Pokémon Switch Games: Best To Worst Ranked!
Hey guys! So, you're looking to dive into the world of Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch, huh? Awesome choice! But with so many titles available, it can be a bit overwhelming to figure out where to start, or which ones are actually worth your time and money. That's where I come in! I've played 'em all, and I'm here to give you the lowdown on the best and worst Pokémon games you can find on the Nintendo Switch. Get ready for a wild ride through the land of pocket monsters!
The Pinnacle of Pokémon Gaming: Our Top Picks
Let's kick things off with the crème de la crème, the games that truly shine and capture the magic of Pokémon. These are the titles that any serious Pokémon fan (or even a newbie!) should definitely have in their collection. When diving into Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, it's essential to discern the exceptional titles from the less impressive ones. The following games represent the pinnacle of the Pokémon gaming experience on the Switch.
1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Okay, let's be real, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a game-changer—literally. This isn't your typical Pokémon adventure; it throws you into the vast, untamed wilderness of the Hisui region (which eventually becomes Sinnoh). What makes it so special? Well, for starters, the open-world exploration is a breath of fresh air. You're not just walking from town to town; you're actually venturing into the wild, observing Pokémon in their natural habitats, and sneaking around to catch them. This game introduces a bold new approach to the classic Pokémon formula.
The gameplay is incredibly engaging. The real-time catching mechanics are so much fun. You can toss a Poké Ball directly at a Pokémon without even battling if you're stealthy enough. The battles themselves are also more dynamic, with different combat styles and strategic options. Plus, the story is surprisingly compelling, delving into the lore of Pokémon and the creation of the Pokédex in a way that's both fascinating and emotional. The narrative intricately weaves together the history of Pokémon and humanity, creating a rich and immersive experience.
But Legends: Arceus isn't just about catching and battling; it's about research. You're tasked with completing the first-ever Pokédex, which means observing Pokémon behaviors, battling them in different ways, and gathering resources. This adds a whole new layer of depth to the gameplay and makes you feel like a true Pokémon researcher. The attention to detail in the Pokémon animations and behaviors is remarkable, making each encounter feel unique and special. Arceus truly stands out as a must-play Pokémon title on the Nintendo Switch.
2. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield might have had a bit of a rocky start with some fans, but hear me out. These games brought Pokémon to the Nintendo Switch in a big way, with stunning visuals, a charming new region (Galar, inspired by the UK), and some genuinely cool new features. Sure, they're not perfect, but they're still a ton of fun. These games marked a significant step forward for the franchise on the Nintendo Switch, introducing new mechanics and a vibrant world to explore.
The Wild Area is a highlight. It's a vast, open zone where you can encounter a wide variety of Pokémon, participate in Max Raid Battles (battling giant Dynamax Pokémon with other players), and just explore to your heart's content. The sense of freedom and discovery in the Wild Area is fantastic, and it's always exciting to see what Pokémon you'll find lurking around the next corner. The addition of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing adds a new layer of strategy to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes and unleash powerful moves. This mechanic shakes up the traditional battle system and provides exciting new challenges.
The story is decent enough, with a focus on battling and the Champion Cup, but the real draw of Sword and Shield is the overall experience. Catching Pokémon, battling trainers, exploring the Galar region, and customizing your character are all incredibly enjoyable. The post-game content is also pretty solid, with additional story chapters and new Pokémon to catch. While the games may not be groundbreaking, they offer a polished and engaging Pokémon experience that's well worth checking out. The vibrant world and engaging gameplay make Sword and Shield a solid choice for Nintendo Switch Pokémon fans.
The Middle Ground: Solid, but Not Spectacular
These games are good, don't get me wrong, but they don't quite reach the heights of the top-tier titles. They're fun and enjoyable, but they might leave you wanting a little more. These Nintendo Switch Pokémon games offer a decent experience but lack the innovation or polish of the top-ranked titles. They're solid choices for fans looking for more Pokémon content, but don't expect them to blow your mind.
3. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow version, and they're designed to be more accessible to newcomers, especially those who jumped on the Pokémon Go bandwagon. They're cute, charming, and a lot of fun, but they're also a bit simplified compared to the main series games. These games serve as a bridge between the classic Pokémon formula and the mobile game sensation, Pokémon Go.
The catching mechanics are straight out of Pokémon Go, with you tossing Poké Balls at wild Pokémon to catch them. There are no wild Pokémon battles, which might disappoint some longtime fans, but it does make the game move at a faster pace. The visuals are bright and colorful, and the Kanto region looks absolutely gorgeous on the Nintendo Switch. The ability to ride Pokémon in the overworld is a cool touch, and it's always fun to see Pikachu or Eevee sitting on your head. While the gameplay is simplified, the games offer a nostalgic and enjoyable experience for both newcomers and veterans alike. The enhanced graphics and streamlined mechanics make Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee a charming addition to the Nintendo Switch Pokémon library.
4. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Diamond and Pearl games from the Nintendo DS era. They're pretty much what you'd expect: the same story, the same characters, and the same Sinnoh region, but with updated graphics. They're not bad games by any means, but they don't really do anything to innovate or improve upon the original formula. While visually updated, these remakes stick closely to the source material, offering a nostalgic experience for fans of the original Diamond and Pearl games.
The updated graphics are nice, but they're not exactly groundbreaking. The chibi art style might not be for everyone, but it's faithful to the original games. The gameplay is pretty much the same as the original, with turn-based battles, gym challenges, and a quest to catch 'em all. The addition of the Grand Underground is a nice touch, allowing you to explore vast underground areas and catch rare Pokémon. However, the games suffer from some performance issues and a lack of new content, which makes them feel a bit underwhelming compared to other Pokémon titles on the Nintendo Switch. Despite their faithfulness, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl don't quite capture the magic of other entries in the series.
The Bottom of the Barrel: Games to Approach with Caution
Okay, let's be honest, not every Pokémon game is a winner. These are the titles that I'd recommend approaching with caution. They're not necessarily bad, but they have significant flaws that might make them a less enjoyable experience. When considering Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, it's important to be aware of the titles that may not live up to expectations. These games often suffer from a lack of innovation, poor execution, or simply fail to capture the essence of what makes Pokémon games great.
5. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, and it's... well, it's a roguelike. If you're not familiar with the genre, roguelikes are known for their challenging gameplay, procedurally generated dungeons, and permadeath (if your team wipes out, you lose everything). This game is a departure from the main series Pokémon games, focusing on dungeon crawling and strategic team management.
The gameplay is repetitive and can be frustrating at times. You explore dungeons, battle Pokémon, and collect items, but the dungeons are all randomly generated, so they can feel samey after a while. The combat is also a bit clunky, and the permadeath mechanic can be incredibly punishing. The story is decent enough, but it's not enough to carry the game. If you're a fan of roguelikes, you might find something to enjoy here, but for most Pokémon fans, this is one to skip. The repetitive gameplay and challenging difficulty make Rescue Team DX a niche title in the Nintendo Switch Pokémon lineup.
Final Thoughts: Catch 'Em All (Wisely!)
So, there you have it: my ranking of the Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, from best to worst. Of course, this is just my opinion, and your mileage may vary. But hopefully, this guide has given you a better idea of which games are worth your time and money. Happy gaming, and happy catching! Navigating the world of Nintendo Switch Pokémon games can be tricky, but with a little guidance, you can find the perfect adventure for your tastes. Whether you're a seasoned trainer or a newcomer to the series, there's a Pokémon game on the Switch that's sure to capture your imagination. Just remember to choose wisely and have fun exploring the wonderful world of Pokémon!