When I first looked at all the Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, I realized how many different styles and experiences the system actually offers.
From classic region journeys to open-world exploration, cozy photography adventures, and even full-on fighting games, there’s something here for every kind of player.
But with so many choices, figuring out which game to try first can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re new to the Switch or returning to Pokémon after a long break.
That’s why I put together this list: to break down the best options based on my own experience and what I enjoyed most.
If you love battling, exploring, collecting, or just relaxing with Pokémon, this guide will help you pick the perfect game to start with.
What is a Nintendo Switch?
A Nintendo Switch is a hybrid gaming console that functions as both a home system and a portable handheld device.
Its core feature is the ability to seamlessly switch between TV play using the dock and handheld play using the built-in screen.
The console includes detachable Joy-Con controllers, which support motion controls, local multiplayer, and a variety of play styles.
The Switch offers access to a wide library of games, ranging from major Nintendo franchises like Pokémon, Mario, and Zelda to indie titles and third-party releases.
Its portability makes it suitable for gaming on the go, while its docked mode provides a full console experience.
With online services, downloadable games, and family-friendly features, the Nintendo Switch appeals to a broad range of players.
Best Pokémon Games on Switch
With so many Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, it can be tough to know where to start or which ones are actually worth your time.
1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
In my opinion, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the most refreshing and exciting Pokémon game on the Switch.
It finally broke away from the classic formula and gave us something bold, open environments, seamless encounters, and catching mechanics that make exploration genuinely fun.
I loved seeing Pokémon in their natural habitats, dodging attacks, and approaching encounters in different ways.
The Hisui region felt atmospheric, and its “ancient Sinnoh” concept added a unique twist to familiar lore.
2. Pokémon Sword & Shield
To me, Pokémon Sword & Shield represent the first major step into modern Pokémon on the Switch.
The Galar region feels lively, and I enjoyed seeing how British influences shaped the world, characters, and new Pokémon designs.
The Wild Area wasn’t perfect, but it gave me my first taste of open exploration in a mainline game. Max Raid Battles were a game-changer.
The version differences, especially in gym leaders, added more replay value than usual.
3. Let’s Go Pikachu & Let’s Go Eevee
In my experience, Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee are charming, nostalgic, and surprisingly fun.
Returning to Kanto with updated visuals, overworld Pokémon, and simplified catching mechanics made the region feel fresh without losing its classic appeal.
Dressing up Pikachu or Eevee added a cute layer of personality, and playing through Kanto again with a special partner Pokémon felt cozy and familiar.
These games aren’t challenging, and the Pokémon Go-style catching won’t appeal to everyone, but the lighthearted tone and polished presentation make them great for casual players.
4. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Scarlet & Violet had a rough launch, and I definitely noticed the bugs and graphical issues.
But even with the technical problems, I still enjoyed the freedom the open-world structure offered.
Being able to explore Paldea in any order, choose my path, and tackle the three storylines at my own pace made the adventure feel personal.
The new Pokémon designs were strong, and the region itself felt vibrant and fun to roam. The storylines, especially the one involving Arven, were surprisingly emotional.
5. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Rescue Team DX won me over with its beautiful watercolor art style and emotional storytelling.
This remake captures the heart of the original Mystery Dungeon games while giving them a modern and cozy environment.
It’s not the best pick if you mainly care about catching Pokémon or competitive battling, but as a story-driven, dungeon-crawling experience, it stands out.
For me, this game shines when I want something relaxing but still meaningful. It’s wholesome, visually beautiful, and surprisingly moving, easily one of the Switch’s best Pokémon spin-offs.
6. New Pokémon Snap
I found New Pokémon Snap to be one of the most relaxing and visually stunning Pokémon games on the Switch.
Traveling through different environments and watching Pokémon behave naturally, playing, eating, hiding, and interacting was a peaceful and surprisingly engaging experience.
The photography system encourages creativity, and capturing rare behaviors or discovering hidden Pokémon felt genuinely rewarding.
The graphics are some of the best in any Pokémon title, and seeing beloved creatures in such detail never got old.
7. Pokémon Unite
As someone who isn’t normally into MOBAs, Pokémon Unite surprised me with how fun and accessible it is.
The matches are fast-paced, the roster is diverse, and the gameplay loop is easy to learn but rewarding to master.
I enjoyed experimenting with different roles and strategies, and the scoring system adds a unique twist compared to traditional MOBAs.
Some matches can be unbalanced, especially when teammates don’t collaborate, but when the synergy clicks, it’s incredibly satisfying.
8. Pokkén Tournament DX
Each Pokémon has a distinct fighting style, and learning its moves makes battles feel surprisingly deep.
The visuals are crisp, and the animations make every fight exciting.
The downside is that the Switch version didn’t add much aside from a few extra fighters and better portability, so it sometimes feels more like an enhanced upgrade than a full reimagining.
If you enjoy Tekken-style action or want to see Pokémon battle in a more dynamic way, Pokkén is a fun and polished experience.
9. Detective Pikachu Returns
I loved Pikachu’s personality; he’s funny, expressive, and easily the highlight of the game.
The detective-style gameplay is simple, and the puzzles rarely feel challenging, but that’s part of its appeal if you want something easygoing.
The graphics are serviceable, though not impressive, and the story is clearly geared toward younger audiences.
Still, there’s something cozy about uncovering clues and exploring Ryme City at a relaxed pace.
Why These Games Rank Where They Do
When I ranked these Pokémon games, I wanted to be honest about what actually makes each one stand out on the Switch.
Some games ranked higher because they offered something fresh, whether it was a new catching system, an open-world feel, or a creative shift in gameplay that genuinely felt exciting.
Others earned their spot because they were polished, replayable, or nostalgic, even if they didn’t reinvent the formula.
I also considered how smooth the performance felt, how fun the progression was, and how much each game encouraged me to keep exploring.
A few games rank lower not because they’re bad, but because they lacked depth, had technical issues, or didn’t add much compared to earlier versions.
Ultimately, this ranking reflects which games gave me the most enjoyable and memorable experience on the Switch.
Conclusion
After spending so much time playing through the different Pokémon titles on the Switch, I realized just how varied the experiences can be.
Each game brings something different to the table, and ranking them helped me appreciate their strengths in a new way.
Some felt nostalgic and comforting, others pushed the series forward, and a few surprised me with mechanics I didn’t expect to enjoy as much as I did.
Of course, not every game is perfect, but each one offers its own kind of fun depending on what you’re looking for.
My goal was to help you navigate these choices based on real gameplay and personal experience, not just hype.
If you pick even one game from this list that fits your style, then this guide did exactly what I hoped it would.
