Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games Ranked: The Best To Worst

Alright guys, let's talk Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch! If you're anything like me, you've probably spent countless hours catching 'em all and battling your way to the top. But with so many Pokémon titles available on the Switch, it can be tough to figure out which ones are truly worth your time and hard-earned cash. Today, we're diving deep into the world of Switch Pokémon games and ranking them from best to worst. So, grab your Poké Balls and let's get started!

The Crown Jewel: Pokémon Legends: Arceus

When it comes to innovation and a fresh take on the Pokémon formula, Pokémon Legends: Arceus absolutely steals the show. This game isn't just another standard Pokémon adventure; it's a complete reimagining of what a Pokémon game can be. Set in the ancient Sinnoh region, known then as Hisui, you're tasked with helping Professor Laventon and the Galaxy Team create the very first PokéDex. The gameplay is a massive departure from the traditional turn-based battles you're used to. Instead, you'll be engaging in real-time action, sneaking up on Pokémon, and throwing Poké Balls directly at them to initiate a catch. This approach makes the act of catching Pokémon feel incredibly engaging and satisfying. The combat system has also been revamped, with new action and strong style moves that add a strategic layer to battles. Pokémon Legends: Arceus truly shines in its open-world exploration and the sheer joy of discovering and interacting with Pokémon in their natural habitats. You'll spend hours tracking down rare Pokémon, completing research tasks, and unraveling the mysteries of this ancient land. The narrative, while not the most complex, is compelling, focusing on the origins of Pokémon and the relationship between humans and Pokémon. The graphics are a bit stylized, opting for a more painterly look that, while not photorealistic, creates a unique and beautiful world to explore. This game is a must-play for any Pokémon fan looking for something new and exciting. It's a bold step forward for the franchise, and in my humble opinion, it's the best Pokémon experience on the Switch to date. The sense of discovery and the freedom you have in how you approach catching and battling Pokémon is unparalleled. You can choose to go in guns blazing or stealthily stalk your prey, making every encounter feel dynamic. It's a true testament to how the Pokémon series can evolve and still stay true to its core appeal. The sheer amount of content and the replayability factor are also off the charts. You'll find yourself constantly returning to explore different areas, complete more research tasks, and hunt for those shiny Pokémon. Arceus isn't just a game; it's an experience that redefines what fans have come to expect from the beloved franchise.

A Solid Contender: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Now, let's talk about the latest mainline entries, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These games introduced the series to a truly open world, and that's a massive deal, guys. No longer are you confined to linear routes; you can explore the Paldea region pretty much in any order you choose. This freedom is incredibly refreshing and allows for a more personalized journey. The story is also more mature than in previous titles, dealing with themes of discovery and a mysterious phenomenon called the "Terastal phenomenon," which gives Pokémon unique typings and boosts their power. The sense of exploration is incredible, with vast landscapes to traverse on the back of your Legendary Pokémon, Koraidon or Miraidon. The Terastal phenomenon adds a fun strategic twist to battles, allowing for unexpected type matchups and comeback victories. While the games have been criticized for their performance issues and graphical glitches, the core gameplay and the sheer amount of content make them a worthwhile addition to the Switch library. The new Pokémon designs are also fantastic, and the Pokedex is packed with interesting creatures to discover and train. The open-world aspect is a game-changer, allowing players to tackle gyms and story objectives in an order that suits them. This non-linearity encourages exploration and rewards players for venturing off the beaten path. The story, while sometimes a bit janky, has its moments of genuine intrigue, especially as you delve deeper into the mysteries of the region and the legendary Pokémon. The characters are also more developed than in some previous entries, adding a bit more personality to the journey. Despite the technical hiccups, the sheer fun of discovering new Pokémon, experimenting with different team compositions, and experiencing the open world makes Scarlet and Violet a strong contender for the top spot. The freedom to explore and the innovative battle mechanics are key selling points that many players will appreciate. It's a step in a new direction for the series, and while it may not be perfect, it offers a compelling and expansive Pokémon experience that is hard to ignore. The potential for future updates and DLC to iron out the kinks also bodes well for these titles. It's a game that rewards curiosity and offers a vast playground for trainers to forge their own path.

A Modern Classic: Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield brought the series into the HD era on the Switch, and for many, it was a welcome return to a more traditional Pokémon experience after the experimental nature of some previous titles. The Galar region is beautifully realized, with diverse environments ranging from sprawling fields to industrial cities. The introduction of Dynamax and Gigantamax forms added a new, flashy element to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to colossal sizes for a few turns. While some fans were disappointed by the "Dexit" issue – the exclusion of certain Pokémon from the national Pokedex – the games still offered a substantial amount of content and a compelling story. The Wild Area, a large open zone where players can freely explore and encounter various Pokémon, was a significant addition, offering a taste of the open-world exploration that would be further developed in later titles. The Max Raid Battles introduced a cooperative multiplayer element, allowing players to team up with others to take on powerful Dynamax Pokémon. The story, while not groundbreaking, is charming and features memorable characters and a satisfying conclusion. Sword and Shield really hit a sweet spot for many fans, offering a polished and familiar Pokémon journey with enough new features to keep things fresh. The graphical upgrade was a significant leap, making the Pokémon world feel more alive than ever before. The QoL (Quality of Life) improvements, such as easier access to experience candies and the ability to change moves at the Pokémon Center, made the overall gameplay experience much smoother. The DLC expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, added even more content, new areas to explore, and a host of returning Pokémon, effectively addressing some of the initial concerns about the Pokedex limitations. These expansions really rounded out the experience, providing a significant amount of post-game content and new legendary Pokémon to capture. For those seeking a more traditional yet modernized Pokémon adventure, Sword and Shield delivers in spades. It's a solid foundation for the series on the Switch, and many of its innovations have paved the way for future titles. The focus on a more streamlined experience, combined with engaging new mechanics, makes it a highly enjoyable entry.

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

For fans who grew up with the original Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are pure, unadulterated nostalgia bombs. These games are remakes of Pokémon Yellow, with a heavy emphasis on integrating Pokémon GO mechanics. Catching Pokémon is done through a motion-controlled system similar to Pokémon GO, which can be incredibly fun and intuitive, especially when playing in handheld mode. The visual overhaul is stunning, bringing the Kanto region to life with vibrant colors and charming character models. The integration of Pokémon GO also means that you can transfer Pokémon caught in the mobile game directly into Let's Go, which is a fantastic feature for long-time players. These games are designed to be more accessible and less complex than the mainline titles, making them perfect for newcomers or those looking for a more relaxed Pokémon experience. The journey through Kanto is a delightful trip down memory lane, filled with familiar faces and beloved Pokémon. The ability to have your starter Pokémon follow you around in the overworld adds a layer of personality and charm that is hard to resist. While they may lack the depth and complexity of other Switch Pokémon titles, their charm, accessibility, and nostalgic appeal make them a must-have for many. The simplified catching mechanics and the focus on the original 151 Pokémon offer a unique blend of old and new. It's a wonderful way to experience the Kanto region with modern graphics and updated gameplay elements. The cooperative play feature, where a second player can join in at any time, also adds to the fun, making it a great game to play with family or friends. Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! successfully captured the magic of the original games while presenting it in a fresh and engaging way for a new generation of players. They serve as a perfect gateway into the world of Pokémon for those who might be intimidated by the complexity of the mainline RPGs. The sheer joy of reliving the Kanto adventure with such a delightful presentation is undeniable.

The Mainline Entry: 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 offer a charming, if somewhat dated, return to the Sinnoh region. The chibi art style in the overworld is a distinct choice, and while it might not appeal to everyone, it certainly gives the game a unique look. The core gameplay remains true to the original, which is both a blessing and a curse. For those who loved the original games, this is a perfect way to relive those memories with updated graphics and some modern conveniences. The dungeons and gym battles feel familiar and satisfying, and the inclusion of the Grand Underground offers a fun diversion with its own set of secrets and Pokémon to discover. However, the games don't introduce many new mechanics or significantly evolve the formula, which can make them feel a bit stagnant compared to other Switch titles. The lack of the expanded Battle Frontier from the original Diamond and Pearl was also a point of contention for some fans. Despite these drawbacks, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl provide a solid, albeit uninspired, Pokémon experience. They are a great option for players who want to experience the Sinnoh story with a fresh coat of paint and without venturing into completely new territory. The faithfulness to the original ensures that the beloved story and characters are preserved, offering a comforting sense of familiarity. The music is also incredibly well-done, capturing the essence of the original soundtrack with a modern touch. While they might not be the most innovative Pokémon games on the Switch, they offer a dependable and enjoyable adventure for fans of the Sinnoh region. It's a safe bet for a nostalgic playthrough or for introducing new players to a classic chapter of the Pokémon saga. The core mechanics are timeless, and the Sinnoh region itself is rich with lore and interesting challenges. The inclusion of more Pokémon from other regions in the post-game content also adds a nice touch of variety for dedicated players.

A Bit of a Misstep: Pokémon: Let's Go, Johto!

Disclaimer: As of my last update, there isn't an official "Pokémon: Let's Go, Johto!" game released on the Nintendo Switch. This section is speculative and based on the hypothetical idea of a remake in the style of Let's Go, Pikachu/Eevee.

If a Pokémon: Let's Go, Johto! game were to be released in the vein of Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, it would likely fall into a similar category. The appeal would heavily rely on nostalgia for the Johto region (Gold, Silver, Crystal) and the integration of Pokémon GO-style mechanics. The potential for stunning visuals and accessible gameplay would be high. However, the main critique for the Let's Go series, which would likely carry over, is the simplified mechanics and the exclusion of certain elements that make the mainline RPGs more complex and engaging for long-time fans. While it would undoubtedly be a charming and accessible entry, its ranking would depend heavily on how well it captures the spirit of Johto and whether it offers enough new features to stand alongside the more robust mainline titles. The potential for a simplified experience might alienate hardcore fans looking for deeper strategy and a more involved storyline. Yet, for a casual audience or those seeking a lighter Pokémon adventure, it could be a fantastic addition. The success would hinge on balancing nostalgic elements with modern gameplay expectations. It's a tricky line to walk, and we'd have to see how it's executed to truly place it. The focus on motion controls and simplified catching could be a double-edged sword, appealing to some while frustrating others who prefer traditional methods. Ultimately, its ranking would be somewhat subjective, depending on individual preferences for complexity and gameplay style. It's a concept that holds promise but also carries the risk of being too niche or too simplistic for the broader Pokémon fanbase.

The Entry Level: Pokémon HOME

While not a traditional game in the sense of catching and battling your way through a story, Pokémon HOME is an essential tool for any serious Pokémon trainer on the Switch. It's a cloud-based service that allows you to store and manage all your Pokémon across different games. Think of it as a massive digital storage box. You can transfer Pokémon from Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet, Violet into HOME, and then move them to whichever game they are compatible with. This is crucial for completing your Pokedex, building your dream team with Pokémon from various generations, and participating in online battles with a wider variety of creatures. The functionality is straightforward: connect your Nintendo Account, link your game saves, and start organizing. There's a premium subscription that offers more storage space and additional features, but the free version is perfectly adequate for most users. Pokémon HOME is less about an adventure and more about utility. It ensures that your favorite Pokémon aren't locked away in a single game and can be brought along for new adventures. For completionists and competitive players alike, it's an indispensable piece of the Pokémon ecosystem on the Switch. It facilitates the interconnectedness of the Pokémon universe, allowing trainers to curate their collections seamlessly. While it doesn't offer the thrill of a new story or battles, its role in the overall Pokémon experience on the Switch is undeniable. It's the glue that holds your digital Pokémon collection together, ensuring that your hard-earned Pokémon can always be with you. It's a necessary evil, perhaps, but one that enhances the longevity and flexibility of your Pokémon journey. The ability to easily swap Pokémon between games streamlines team building and strategy for online play. It's a testament to the franchise's effort to create a cohesive experience across its titles. For many, it's the unsung hero of their Switch Pokémon collection.

Conclusion

So there you have it, guys! Our ranking of the Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch. Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes the top spot for its revolutionary gameplay, while Scarlet and Violet offer an expansive open world that's hard to ignore. Sword and Shield provide a polished, traditional experience, and the Let's Go titles are perfect for a nostalgic, accessible adventure. The remakes like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer faithful experiences for fans of the originals. Ultimately, the