Every Pokémon Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo Switch Games (and What's Next)

Pokémon, a global media powerhouse and Nintendo mainstay since the Game Boy era, boasts hundreds of captivating creatures collectible in games and trading cards. Each generation expands this vibrant universe, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With Nintendo's Switch 2 announcement confirming backward compatibility, existing Switch Pokémon games are future-proofed. This guide details every Pokémon title released on the Nintendo Switch, and what we know about upcoming releases on the Switch 2.

How Many Pokémon Games Are on the Nintendo Switch?

A total of twelve Pokémon games have graced the Nintendo Switch. This encompasses mainline entries from generations eight and nine, along with numerous spin-offs. For clarity, dual-version mainline games are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded, but detailed below.

Note: 2024 marked a hiatus for new Pokémon game releases. The Pokémon Company instead launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a wildly successful free-to-play mobile card game app (not included here).

What Pokémon Game Should You Play in 2024?

For a fresh Pokémon experience in 2024, I recommend Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While it deviates from classic Pokémon gameplay, it offers a compelling blend of action and RPG elements, featuring open exploration, enhanced encounter control, and polished handheld gameplay.

All Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games (Release Order)

• Pokkén Tournament DX (2017): A deluxe Switch port of the Wii U title, featuring added characters and enhanced visuals. This 3-on-3 fighting game offers engaging local and online multiplayer.

• Pokémon Quest (2018): A free-to-play game featuring cube-shaped Pokémon and simple, expedition-based combat. Customize your Pokémon with various abilities.

• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018): Remakes of Pokémon Yellow, these were the first mainline Pokémon games on a home console. Set in Kanto, they feature all 151 original Pokémon and enhanced accessibility.

• Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): Introducing Wild Areas for open-world exploration and the return of Gyms. This title features Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon forms.

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020): A remake of the 2005 titles, featuring dungeon exploration and job completion.

• Pokémon Café ReMix (2020): A free-to-play puzzle game where you manage a Pokémon café.

• New Pokémon Snap (2021): A long-awaited sequel to the original Pokémon Snap, featuring on-rails photography gameplay across diverse biomes.

• Pokémon Unite (2021): Pokémon's foray into the MOBA genre, featuring 5v5 online battles.

• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021): Remakes of the Nintendo DS originals, featuring a charming chibi art style.

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022): A critically acclaimed title set in the ancient Hisui region, emphasizing open exploration and strategic Pokémon encounters.

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): The latest mainline entries, launching Generation 9 and offering a vast open world to explore.

• Detective Pikachu Returns (2023): A sequel to the original Detective Pikachu, featuring puzzle-solving and investigation gameplay.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pokémon Games

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers additional Pokémon titles:

• Pokémon Trading Card Game
• Pokémon Snap
• Pokémon Puzzle League
• Pokémon Stadium
• Pokémon Stadium 2

All Mainline Pokémon Games

Image collage of all mainline Pokémon game box art

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

Following Pokémon Day 2024, a new Pokémon Legends title is slated for 2025. Further details are pending, but a Switch 2 release is highly anticipated. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct may shed more light on this and other Switch 2 releases.