Pokemon Games for Nintendo Switch
Published: Wed Mar 20 2024
Table Of Contents
What is the Best Pokemon Game on Switch?
The Nintendo Switch has become a treasure trove for Pokemon trainers, offering a diverse collection of mainline entries and cherished remakes. But with so many choices, picking the best Pokemon game on Switch can feel like catching a legendary – a thrilling challenge with a personal touch. We’ve prioritized what matters most to gamers like you and me, not critics, to deliver a set of metrics tailored to the best Pokemon games the Switch has to offer. So, fire up your Pokedex and prepare to explore the top contenders vying for the crown of the best Pokemon game on Switch!
| ✓ Story | ✓ Progression | ✓ Post Game | ✓ Legendaries |
| ✓ Region | ✓ Champion | ✓ Gameplay | ✓ Design |
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet4.4
Ratings (Out of 5)
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet capture the core spirit of exploration and discovery that makes Pokémon so beloved. While the story and technical aspects could be improved, the freedom, gorgeous world, charming new features, and the thrill of completing the Pokédex make it a fantastic adventure, especially for completionists, shiny hunters, and anyone who loves the feeling of a wide-open Pokémon world to explore!
Story
The school setting might feel familiar, but the freedom to explore a vast world at your own pace is a breath of fresh air! Whilst you get the opportunity to team up with friendly rivals who make the journey more enjoyable, the overall plot itself might not be the most captivating. However, the thrill of uncovering Paldea’s mysteries and forging your own trainer path is sure to keep things interesting.
Progression
No more repetitive gym grinds! Level scaling allows you to tackle challenges across the region without feeling underpowered. Exploring the open world and uncovering hidden nooks is a fantastic way to level up your team and discover exciting new Pokémon. It can feel grindy at times, especially if you’re aiming to catch ’em all, but the sense of discovery and the freedom to choose where to go next is incredibly rewarding.
Post Game
The adventure continues after becoming champion! Hunting down the legendaries and completing the Pokédex are classic post-game staples that keep you engaged. The true surprise comes with the post-game story that throws in an unexpected twist. And of course, competitive battling is always a great way to test your skills and show off your perfectly trained Pokémon.
Region
Paldea is a vibrant region brimming with life, waiting to be explored! Imagine a tapestry woven with modern cities, sprawling landscapes teeming with Pokémon, and hidden secrets waiting to be unearthed. The unique blend of Spanish and futuristic influences creates a visually stunning world that feels both familiar and refreshingly new. Every nook and cranny of Paldea promises exciting discoveries for any trainer.
Champion
The friendly rival dynamic is a welcome change from the typical arrogant champion. But the champion battle itself feels a bit less epic compared to some past challenges. Perhaps a future DLC rematch awaits?
Gameplay & Design
The open world offers incredible freedom to explore and forge your own path. The ability to tackle challenges in any order and discover new Pokémon around every corner is incredibly exciting. However, some performance issues can occasionally hinder the experience. New features like letting your Pokémon battle wild Pokémon automatically (“Let’s Go!”) and having picnics with them add a delightful layer of charm and interactivity, making you feel even more connected to your team.
Legendaries
Koraidon and Miraidon are absolute standouts in the legendary department. These Pokémon boast sleek designs that turn heads, and their powerful movesets make them incredible companions throughout your journey. Unlocking their full potential adds another layer of depth, making them truly special partners.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus 4.3
Ratings (Out of 5)
Calling all aspiring researchers – grab your Poké Balls and prepare for an incredible journey through time! Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold step forward for the Pokémon franchise. While the story might not be its strongest aspect, the freedom of exploration, engaging catching mechanics, and captivating historical setting make it a must-play for any Pokémon fan.
Story
The plot itself may not be the most complex, but unravelling the mysteries of the Hisui region add a captivating layer to the beautifully historic setting. You’ll encounter familiar Pokémon in unfamiliar times, creating a sense of wonder and discovery. However, don’t expect a deeply emotional narrative – the focus here is on exploration and completing your research tasks.
Progression
Gone are the traditional gyms! Instead, you’ll complete research tasks by catching and studying Pokémon. It’s a refreshing change that encourages exploration and interaction with the wild Pokémon. While some might miss the structured gym battles, the freedom to explore and capture at your own pace is incredibly rewarding.
Post Game
Even after completing the main story, there’s plenty to keep you busy! Hunting down elusive legendary Pokémon, completing research tasks for all Pokémon species, and uncovering the secrets of outbreaks and distortions in the space-time continuum will keep you adventuring for hours.
Region
The Hisui region offers a fascinating glimpse into what Sinnoh once was. Exploring sprawling landscapes, encountering Pokémon roaming freely, and uncovering ancient settlements provide a truly immersive experience. While the environments might not be as visually diverse as some later regions, the historical context adds a special charm.
Champion
Since this is a prequel, there’s no traditional champion battle. However, facing off against powerful Wardens and suppressing outbreaks of frenzied Pokémon provides plenty of exciting challenges to test your battling skills.
Gameplay & Design
The core gameplay loop of catching, battling, and researching Pokémon feels incredibly engaging. The new catching mechanics add a layer of strategy and depth, making capturing wild Pokémon more thrilling than ever before. While the open world environments might have some graphical limitations, the freedom to explore and the unique historical setting create an unforgettable adventure.
Legendaries
The legendaries in Arceus are truly unique. Not only do they play a central role in the story, but encountering and battling them feels like a special event. Their designs are captivating, and their lore adds depth to the Hisui region’s history.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl 4.1
Ratings (Out of 5)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are a love letter to the Gen 4 era. While the story and graphics might not be groundbreaking, the faithful recreation, classic gameplay loop, and nostalgic charm make it a delightful journey down memory lane for veteran trainers. Newcomers will find a charming introduction to the Sinnoh region and the core Pokémon experience. So, dust off your Poké Balls and prepare to relive (or experience for the first time) a timeless Pokémon adventure!
Story
The narrative follows the familiar path of collecting gym badges and ultimately challenging the Pokémon League. While the story itself might not surprise seasoned players, it holds a certain charm for its simplicity and focus on the core Pokémon experience – building your team and conquering challenges. Newcomers will find a heartwarming tale of friendship and adventure.
Progression
Progression feels refreshingly linear compared to newer entries. You’ll traverse the region, battling gym leaders and completing tasks to progress. This classic structure might feel predictable for some, but it allows players to focus on building their team and experiencing the story at a steady pace. Hidden areas and challenging trainers still provide a sense of discovery for veteran players.
Post Game
After conquering the Elite Four, the fun continues! Hunting down legendaries like Dialga and Palkia, completing the Sinnoh Pokédex, and tackling the challenging Battle Frontier offer a wealth of post-game content. While not groundbreaking, these activities provide a satisfying way to extend your adventure and test your battling prowess.
Region
Sinnoh is faithfully recreated in all its chibi glory. Exploring familiar locations like Floaroma Meadow and Mount Coronet brings back a wave of nostalgia for veteran trainers. While the graphical style might not be cutting-edge, the vibrant environments and charming towns create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere.
Champion
Facing off against Cynthia, the formidable champion of Sinnoh, is a thrilling culmination of your journey. The champion battle pushes your team to the limit and provides a satisfying test of your battling skills. The sense of accomplishment after defeating her is a true testament to your dedication as a trainer.
Gameplay & Design
The core gameplay of catching, training, and battling Pokémon remains as addictive as ever. The chibi art style might take some getting used to, but it adds a touch of cuteness to the familiar mechanics. While some quality-of-life improvements from later generations are missing, the overall gameplay experience stays true to the spirit of the originals.
Legendaries
The legendaries, Dialga and Palkia, remain iconic figures in Pokémon lore, with the mythology surrounding them adding depth to the Sinnoh region’s history. Their majestic designs and powerful movesets make encountering them a true highlight of the game!