuable items, and encounter rare Pokemon. This adds a layer of exploration and customization to the game, encouraging players to spend hours delving into the depths of the Underground.
The Pokemon Contests also make a comeback, allowing you to showcase your Pokemon's skills and style in a series of competitions. These contests require you to dress up your Pokemon, perform dances, and demonstrate their moves, adding a fun and creative diversion from the main storyline. While Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl may not reinvent the wheel, they offer a solid and enjoyable Pokemon experience that captures the essence of the original games. The faithful recreation of the Sinnoh region, coupled with updated graphics and gameplay enhancements, makes these remakes a worthy addition to the Nintendo Switch library. Whether you're a longtime fan or a newcomer to the series, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a charming and nostalgic adventure that's sure to delight.
New Pokemon Snap
Alright, picture this: instead of battling Pokemon, you're snapping photos of them in their natural habitats. Sounds relaxing, right? That's New Pokemon Snap for you! This game is a sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic, bringing a fresh and modern take on the Pokemon photography adventure. As a Pokemon photographer, you'll travel to various islands in the Lental region, each teeming with unique Pokemon and stunning landscapes. Your mission is to capture the best possible photos of these Pokemon, documenting their behavior and interactions in their natural environments.
What sets New Pokemon Snap apart is its focus on observation and discovery. You'll need to use your keen eye and photography skills to capture the perfect shot, taking into account factors such as composition, lighting, and the Pokemon's pose. The game rewards you for capturing rare and unique moments, such as Pokemon performing special actions or interacting with each other. You can also use items like fruit and Illumina orbs to provoke reactions from the Pokemon, creating even more photo opportunities.
New Pokemon Snap isn't just about taking pretty pictures; it's also about learning about the Pokemon and their ecosystems. The game features a detailed Photodex that provides information about each Pokemon, including their behavior, habitat, and evolutionary relationships. As you progress through the game, you'll unlock new areas and encounter new Pokemon, expanding your knowledge of the Lental region and its inhabitants. The gameplay loop of exploring new areas, discovering new Pokemon behaviors, and capturing the perfect photo is incredibly addictive and rewarding. Whether you're a seasoned Pokemon photographer or a newcomer to the series, New Pokemon Snap offers a unique and captivating experience that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Pokemon world.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet mark a bold step forward for the Pokemon franchise, introducing a truly open-world experience for the first time in the main series. Set in the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, these games allow you to freely explore a vast and diverse landscape filled with unique Pokemon, vibrant cities, and challenging Gyms. The open-world structure means you can tackle the Gyms in any order you choose, giving you unprecedented freedom to shape your own adventure.
One of the most exciting features of Scarlet and Violet is the introduction of the Terastal Phenomenon, which allows Pokemon to transform into crystalline forms, boosting their power and changing their types. This adds a new layer of strategy to battles, as you'll need to carefully consider when and how to use the Terastal transformation to gain an advantage. The games also feature a captivating storyline that revolves around the player's enrollment in the prestigious Naranja Academy (in Scarlet) or Uva Academy (in Violet). As a student, you'll embark on a treasure hunt, exploring the Paldea region and uncovering its secrets.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet also introduce cooperative multiplayer, allowing you and up to three friends to explore the Paldea region together. You can battle Pokemon, complete quests, and participate in Tera Raid Battles, where you'll team up to defeat powerful Terastal Pokemon. The open-world structure, coupled with the cooperative multiplayer, creates a sense of freedom and adventure that's unlike anything seen in previous Pokemon games. While the games have faced some criticism for their technical performance, the innovative gameplay, engaging storyline, and vast open world make Pokemon Scarlet and Violet a must-play for any Pokemon fan. The sense of discovery, the freedom to explore, and the ability to connect with friends make these games a truly special addition to the Nintendo Switch library.
So, there you have it, trainers! The Nintendo Switch is home to a fantastic array of Pokemon games, each offering a unique and unforgettable adventure. Whether you're looking for a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a relaxing photography experience, or a sprawling open-world adventure, there's a Pokemon game on the Switch that's perfect for you. So grab your Pokeballs, gather your team, and get ready to embark on an epic Pokemon journey!