Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo Switch Games
Pokémon, a globally renowned media franchise, has been a Nintendo mainstay since its Game Boy debut. The series boasts hundreds of captivating creatures, collectible both in-game and as trading cards, with each generation introducing a wealth of new discoveries. Every Nintendo console has featured numerous Pokémon titles, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With Nintendo's confirmation of backwards compatibility for the Switch 2, existing Switch Pokémon games are guaranteed to work on the new console. This guide details every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch and provides insights into upcoming Switch 2 releases.
How Many Pokémon Games Are on Nintendo Switch?
A total of 12 Pokémon games have graced the Nintendo Switch. This includes core series entries from generations 8 and 9, along with numerous spin-offs. For this list, dual-version mainline games are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded, but details on those are provided below.
Note: 2024 marked a hiatus for new Pokémon game releases – a full year since the last release, and two years since the last mainline title. The Pokémon Company instead launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a highly successful free mobile app version of the trading card game. While not on this list (as it's not a Switch title), Pokémon TCG Pocket is a worthwhile exploration for fans.
Recommended Pokémon Game for 2024: Pokémon Legends: Arceus
For Switch players in 2024, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is highly recommended. While it deviates from the classic Pokémon formula, it offers a refreshing experience. Legends: Arceus integrates action and RPG elements, providing open areas to explore, enhanced encounter control, and polished handheld gameplay.
All Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch (Release Order)
- Pokkén Tournament DX (2017): A deluxe Switch port of the Wii U title, featuring new characters and enhanced visuals. This 3-on-3 fighting game offers engaging local and online multiplayer.
- Pokémon Quest (2018): A free-to-play game where Pokémon are adorable cube-shaped creatures. Simple yet fun combat involves sending Pokémon on expeditions and equipping them with various abilities.
- Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018): Remakes of Pokémon Yellow (1998), marking the first mainline Pokémon games on a home console. Set in the Kanto region, featuring all 151 original Pokémon with updated forms. Highly accessible for both new and veteran players.
- Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): The first installment with open-world aspects ("Wild Areas") allowing free exploration and wild Pokémon battles. Gyms return, and the eighth generation of Pokémon is introduced, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020): A remake of the 2005 titles, featuring dungeon exploration and job completion to unlock new Pokémon.
- Pokémon Café ReMix (2020): A free-to-play puzzle game where you manage a café and serve Pokémon. Gameplay is similar to titles like Disney Tsum Tsum.
- New Pokémon Snap (2021): The long-awaited sequel to Pokémon Snap, featuring on-rails camera gameplay to capture Pokémon photos in various biomes.
- Pokémon Unite (2021): Pokémon's foray into the MOBA genre, a free-to-play 5v5 online battle game.
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021): Remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles, featuring the fourth generation of Pokémon and a new chibi art style.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022): A critically acclaimed title set in the past, emphasizing exploration and strategic Pokémon capture in the Hisui region.
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): The latest mainline entries, initiating Generation 9 with an open world and new gameplay mechanics.
- Detective Pikachu Returns (2023): A sequel to the original Detective Pikachu game, featuring puzzle-solving and investigation gameplay.
Pokémon Games via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription unlocks access to additional Pokémon titles:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
All Mainline Pokémon Games
Image collage of all mainline Pokémon game box art
Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Following a year without a new release, Pokémon Day 2024 announced a new Pokémon Legends game for 2025. Further details are pending, but it's anticipated to launch on both the Switch and Switch 2. A Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd may reveal more information.
