I've played a lot of Pokémon over the years, including almost all of the main games and some spin-offs as well. I actually didn't start playing until Pokémon Black and White released, and had just turned 10 years old (good times), but I quickly made it my mission to return to the days of Red and Blueand browse the franchise catalog.
Although the Pokémon games went through a rough patch on the Nintendo Switch, it's been nice to see a return to form lately, with some well-received releases and exciting new announcements. OK, not sure if I'm a fan of the recently revealed headlines for Pokémon Winds and Waves (although Gecqua is pretty solid). However, we get Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, pokémon pokopiaand Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on Nintendo Switch 2 in the span of just one month.
And with the recent influx of Pokémon titles on Switch 2, I got to thinking. What are the best Pokémon games you can play on Nintendo's latest hybrid console? So, I've compiled a list of my top 5 pocket monster outings available on Switch 2. Notably, this list includes Switch games playable on Switch 2 and brings together spin-offs and mainline entries.
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I'm sure almost everyone will have a different top five than mine, and indeed each other, so let me know your favorite Pokémon games on Switch 2 in the comments! Ok, without further ado, let's dive into my list.
5. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Well, put away your pitchforks. Look, as someone who pre-ordered Pokémon Violet In 2022, I shared much of the outrage over this game's performance. It was definitely a shame to see the low frame rates, especially in built-up areas, and the poor graphical quality. But things have changed.
That's how it is, Scarlet and Violet I got a free update on the Switch 2, which increased the resolution and smoothed out the frame rate, and it feels so It's much better to play now.
But it's not all about performance. I'm probably more positive than most on this entry, I admit, but I couldn't help but admire his ambition. Instead of using a completely linear progression system, Scarlet and Violet opted for multiple stories: one in which players collect gym badges, another in which they are tasked with defeating Team Star, and a third in which they have to hunt Pokémon Titan.
That final path was my favorite, and although the omission of the level ladder made the game's difficulty too low, I still appreciated its more varied approach.
The decreased linearity in story progression was also reflected in the open world. And while I'm still not entirely sold on open-world Pokémon, I preferred this setup to Pokémon Sword and ShieldThe semi-open world, which felt trapped in an uncomfortable and unsatisfying middle place.
More generally, I think Scarlet and Violet surpassed his predecessors. Your rival in Sword and Armor It's a constant annoyance, the Pokédex is pretty weak (although I like the box-art starters and legendaries), and the Galar region is pretty forgettable. I personally found that Scarlet and Violet It offered a more exciting experience, with more engaging characters and a better set of 'mons, including the iconic Lechonk and Tatsugiri.
Are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet perfect? Absolutely not, even with performance improvements. And would you consider them great games? Not yet. but me do Think Pokémon fans will find something to enjoy here, and if you like open world environments then you may find a weak spot for this entry.
4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
I recently had the opportunity to return to Pokémon Legends: Arceus on my Switch 2, following the release of Handheld Mode Boost on Nintendo's latest console. This new feature makes the game look shape best when played handheld, so now is a good time to return to this one or try it for the first time.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a big deal for fans of the series at the time of its release. It represented Pokémon's move toward more expansive worlds, with vast open areas and more freedom of exploration. And while this entry didn't provide a “true” open world for players to venture into, being able to cross Hisui on Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, and company was liberating.
Although he Legends The games are technically considered mainline entries, but offer a departure from the usual formula.
You're not looking to collect gym badges, the battle system is updated with agile and strong attacks, and trainers can even take damage from Pokémon in battle. Although these new attack types didn't convince me, I enjoyed changing the Gym Leader challenge format with the mission of building the Hisui region's first Pokédex. And taking damage in battle makes for a more immersive and frenetic experience, plus some truly memorable encounters.
Simply catching Pokémon is surprisingly fun in this game, even when using motion controls. Especially throwing Poké Balls from a distance to catch a large alpha 'mon; Honestly, it's very satisfying.
As Scarlet and VioletThis is far from a perfect entry: there's some uninteresting dialogue, visual quirks, and controversial battle mechanics to contend with. But ultimately, Pokémon Legends: Arceus It put a fun spin on the proven formula and kept me engaged from start to finish.
3. Pokkén DX Tournament
Does anyone else remember this one? Although many have forgotten it, Pokkén DX Tournament is, for me, easily one of the best Pokémon games that can be played on the Nintendo Switch 2.
For the uninitiated, Pokken Tournament – which combines Pokémon with Bandai Namco mechanics Tekken games: is a fighting game, originally released for Japanese arcades in 2015. A year later, the game was released on Nintendo's ill-fated Wii U console, and a director's cut came to Switch in 2017.
As one of the (very) few people who owned a Wii U, I loved it Pokken Tournament when it arrived in the system. It has an absolutely exceptional character roster, brilliantly combines 2D and 3D fighting game mechanics, and has an excellent soundtrack to boot. DX it only expands on that, adding new fighters like Scizor and Darkrai, new support Pokémon, new game modes, and more.
Other than Super Smash Bros.I don't like fighters very much, but Pokken It still caught my attention, so I recommend it to anyone. Practice mode is great for learning how to crush your opponents with combos, and there's even a story mode of sorts to progress through. And very similar Legends: ArceusThis title looks much better with the new Boost Handheld Mode, so why not give it a try?
2. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
I really struggled to put this one at number one, but alas, it falls short. Putmon fire red and GreenLeaf They are some of the best mainline games in the series and serve as spectacular remakes of the titles that started it all: Pokémon Red and Blue.
Venturing through Kanto feels fantastic in these entries: the game is balanced rather than too easy, great pacing is maintained throughout, and the original 'mons also look as good as ever. Honestly, the original 151 'mons lineup is phenomenal. Sure, I enjoyed using fan favorites like Raichu, Blastoise, and Ninetales, but I also felt compelled to try out some less beloved pocket monsters, like the strange Mr. Mime.
While it would have been nice to see online combat and trading capabilities built into this recent Switch and Switch 2 re-release, there's also something nostalgic about playing with a friend locally. And I had a lot of fun challenging my friends and getting their exclusive versions (I chose LeafGreen, for anyone interested).
Also, I love how this release included event tickets so you can see Deoxys, Ho-Oh, and Lugia.
If you want to play one of the definitive main entries on your Switch 2, there's nothing better than fire red and GreenLeafin my opinion… that is, unless we get Ruby, Sapphireand Emerald!
1. Pokopia Pokémon
Is it too early to say this? I'm honestly not sure, but I'll do it anyway. pokémon pokopia is the best Pokémon game you can play on the Nintendo Switch 2 and one of the best games the series has ever produced.
Like someone who didn't love Animal Crossing: New Horizons and, in general, he doesn't like “cozy” games very much, Pokopia It has been a revelation for me. It's one of the most addictive games I've played in recent years, with charismatic and lovable characters, really fun crafting and building, and a mysterious post-apocalyptic setting.
By playing as Ditto, you can replicate the abilities of many other Pokémon, and using them to grow new habitats, reshape the landscape, and rebuild a fractured world is hugely rewarding. By helping your fellow Pokémon, you'll unlock new materials, recipes, and items. And gradually gaining the means to build grander buildings, better transportation links, and stronger bonds with your friends is a great way to reward you, the player.
A key reason why I put Pokopia Above is that it brims with personality. For me, the villagers of Animal Crossing: New Horizons I didn't always find it particularly interesting to interact with him, but things are very different in Pokopia. You'll hear the 'mons using Gen Z slang, yelling phrases like “let's make this place WET” and all sorts of things. Unfortunately, Charmander doesn't tell you that he “got nervous.” It was just an edit, guys.
Aside from a slightly frustrating storage management system, I have very few complaints to make. Pokopia. And as the only true exclusive Pokémon on Switch 2, I'm thrilled that this entry has what it takes to be number one.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play right now
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