Hey there, fellow Pokémon trainers! Are you looking to dive into the world of Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch but feeling a bit overwhelmed by the choices? Don't worry; I've got you covered. This guide will walk you through the best Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, helping you decide which ones are worth your time and money. So, grab your Poké Balls and let's get started!

Pokémon Sword and Shield

Pokémon Sword and Shield marked the beginning of the mainline Pokémon series on the Nintendo Switch, and they brought with them a whole host of new features and Pokémon to catch. Set in the Galar region, which is inspired by the UK, these games offer a fresh and exciting adventure. One of the standout features is the Wild Area, a vast open-world area where you can encounter various Pokémon depending on the weather and time of day. This was a significant step towards the open-world gameplay that fans had been craving for years. The introduction of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, where Pokémon can grow to enormous sizes during battles, adds a new layer of strategy to the classic Pokémon formula. The story is engaging, with the player embarking on a journey to become the Champion of the Galar region, facing off against rivals and uncovering a mysterious plot along the way. While some fans were initially critical of certain aspects, such as the limited number of Pokémon available in the base game, the overall experience is a solid and enjoyable one. The post-game content, including the Crown Tundra and Isle of Armor DLCs, adds even more to the adventure, with new areas to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and new challenges to overcome.

Sword and Shield introduced several quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to access your Pokémon storage from almost anywhere, making team management much easier. The online features also allow you to battle and trade with players from around the world, adding a social element to the game. The graphics are a significant step up from the 3DS games, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that bring the Galar region to life. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Pokémon Sword and Shield are a great starting point on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

For those seeking a nostalgic trip with a modern twist, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are fantastic choices. These games are essentially remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, but with gameplay mechanics borrowed from Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you catch them using a motion-controlled throwing mechanic, similar to the mobile game. This makes the game more accessible to newcomers and younger players, while still retaining the core elements that make Pokémon so beloved. The Kanto region is beautifully reimagined with updated graphics and vibrant colors, making it a joy to explore. The ability to ride on certain Pokémon, such as Arcanine or Charizard, adds a fun and unique way to traverse the world. The story remains faithful to the original, with you playing as a young trainer who sets out to become the Pokémon League Champion. Along the way, you'll encounter familiar faces like Brock, Misty, and the infamous Team Rocket. The inclusion of Pikachu or Eevee as your partner Pokémon, who sits on your shoulder and can be interacted with, adds a layer of charm and personality to the game. These games are perfect for anyone who wants to relive the classic Pokémon experience in a fresh and engaging way.

One of the highlights of Let's Go is the cooperative play, where a second player can join in at any time, making it a great option for families or friends who want to play together. The simplified catching mechanic and the absence of wild Pokémon battles make the game less challenging than other Pokémon titles, but this also makes it more approachable for casual players. The integration with Pokémon GO allows you to transfer Pokémon from the mobile game to Let's Go, adding another layer of connectivity and content. While some hardcore fans may find the lack of traditional wild Pokémon battles disappointing, the overall experience is a delightful and charming one that captures the essence of Pokémon in a new and exciting way. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a newcomer to the series, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are well worth checking out.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

If you're yearning for a faithful recreation of the classic Pokémon Diamond and Pearl games, then Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are right up your alley. These remakes stay true to the original Nintendo DS titles, offering a nostalgic experience for long-time fans. Set in the Sinnoh region, these games feature a charming story, memorable characters, and a wide variety of Pokémon to catch. The gameplay remains largely unchanged, with turn-based battles, exploration, and the goal of becoming the Pokémon League Champion. The updated graphics bring the Sinnoh region to life in a vibrant and colorful way, while still retaining the classic art style that fans know and love. The Underground, a unique area where you can dig for fossils and build a secret base, makes a return, adding an extra layer of exploration and customization. The story revolves around Team Galactic's plot to create a new world, and it's up to you to stop them. Along the way, you'll encounter legendary Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia, adding to the epic scale of the adventure. While the remakes don't introduce as many new features as some other Pokémon games, they offer a solid and enjoyable experience for those who want to relive the magic of the original Diamond and Pearl games.

Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl include several quality-of-life improvements, such as the ability to customize your character's outfit and the addition of the Grand Underground, which expands upon the original Underground area. The inclusion of Pokémon Hideaways, where you can encounter rare Pokémon, adds even more to the exploration aspect of the game. The online features allow you to battle and trade with players from around the world, adding a social element to the game. While some fans were critical of the art style, which is more chibi-like than other recent Pokémon games, the overall experience is a faithful and enjoyable one. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Sinnoh region, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are a great way to experience these classic games on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a groundbreaking entry in the Pokémon series, offering a fresh and innovative take on the classic formula. Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would later become the Sinnoh region), this game combines open-world exploration with action-based gameplay. Instead of traditional turn-based battles, you can now engage wild Pokémon in real-time, throwing Poké Balls to catch them or initiating battles seamlessly. The Hisui region is vast and beautiful, with diverse environments ranging from snowy mountains to lush forests. The story is compelling, with you playing as a member of the Galaxy Expedition Team, tasked with creating the first-ever Pokédex. Along the way, you'll uncover the mysteries of the Hisui region and encounter legendary Pokémon like Arceus. The game encourages exploration and discovery, with hidden secrets and rare Pokémon to find around every corner. The crafting system allows you to create items like Poké Balls and potions, adding a survival element to the game. The sense of immersion is unparalleled, with dynamic weather and day-night cycles that affect the behavior of Pokémon.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play for any Pokémon fan looking for a new and exciting experience. The combination of open-world exploration, action-based gameplay, and a compelling story sets it apart from other Pokémon games. The ability to ride on certain Pokémon, such as Wyrdeer and Braviary, adds a fun and unique way to traverse the world. The game also introduces new Pokémon and regional forms, adding even more to the Pokedex. While some fans were initially skeptical of the changes, the overall reception has been overwhelmingly positive. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative step forward for the series, and it paves the way for future Pokémon games to come. If you're looking for a Pokémon game that breaks the mold, this is the one for you.

New Pokémon Snap

For a more relaxed and unique Pokémon experience, New Pokémon Snap is a must-have. This game is a sequel to the Nintendo 64 classic, and it puts you in the role of a Pokémon photographer exploring the Lental region. Your mission is to take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats, capturing their unique behaviors and interactions. The game is visually stunning, with lush environments and detailed Pokémon models that bring the Lental region to life. The gameplay is simple but addictive, as you try to get the perfect shot of each Pokémon. The game encourages experimentation, with different items and techniques that can be used to trigger unique Pokémon behaviors. The story is lighthearted and charming, with you working alongside Professor Mirror to uncover the mysteries of the Illumina phenomenon. The game is perfect for players of all ages, and it offers a refreshing break from the traditional Pokémon battle formula.

New Pokémon Snap is a visual feast, with vibrant colors and detailed environments that make the Lental region feel alive. The game features a wide variety of Pokémon, from common species to rare legendaries. The scoring system is based on the quality of your photos, with factors like pose, size, and background affecting your score. The game encourages creativity, with you able to edit and customize your photos before sharing them online. The post-game content adds even more to the experience, with new areas to explore and new Pokémon to discover. While some players may find the gameplay repetitive, the overall experience is a relaxing and enjoyable one. If you're a fan of photography or simply want a different kind of Pokémon game, New Pokémon Snap is definitely worth checking out.

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch is home to some incredible Pokémon games, each offering a unique experience for trainers of all kinds. Whether you're battling your way through the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield, reliving the classics in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or embarking on a new adventure in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, there's a Pokémon game on the Switch for everyone. So go ahead, pick your favorite, and start your journey to become a Pokémon master today! Happy gaming, guys!