I’ve played a lot of Pokémon over the years, including just about every mainline game, and a fair few spin-offs too. I didn’t actually start playing until Pokémon Black and White released, and I’d just hit age 10 (good times), but I swiftly made it my mission to go back to the days of Red and Blue, and work my way through the franchise’s catalogue.
Although the Pokémon games hit something of a rough patch on Nintendo Switch, it’s been pleasing to see a return to form of late, with some well-received releases and exciting new announcements to boot. OK, I’m not sure if I’m a fan of the recently revealed starters for Pokémon Winds and Waves (although Gecqua is pretty solid). However, we did get Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Pokopia, and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness on Nintendo Switch 2 within the span of just one month.
And with the Switch 2’s recent influx of Pokémon titles, I got thinking. What are the best Pokémon games that 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 as well as mainline entries.
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I’m sure that just about everyone will have a different top five to mine — and indeed to each other — so please do let me know your favorite Pokémon games on Switch 2 down in the comments! Right, without further ado, let’s dive into my list.
5. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
OK, put your pitchforks away. Look, as someone who pre-ordered Pokémon Violet in 2022, I shared a lot of the outrage over this game’s performance. Poor framerates — especially in built-up areas — and poor graphical quality definitely felt like a shame to see. But things have changed.
That’s right, Scarlet and Violet got a free upgrade on Switch 2, which bumped up the resolution and smoothed out framerates, and it feels so much better to play now.
But it’s not all about performance. I’m probably more positive than most on this entry, I’ll admit, but I couldn’t help but admire its ambition. Instead of using a fully linear progression system, Scarlet and Violet opted for multiple storylines — one where players collect gym badges, another where they’re tasked with defeating Team Star, and a third where they have to hunt down Titan Pokémon.
That final pathway was my favorite, and although the omission of level scaling made the game’s difficulty far too low, I still appreciated its more varied approach.
The diminished linearity in story progression was also reflected in the open world. And although I’m still not fully sold on open-world Pokémon, I preferred this setting over Pokémon Sword and Shield‘s semi-open-world, which felt stuck in an awkward and unsatisfying middle place.
More generally, I do think Scarlet and Violet surpassed their predecessors. Your rival in Sword and Shield is a constant annoyance, the Pokédex is pretty weak (though I do like the starters and box-art legendaries), and the Galar region is pretty forgettable. Personally, I found that Scarlet and Violet 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 upgrades. And would I consider them great games? Still no. But I do think that Pokémon fans will find something to enjoy here, and if you like open-world environments, then you may find a soft spot for this entry.
4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
I recently got a chance 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 way better when playing handheld, so it’s a great time to return to this one — or to try it out for the first time.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a big deal for series fans at the point of its release. It represented Pokémon’s step towards more expansive worlds, with vast open areas and more freedom in exploration. And although this entry didn’t provide a ‘true’ open world for players to venture through, being able to ride across Hisui on Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, and co felt liberating.
Although the Legends games are technically considered mainline entries, they offer a departure from the usual formula.
You’re not out to collect Gym Badges, the battle system is updated with Agile and Strong attacks, and trainers can even take damage from Pokémon in battle. Though I wasn’t won over by these new attack types, I enjoyed swapping the Gym Leader challenge format with a mission to build the Hisui region’s first Pokédex. And taking damage in battle makes for a more immersive and frantic experience, as well as some seriously memorable encounters.
Just catching Pokémon is surprisingly enjoyable in this game, even when using motion controls. Especially throwing Poké Balls from distance to snag an oversized alpha ‘mon — honestly, it’s so satisfying.
Like Scarlet and Violet, this is far from a perfect entry — there’s some uninteresting dialogue, visual quirks, and controversial battle mechanics to deal with. But all in all, Pokémon Legends: Arceus made for a fun twist on the tried and tested formula, and kept me invested from start to finish.
3. Pokkén Tournament DX
Does anybody else remember this one? Although it’s been forgotten by many, Pokkén Tournament DX is, for me, easily one of the best Pokémon games playable on Nintendo Switch 2.
For the uninitiated, Pokkén Tournament — which combines Pokémon with the mechanics of Bandai Namco’s Tekken games — is a fighting game, originally released for Japanese arcades in 2015. One year later, the game was launched on Nintendo’s ill-fated Wii U console, and a director’s cut edition came to Switch in 2017.
As one of the (very) few people who owned a Wii U, I absolutely loved Pokkén Tournament when it arrived on the system. It has an absolutely exceptional character roster, brilliantly blends 2D and 3D fighting game mechanics, and has a great soundtrack to boot. DX only expands on that, adding new fighters such as Scizor and Darkrai, new support Pokémon, new game modes, and more.
Other than Super Smash Bros., I’m not massively into fighters, but Pokkén still captured my attention, so I’d highly recommend it to anyone. The Practice mode is excellent for learning how to crush your opponents with combos, and there’s even something of a story mode to advance through. And much like Legends: Arceus, this title looks much better with the new Handheld Mode Boost, so why not give it a shot?
2. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
I really wrestled with putting this one up at number one, but alas, it falls just short. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are some of the greatest 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 — gameplay is balanced, rather than overly easy, great pacing is maintained throughout, and the original ‘mons look as good as ever too. Honestly, the original lineup of 151 ‘mons is phenomenal. Sure, I enjoyed using fan favorites like Raichu, Blastoise, and Ninetales, but I also felt compelled to try some lesser-loved pocket monsters, like the bizarre Mr. Mime.
Although it would’ve been good to see online trading and battling capabilities brought to this recent Switch and Switch 2 re-release, there’s also something nostalgic about playing with a friend locally. And I’ve had a lot of fun challenging my friends and nabbing their version exclusives (I went with LeafGreen, for anyone interested).
In addition, I love how this release included event tickets so that you can catch Deoxys, Ho-Oh, and Lugia.
If you want to play one of the definitive mainline entries on your Switch 2, it won’t get better than FireRed and LeafGreen, in my opinion…that is, unless we get Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald!
1. Pokémon Pokopia
Is it too early to say this? Honestly, I’m not sure, but I’m going to do it anyway. Pokémon Pokopia is the best Pokémon game that you can play on Nintendo Switch 2, and one of the best games the series has ever produced.
As someone who didn’t love Animal Crossing: New Horizons and, in general, doesn’t get much of a kick out of ‘cozy’ games, Pokopia has been a revelation for me. It’s one of the most addictive games I’ve played in recent years, with charismatic, lovable characters, genuinely enjoyable crafting and building, and a mysterious post-apocalyptic setting.
Playing as Ditto, you’re able to replicate the abilities of so many other Pokémon, and using these to cultivate new habitats, reshape the landscape, and rebuild a fractured world is hugely gratifying. By helping out your fellow Pokémon, you’ll unlock new materials, recipes, and items. And gradually gaining the means to build grander buildings, better transport links, and stronger bonds with your friends is a great way to reward you, the player.
One key reason I put Pokopia up top is that it’s overflowing with personality. For me, the villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons didn’t always feel particularly interesting to interact with, but things are very different in Pokopia. You’ll hear ‘mons using Gen Z slang, yell phrases like “let’s get this place HUMID,” and all sorts. Unfortunately, Charmander doesn’t tell you he “frew up,” though. It was just an edit, guys.
Other than a slightly frustrating storage management system, I have very few complaints to level against Pokopia. And as the only real Pokémon exclusive on Switch 2, I’m delighted that this entry’s got what it takes to be number one.
The best Nintendo Switch 2 games to play right now
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