What are the best Pokémon games on Switch? [Top 10]

the Best Pokémon Game on Nintendo Switch, it is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, with a solid 83/100 on Metacritic. But the right choice depends on what you're looking for: a great adventure, the open world of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, or a nostalgic trip down memory lane with Let’s Go.

This top 10 list is based on player and press ratings from Metacritic, and for each game, you'll know exactly who it's intended for.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)

With a 83/100 on Metacritic, Légendes Pokémon : Arceus is the best Pokémon game on the Switch. It takes you back to The Origins of the Pokémon Universe, where Arceus, the original Pokémon, created everything. You play as a character sent to the region of’Hisui, with the mission of exploring this ancient world, studying Pokémon, and building the the very first Pokédex.

This Adventure RPG is distinguished by several unique features:

• His timeless atmosphere : You're transported to a bygone era and discover the early days of the Pokémon world.
• A fluid, dynamic gameplay : You catch Pokémon by throwing a Poké Ball, without necessarily starting a battle.
• A real feeling of freedom, with vast semi-open areas to explore at your own pace.

For whom? Perfect if you want to explore freely, discover the origins of Pokémon, and win the highest ranking.

Buy the game 🛒

2. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield (2019)

Pokémon Épée and Pokémon Bouclier were released in November 2019 and display 80/100 on Metacritic, one of the franchise's highest-scoring titles on Switch. These are two versions of the same adventure set in the region of Galar, inspired by the United Kingdom, where you play a young trainer who dreams of becoming Pokémon League Master.

There are a few differences between the two versions:

• Some Pokémon are exclusive to Sword or Shield.
• Some arena champions differ depending on the game.
• The final legendary Pokémon varies : Zacian in Sword and Zamazenta in Shield.

The big news is the Dynamax, a feature that turns your Pokémon into giants for a few turns, making battles much more spectacular.

What makes *Sword and Shield* a must-play:

• Two extensions are available in DLCs that extend the adventure.
• Regarding the more spectacular fights thanks to Dynamax.
• Many Pokémon from several generations.
• A wild zone to explore freely.

Perfect if you're looking for a classic, full-fledged Pokémon adventure, with additional content available after the story ends. If you've already finished the game and want to start over from the beginning, check out this guide on Pokémon Sword and Shield: How to Delete Your Save File and Start Over.

Buy the game 🛒

3. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee (2018)

Outings in 2018, these two versions reimagine the very first Pokémon in a much more modern edition. The adventure takes place in the region of Kanto, where you set out to catch as many Pokémon as possible to become Pokémon Master. The capture system is directly inspired by Pokémon GO, which makes the experience very accessible.

The main difference between the two versions is the tone Pokémon partner :

• In Let’s Go, Pikachu, you start with Pikachu.
• In Let’s Go, Évoli, you are accompanied by a Evoli.
• Some Pokémon also remain exclusive to each version.

Its strengths:

• A simple, intuitive interface, perfect for beginners.
• A nostalgic atmosphere which takes us back to Kanto.
• Regarding the colorful graphics and accessible.
• The possibility of play in pairs on the same console.

Perfect if you're just starting out about the franchise, or if you want to gently revisit the original generation.

Buy the game 🛒

4. New Pokemon Snap (2021)

Released in 2021, New Pokemon Snap is a photography game radically different from classic Pokémon. Here, you don't catch any Pokémon: you observe them and take photos of them in their natural habitat, aboard a floating vehicle. You play as a young photographer sent to the region of Lentis, with the mission of capturing the most beautiful photos of Wild Pokémon to expand a catalog.

Its strengths:

• A relaxing approach from the Pokémon universe, without any battles.
• Regarding the varied environments and visually very polished.
• A scoring system a motivating factor that makes you want to play each course again.

Perfect if you're looking for a relaxing experience, at your own pace, far from the franchise's usual battles.

Buy the game 🛒

5. Pokkén Tournament™ DX (2017)

Want to fight? Pokkén Tournament DX features one-on-one battles, similar to Tekken (hence the name). You choose a Pokémon from a about thirty fighters and you face off against your opponents in 3D arenas.

Its strengths on the Nintendo Switch:

• Regarding the spectacular and dynamic battles, in real time.
• A enhanced “DX” version, with more characters and content than on Wii U.
• Several game modes : single-player, local multiplayer, and competitive online matches.
• A good balance between accessibility and depthperfect for all levels.

Buy the game 🛒

6. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl (2021)

These are the modernized remakes of Pokémon Diamant and Perle, originally released on Nintendo DS in 2007. You play as a young trainer who is setting out on an adventure in the region of Sinnoh, inspired by northern Japan. The goal remains the same: to win the 8 arena badges, face off against the mysterious Team Galaxie, and encounter the legendary Pokémon from your version.

As is often the case in this franchise, each version has its own exclusive features:

• Some Pokémon can only be found in Sparkling Diamond or in Sparkling Pearl.
• The final legendary Pokémon changes: Dialga in Diamant (83/100 on Metacritic) And Palkia in Perle (73/100).

Its strengths:

• A A classic and comprehensive adventure, true to the original.
• A accessible gameplay, perfect for beginners.
• Regarding the revised graphics and a few modern conveniences.
• A reorchestrated soundtrack.

For whom? Perfect if you're familiar with the games Nintendo DS and that you want to relive Sinnoh with a modernized design.

Buy the game 🛒

7. Pokémon Scarlet & Pokémon Violet (2022)

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are the first games in the franchise to offer a totally open world on Switch. The adventure takes place in the region of Paldea, inspired by Spain, where you play as a student on a school trip. For the first time, you’re free to explore the map however you want, no set order for the arenas.

There are some notable differences between the two versions:

• Some Pokémon remain exclusive to each version.
• Some details of the story and the characters vary.
• Legendary Pokémon changes: Koraidon in Scarlet and Miraidon in Violet.

What makes these two songs so great:

• A real open world, for an adventure that's much more open-ended than before.
• New mechanics, such as the legendary mount which serves as a means of transportation.
• Access to Pokémon from all generations through trade.
• A multiplayer mode to explore Paldea with your friends.

The Note Metacritic revolves around 72/100, hampered by technical issues at launch. At its core, the experience remains solid. These games are also playable on Nintendo Switch 2 for backward compatibility.

For whom? Perfect if you want the latest generation and a maximum freedom to explore.

Buy the game 🛒

8. Pokémon Unite (2021)

Pokémon Unite is a MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena), available for free download on the eShop, similar to League of Legends. Two teams of 5 players face off in fast-paced matches: each player controls a Pokémon and must score more points by defeating the opposing team's Pokémon and depositing energy in enemy zones. The matches are short, making the game perfect for a quick session.

Its strengths:

• A a wide variety of Pokémon playable characters, each with different roles.
• Regarding the frequent updates that introduce new characters and events.
• Regarding the TEAM FIGHTS fun and truly strategic.
• A accessible gameplay, even if you've never played a MOBA.
• A quick format, perfect for short sessions.

Perfect if you want to play online for free with friends, without having to buy the full game.

Get the game 🛒

9. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: DX rescue team (2020)

This remake of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red and Blue Rescue Team, originally released on Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, changes everything: here, you play the role of a Pokemon and not a Trainer. The adventure begins with a personality test which determines which Pokémon you'll play as. You then team up with another Pokémon to explore randomly generated dungeons, help those in danger, and unravel the mysteries of the world.

Its strengths:

• The unique pleasure of playing the role of a Pokemon rather than a human.
• A emotional story, often cited as one of the most memorable in the franchise.
• Regarding the dungeons generated differently in every playthrough, roguelike-style, which keeps the experience fresh.

Ideal if You want a touching story and gameplay where every exploration is unique.

Buy the game 🛒

10. The return of Detective Pikachu (2023)

To wrap up this list, here’s a genre we don’t often see in the franchise: the investigation game. You play the role of Tim Goodman, a young detective accompanied by a Pikachu well-defined. Together, you solve mysteries in the city of Ryme City by questioning witnesses, collecting clues, and deducing the truth. This Switch version continues the story from the first game released on Nintendo 3DS.

Its strengths:

• Regarding the varied puzzles logic, observation, deduction.
• A atmosphere which combines a police investigation with humor.
• Regarding the endearing characters, with the duo Tim and Pikachu.
• Easy access, perfect for family games.

Perfect if you want to A laid-back narrative game to enjoy with family or on your own.

Buy the game 🛒

Combat, adventure, laid-back exploration, team-based strategy, or family-friendly mysteries: there's a Pokémon game on Switch for each profile. Also worth watching: the release of Pokémon Légendes Z-A, which adds yet another entry to this list. Go for it—catch 'em all!

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