Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games: A Full Guide
Hey Pokémon fans! If you're looking to dive into the amazing world of Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch, you've come to the right place. The Switch has been a powerhouse for Pokémon games, offering everything from classic remakes to brand new adventures. In this comprehensive guide, we're going to break down all the full Pokémon games you can get your hands on for the Nintendo Switch, covering what makes each one special and who they might be perfect for. So grab your Poké Balls and let's get exploring!
The Core Series Adventures
When most people think of a full Pokémon game, they're usually referring to the core series titles. These are the main RPGs where you set out on a journey to become a Pokémon Master, collect badges, defeat an evil team, and ultimately challenge the Elite Four. The Nintendo Switch has been graced with several fantastic entries in this beloved series, offering a fresh take on the Pokémon formula while staying true to its roots. Let's dive into the main games that truly define the Pokémon experience on the Switch. These titles are the bread and butter for any serious trainer, offering hundreds of hours of gameplay, diverse regions to explore, and the thrill of catching 'em all. They are meticulously crafted to provide that classic Pokémon feel, with updated graphics and mechanics that make them more accessible and engaging than ever before. Whether you're a veteran trainer or a newcomer to the franchise, these core games are the perfect starting point for your Nintendo Switch Pokémon journey.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Released in 2019, Pokémon Sword and Shield took the franchise to the Galar region, a land inspired by the United Kingdom. These games introduced the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, allowing your Pokémon to grow to colossal sizes in battle under specific conditions. This added a fun, strategic layer to combat. Sword and Shield offered a vast open-world area called the Wild Area, which was a significant departure from previous titles, allowing for more freedom in exploration. The graphics were a notable step up, bringing the Pokémon world to life with more detail than ever before. The games also featured the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions, which added new areas, story content, and legendary Pokémon, essentially extending the lifespan and richness of the experience. For many, these were their first mainline Pokémon games on a home console, and they delivered a solid, engaging adventure that captured the essence of what makes Pokémon so special. The sheer variety of Pokémon available, coupled with the new features, made Galar a region worth exploring for countless hours. The online functionalities, like surprise trades and raid battles, also added a social dimension that kept players connected and engaged with the global Pokémon community. It’s a testament to the series’ enduring appeal that even with some initial controversies regarding the National Pokédex, Sword and Shield offered a fulfilling and enjoyable core Pokémon experience that many fans still cherish.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
For those who have a soft spot for the Sinnoh region, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a must-play. These are faithful remakes of the original Nintendo DS titles, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. Developed by ILCA instead of Game Freak, these games stick very close to the original, offering a nostalgic trip for veteran players and a wonderful introduction for newcomers. The graphical style is a charming chibi-esque look in the overworld, which gives the games a unique aesthetic. The Grand Underground was expanded, offering more to do with player-made hideaways and the ability to collect rare items and Pokémon fossils. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl brought the beloved Sinnoh region back to life with updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements, while largely preserving the classic gameplay that made the originals so special. The return of following Pokémon, a feature beloved from games like Pokémon Yellow, was a huge hit with fans, adding an extra layer of charm and connection to your team. These remakes successfully captured the magic of the original Sinnoh adventure, making it accessible and enjoyable for a whole new generation of players. The sense of discovery and the thrill of encountering familiar Pokémon in a refreshed environment are truly special. It’s a wonderful way to relive the memories or create new ones in a region packed with legendary Pokémon and challenging trainers.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Stepping away from the traditional formula, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a vastly different, yet incredibly compelling, Pokémon experience. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would later become Sinnoh), this game focuses heavily on exploration, catching Pokémon in a more action-oriented way, and uncovering the mysteries of the world. You play as a custom character who has traveled back in time and joins the Galaxy Expedition Team. The gameplay involves more stealth and direct interaction with Pokémon in their natural habitats. Battling is still a core component, but the flow is different, with action commands and turn-based elements merged. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is groundbreaking for its open-world feel and its focus on the 'Pokédex' as a research project rather than just a collection goal. It challenges players to observe Pokémon, learn their behaviors, and use different catching strategies. The crafting system adds another layer of engagement, allowing you to create your own items on the go. This game is a bold step for the franchise, blending open-world exploration with RPG elements and a narrative that sheds light on the very origins of Pokémon training and the relationship between humans and Pokémon. It’s a refreshing take that appeals to players looking for something beyond the standard gym-challenge formula, offering a deep dive into the world-building and lore of Pokémon in a way we haven't seen before. The sheer freedom and sense of discovery in the Hisui region are unparalleled, making it a truly unique entry in the Pokémon library.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
The latest mainline entries, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, introduced the Paldea region, which is a completely open world. This means you can tackle the gyms and story objectives in almost any order you choose, offering unprecedented freedom. These games feature the Terastal phenomenon, which allows Pokémon to change their type and gain new offensive and defensive capabilities. The graphics are a significant step forward in terms of detail and scope, with a massive, seamless world to explore. Scarlet and Violet bring a fresh, modern feel to the Pokémon series, with a compelling story, a vast array of new and returning Pokémon, and a truly open-world experience that encourages exploration and player agency. The introduction of rideable Legendary Pokémon, Koraidon and Miraidon, makes traversing the huge Paldea region a joy. The cooperative multiplayer features allow friends to explore the world together, adding another dimension to the adventure. These games represent a bold evolution for the series, pushing the boundaries of what a Pokémon RPG can be by offering a level of freedom and exploration that has long been desired by fans. The story, while following the familiar beats of training and battling, also introduces new narrative threads and characters that add depth and intrigue to the Paldea region. It’s an ambitious undertaking that, while not without its technical hiccups, delivers a truly massive and engaging Pokémon world to get lost in.
Spin-Offs and Unique Experiences
Beyond the core series, the Nintendo Switch has a wealth of Pokémon spin-off titles that offer different gameplay styles and unique experiences. These games might not follow the traditional Pokémon journey, but they provide hours of fun and showcase the versatility of the Pokémon universe. If you're looking for something a little different, or perhaps a more casual way to enjoy your favorite creatures, these spin-offs are definitely worth checking out. They range from strategy games to puzzle adventures, ensuring there's something for every type of gamer. These titles often experiment with mechanics and storytelling, providing fresh perspectives on the Pokémon world that complement the main series wonderfully. They are perfect for when you want a break from the usual routine or when you're craving a specific type of gameplay that the core series doesn't offer.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
These games are a fantastic reimagining of the original Pokémon Red and Blue, set in the Kanto region. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! were designed with accessibility in mind, making them perfect for newcomers or those returning to the franchise after a long break. The catching mechanics are inspired by Pokémon GO, using motion controls for throwing Poké Balls. Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! also feature simplified gameplay, with no wild battles; instead, you encounter Pokémon in the overworld, similar to Pokémon GO. Partner Pokémon, Pikachu or Eevee, follow you around, adding a charming companion element. The integration with Pokémon GO allows players to transfer Pokémon caught in the mobile game. These titles brought the nostalgia of the Kanto region to the Switch with a beautiful visual overhaul and a more relaxed, approachable gameplay style. They are a delightful blend of old and new, offering a gentle introduction to the core mechanics of Pokémon while still providing a satisfying adventure. The visual presentation is incredibly vibrant and colorful, making the familiar Kanto region feel fresh and exciting again. It's a wonderful way to experience the very first generation of Pokémon with modern conveniences and a heartwarming focus on your starter companion.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a delightful remake of the classic Nintendo DS games, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team. In this roguelike dungeon crawler, you play as a human who wakes up as a Pokémon and must team up with other Pokémon to form a rescue team. The gameplay involves exploring randomly generated dungeons, battling wild Pokémon, and completing rescue missions. Mystery Dungeon DX features a beautiful, painterly art style that gives the game a unique and charming look. The story is surprisingly heartfelt and engaging, exploring themes of friendship and helping others. The core loop of exploring dungeons, leveling up your team, and taking on increasingly difficult missions is incredibly addictive. It offers a different pace and a unique narrative perspective on the Pokémon world, focusing on teamwork and the bonds formed between Pokémon. The strategic element of dungeon crawling, combined with the endearing characters and engaging storyline, makes this a standout title for anyone looking for a fresh Pokémon experience that emphasizes narrative and cooperative play within the Pokémon world itself.
Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a pure joy for anyone who loves Pokémon and photography. It's a spiritual successor to the original Nintendo 64 game, where your goal is to take the best possible pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. You ride along a set path in an on-rails vehicle, and your job is to observe Pokémon, learn their behaviors, and snap photos at opportune moments. New Pokémon Snap features stunning visuals, diverse environments, and a huge variety of Pokémon to photograph, each with unique behaviors and interactions. The scoring system encourages replayability, as you try to capture the perfect pose, action, or interaction for a higher score. It’s a relaxing, low-stress game that focuses on observation, discovery, and appreciation for the designs and behaviors of Pokémon. The game encourages you to look closer and appreciate the little details of the Pokémon world, turning a simple concept into a deeply rewarding experience. The vibrant environments and the sheer number of Pokémon to discover and photograph make it a captivating journey for players of all ages. It's a game that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the Pokémon universe in a completely unique and artistic way, offering a peaceful yet engaging challenge.
Pokémon UNITE
For a change of pace, Pokémon UNITE offers a free-to-play MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) experience. Players team up in 5v5 matches to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and opponent players, and depositing those points into enemy goal zones. Pokémon UNITE features a diverse roster of Pokémon, each with unique abilities and roles, requiring strategic team composition and coordination. While it has in-app purchases, the core gameplay is accessible and fun. It's a fantastic option for those who enjoy competitive online play and want a fresh take on Pokémon battles. The strategic depth, combined with the fast-paced action, makes for exciting matches. Mastering different Pokémon and learning team synergies is key to success. It provides a different kind of Pokémon engagement, focusing on team-based strategy and real-time combat that is both accessible to newcomers and offers depth for experienced MOBA players. It’s a great way to experience Pokémon battles in a competitive and team-oriented environment.
Which Pokémon Game is Right for You?
Choosing the right Nintendo Switch Pokémon full game depends entirely on what you're looking for. If you want the classic, story-driven RPG experience, the core series titles like Pokémon Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, or Scarlet and Violet are your best bet. Each offers a unique region and story, with Legends: Arceus providing a more experimental approach and Scarlet and Violet offering a truly open world. For a nostalgic and simplified adventure, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are excellent choices. If you prefer a different genre, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX offers a charming roguelike, New Pokémon Snap provides a relaxing photography experience, and Pokémon UNITE delivers exciting MOBA action. No matter your preference, the Nintendo Switch has a Pokémon game for everyone. So, go ahead, pick your adventure, and start your Pokémon journey today! The sheer variety available means you can always find something new and exciting to play, whether you're a lifelong fan or just starting your adventure. Each game offers its own unique charm and challenges, ensuring that the world of Pokémon remains fresh and engaging on the Nintendo Switch.
