Ranking The Best & Worst Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch!

Hey Pokémon trainers! Let's dive into the world of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games and rank 'em from the absolute best to... well, the ones that might not be everyone's cup of tea. It's time to put on your detective hats, grab your Poké Balls, and get ready for a nostalgic trip down memory lane! We're going to cover all the main series games, the remakes, and even a few spin-offs. So, whether you're a seasoned Pokémon master or a fresh-faced trainer, get ready for some serious insights. Remember, this is all based on my personal opinion, but I'll try to be as objective as possible! Let's get started, shall we?

The Elite Tier: Crown Jewels of the Switch

Pokémon Legends: Arceus – A Revolutionary Adventure

Alright, guys, let's kick things off with a bang! Pokémon Legends: Arceus is, without a doubt, a game-changer. Seriously, this game threw the traditional Pokémon formula out the window and took us to a whole new world. Forget about the old turn-based battles and linear routes, we're talking about a vast, open-world experience in the Hisui region (which would later become Sinnoh). You're tasked with exploring the untamed wilderness, catching Pokémon in real-time, and researching their behaviors. This game is packed with so much to do, including crafting items, and completing research tasks which makes the entire experience so engaging. The way you catch Pokémon, sneaking up on them, throwing Poké Balls, and even battling them in the open world feels incredibly fresh. The story is also surprisingly compelling. It takes a different approach to the lore of Pokémon. In Legends: Arceus, you're not just a trainer, you're a researcher trying to understand the mysteries of Pokémon and the world around you. This makes the entire experience more immersive and the game is visually stunning too. I still remember the first time I got to see some of the massive Pokémon wandering around, it's a breathtaking feeling. The gameplay loop of exploring, battling, catching, and completing research tasks is addictive. While the graphics aren't the best on the Switch, the art style and the open-world gameplay more than make up for it. The sense of freedom and discovery is unmatched in any other Pokémon game on the Switch. This game is a must-play for any Pokémon fan, whether you're a veteran or new to the series. The fact that it went in a new direction proves that the franchise is still evolving and trying new things. It’s no wonder it sits at the top of the list!

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – A Bold, If Flawed, Leap

Next up, we have Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. While it has some issues, this game really delivers the core Pokémon experience in a way that’s very enjoyable. This generation introduced us to the Paldea region, a vast open world inspired by Spain. The game allows you to explore the region at your own pace, tackle the story in any order you like, and even ride around on a legendary Pokémon. That's a huge shift from the older games which all felt very linear, so this is definitely a step in the right direction. The game has introduced some fantastic new Pokémon designs, and a handful of quality-of-life improvements that make the gameplay more fluid. The Terastal phenomenon, which lets Pokémon change types and get a cool crystal-like appearance, is a great battle mechanic. While it might not be perfect, it's a huge leap for the Pokémon series, especially in terms of open-world gameplay. It is a big win for this franchise. The core gameplay loop of exploring, battling, and catching Pokémon is still incredibly addictive. Some of the bugs and performance issues are definitely a downer, but the game is still enjoyable. I have spent countless hours playing this game and still love it.

The Solid Choices: Great Games with Room for Improvement

Pokémon Sword and Shield – A Modern Classic

Okay, let's talk about Pokémon Sword and Shield. This was the first main-series Pokémon game on the Switch, and it brought some much-needed modernization to the series. The game introduced the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom, and it’s packed with unique Pokémon designs and a vibrant art style. The Wild Area, a vast open space filled with Pokémon, was a great addition to the series. This really changed the way that we explore the world. Exploring the Wild Area with friends and battling Dynamax Pokémon was super fun. The battles themselves are visually stunning, and the introduction of Max Raid Battles added a new dimension to the gameplay. While the game was criticized for its linear routes and lack of content compared to previous titles, it still delivers the core Pokémon experience in a very enjoyable way. The story is engaging, the new Pokémon are cool, and the gameplay is polished. While not perfect, Pokémon Sword and Shield is a solid entry that set the stage for the future of the series on the Switch. The introduction of online multiplayer features, like trading and battling with other players, also enhances the overall experience. It's a great choice for both new and returning Pokémon fans.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – Faithful Remakes

Next up, we have Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, the remakes of the classic Diamond and Pearl games from the Nintendo DS. These games are faithful remakes, meaning they stick pretty close to the original formula. The games stayed true to the original games, but they made a few visual and gameplay improvements. The addition of the Grand Underground, which is a place where you can catch a lot of rare Pokémon, is a great addition, and is a welcome one. The games stay true to the original formula, which is a good thing for nostalgia's sake, but it doesn't really push any boundaries. However, they are still a great way to experience the Sinnoh region in a modern way. The gameplay is as addictive as ever, and the stories are fun. So if you're a fan of the original games, you'll love these remakes. It’s perfect for a nostalgic trip back to the Sinnoh region, but not everyone loves the art style.

The Lower Tier: Some Hiccups Along the Way

Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! – A Nostalgia Trip, But Limited

Now, let's talk about Pokémon Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. These games were designed to be a bridge between the Pokémon GO mobile game and the main series games, and they did a pretty good job. The game is a reimagining of the original Pokémon Yellow game, and it brings a lot of nostalgia. The graphics are charming, and the gameplay is simple and fun. The catching mechanic, which uses motion controls, can be a bit hit or miss. This game is really great for people who are new to the series or have enjoyed the Pokemon GO mobile game. However, the game is also quite simple and lacks some of the depth and complexity of the main series games. The limited Pokémon selection and lack of breeding options may disappoint some veterans. However, the game is still a fun and charming experience that's definitely worth checking out. It's a great way to introduce younger players to the world of Pokémon.

The Spin-Offs: Mixed Bags of Fun

Pokémon Café Mix/Pokémon Café ReMix – A Cute, But Repetitive Puzzle Game

Let’s move on to the spin-offs. We have Pokémon Café Mix/Pokémon Café ReMix, a free-to-play puzzle game where you run a café and serve drinks and dishes to various Pokémon. The gameplay is simple: you connect Pokémon icons to clear puzzles. You also have to manage your café and hire staff. The game has a charming art style and it is very relaxing. The main issue with this game is that the gameplay can become repetitive quickly and the free-to-play model can be a little intrusive. It's a fun time-waster, but don't expect it to hold your attention for hours on end.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX – A Beautiful Remake

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Mystery Dungeon game. The game is a dungeon crawler. You explore procedurally generated dungeons, battle Pokémon, and try to complete missions. The game has a cool art style, and the gameplay is pretty engaging. The story is pretty cool, and if you are a fan of the older Mystery Dungeon games, then you will absolutely love it. The game is a solid experience. The combat can get a little repetitive at times, so it isn't everyone's cup of tea.

Conclusion: Which Pokémon Game is Right for You?

So there you have it, folks! A complete ranking of the Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you're looking for an innovative open-world experience like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a bold step forward like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, or a faithful remake like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, there's a Pokémon game for everyone on the Switch. Remember, this is just my personal opinion. Ultimately, the best Pokémon game is the one you enjoy the most! Get out there, catch some Pokémon, and have fun!

I hope you enjoyed this ranking. Let me know what your favorite Pokémon game on the Switch is in the comments below! Happy training, everyone!