Often cited as one of the world's most valuable media franchises, Pokémon is a household name that has been a Nintendo staple since its debut on the Game Boy. This beloved series boasts hundreds of amazing creatures that you can catch in-game or collect as trading cards, with each new generation introducing a plethora of new discoveries. Every console released by Nintendo has been graced with Pokémon games, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception.
With Nintendo's official announcement of the Switch 2 and its confirmation of backwards compatibility, you can confidently purchase any existing Pokémon games on the Switch, knowing they will seamlessly transition to the new system. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch, along with details on upcoming Pokémon games slated for the Switch 2.
How Many Pokémon Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
In total, **12 Pokémon games have been released for the Nintendo Switch**. This includes mainline games from the 8th and 9th Pokémon generations, as well as numerous spinoffs. For the purposes of this list, we consider mainline entries with two versions as a single release. We have excluded Pokémon games available through Nintendo Switch Online, but you can find that list below.
Note: 2024 was a skip year for Pokémon, meaning it's been over a full year since the last Pokémon game release (and two years since the last mainline title). Instead, The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free app featuring Pokémon cards that has become a significant hit. While not available on the Switch, TCG Pocket is definitely worth exploring for Pokémon enthusiasts.
What Pokémon Game Should You Get in 2024?
If you're pondering which game to pick up on the Switch in 2024, I recommend Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It doesn't replicate the classic Pokémon experience, which is what the older generation games are for. Instead, Legends: Arceus brings a fresh twist to the series with more action and RPG elements, including expansive open areas to explore, greater control over encounters, and a polished experience tailored for the handheld.
Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Arceus
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All Pokémon Games on the Nintendo Switch (in Release Order)
Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)
Pokkén Tournament, originally released for the Wii U in 2016, received a deluxe version for the Nintendo Switch a year later. Nintendo and Bandai Namco enhanced the game with new characters and updated visuals to leverage the Switch's superior hardware. This three-on-three battle system is a thrilling experience, whether played with friends in person or online.
Pokkén Tournament DX - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Quest (2018)
Pokémon Quest transforms your favorite Pokémon into adorable cube forms. This free-to-play Switch game offers a fun and straightforward combat system where you dispatch Pokémon on expeditions. Equip your Pokémon with different abilities to tackle various encounters effectively.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018)
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the iconic 1998 Pokémon Yellow. These titles marked the first mainline Pokémon games to launch on a home console, bypassing the Wii U. Set in the Kanto region, these games feature all 151 original Pokémon with various forms from previous mainline installments. With enhanced accessibility features, these remakes serve as an excellent introduction to the series on the Nintendo Switch for both newcomers and seasoned fans.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - Switch
30$59.99 save 13%$51.99 at Walmart
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! - Switch
36$48.79 save 0%$48.79 at Walmart
Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Pokémon Sword & Shield introduced the series to open-world elements through the Wild Areas, allowing for free movement and battles with wild Pokémon. The return of Gyms since X & Y, along with the introduction of the eighth generation of Pokémon featuring Dynamax and Gigantamax forms, made these games a significant milestone in the series.
Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the 2005 titles Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team. As the first Pokémon spinoff to receive a remake, developed by Spike Chunsoft, it involves completing jobs in various dungeons and unlocking new Pokémon along the way.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)
Pokémon Café ReMix mirrors the gameplay of puzzle games like Disney Tsum Tsum, where you connect Pokémon to solve puzzles. In this charming service game, you and Eevee manage a café, serving Pokémon who visit for food or a drink. It's free-to-play and available via the Nintendo eShop.
New Pokémon Snap (2021)
After more than 20 years, the Nintendo Switch finally received a sequel to Pokémon Snap. Developed by Bandai Namco, you navigate different biomes with an on-rails camera to capture wild Pokémon in their natural habitats. Unlock new courses by taking high-quality photos in New Pokémon Snap, offering a vast array of content to explore and discover.
New Pokémon Snap - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Unite (2021)
This free-to-play game marks Pokémon's debut in the MOBA genre. You control a team of five Pokémon in competitive battles against other players online. With a diverse selection of Pokémon, you can customize your team to suit your strategy. Pokémon Unite has also been featured in various esports tournaments, showcasing its competitive edge.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl are remakes of the 2006 titles Pokémon Diamond & Pearl for the Nintendo DS. As part of the fourth generation of Pokémon, these games offer a broad range of Pokémon to battle and discover. The remakes feature a new chibi art style that pays homage to the originals while adding a fresh aesthetic.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl Double Pack - Nintendo Switch
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is frequently lauded as one of the best Pokémon games on the Switch. Set in the ancient Hisui region, this original title emphasizes exploration. You can freely roam the map to capture Pokémon, explore diverse environments, and engage in strategic encounters as Pokémon roam freely.
Out Now Pokemon Legends: Arceus for Switch
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Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)
The latest mainline Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, kicked off Generation 9 with a new approach to gameplay and world design. These games offer an expansive open world for you to explore at your leisure. The completed DLC pass, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, makes it an ideal time to delve into Scarlet & Violet.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - Nintendo Switch
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Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
Following the success of the first game and movie, Detective Pikachu Returns continues the mystery-solving adventure on the Nintendo Switch. With Tim's father missing, Detective Pikachu must crack the case. This sequel introduces new puzzles and investigations, allowing you to delve into scenes and use your notebook to unravel mysteries. It's a must-play for fans of Pokémon and mystery games alike.
Detective Pikachu Returns - Nintendo Switch
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Available Pokémon Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service provides additional Pokémon titles for those seeking more after exploring the Switch library. Here are the five Pokémon games you can enjoy with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
Pokemon: All Mainline Games
Here are all the mainline Pokémon games, covering nine generations of RPGs and monster catching. See All!
Pokemon Red Version
Nintendo
Pokemon Green Version
Game Freak
Pokemon Blue Version
Nintendo
Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition
Nintendo
Pokemon Gold Version
Nintendo
Pokemon Silver Version
Nintendo
Pokemon Crystal Version
Nintendo
Pokemon Ruby Version
Game Freak
Pokemon Sapphire Version
Game Freak
Pokemon FireRed Version
Game Freak
Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
After a rare year without a new Pokémon game, Pokémon Day 2024 brought exciting news about upcoming releases. The most significant announcement was the confirmation of a new Pokémon Legends game set to arrive in 2025. While no further details have been released, it's anticipated that Pokémon Legends Z-A will launch on both the Switch and the newly announced Switch 2.
A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for April 2, likely to provide more information about the Switch 2 release date and new games. For now, check out the full list of upcoming Switch games for everything we've confirmed is coming to the Nintendo handheld, as well as our predictions for what games will be released on the Switch 2.
