All Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch 2024

Pokemon Scarlet And Violet Starters Player Home
(Image credit: iMore)

There are so many fun Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch right now. Whether you're looking for a core RPG, a challenging spinoff, a simple puzzle game, or a fun DLC, this list of every Pokémon game for the Switch is here to meet your needs. A few of these titles are even considered the best Nintendo Switch games of all time. If you haven't played any of them yet, jump on in and see what all of the hype is about!

Pokémon Scarlet

Unlike previous Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet provide an open-world adventure and players get to interact with the flagship Legendary on the cover from the get-go. Run around collecting the 400 Pokémon in the Pokédex and defeating the Gym Leaders. There are also two other storylines for players to follow, giving them plenty to work on. 

Image

Pokémon Scarlet

Grab this version of Pokémon Scarlet to get the Legendary exclusive Koraidon. There are also several exclusive perks and Pokémon in this open-world adventure. 

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPok%25C3%25A9mon-Scarlet-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB09TM8XRND%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6464087&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-scarlet-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-oled-model-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6464087.p%3FskuId%3D6464087&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Scarlet-Nintendo-Nintendo-Switch%2F839671641%3Fathbdg%3DL1100" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Violet

As is always the case with core Pokémon games, Gen 9 is releasing two different versions of the same adventure. There are usually plenty of differences between the two versions, including which Pokémon you can catch. Sometimes there are other slight story differences as well. We're excited to see what Game Freak has in store with the first open-world Pokémon games.

Image

Pokémon Violet

Ride around Paldea with Miraidon as your Legendary friend. There are gyms to defeat, giant Pokémon to battle, and a mystery to uncover. This is also the first open-world Pokémon game ever made. 

Buy From: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPok%25C3%25A9mon-Scarlet-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB09TMHDVLD%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6464088&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-violet-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-oled-model-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6464088.p%3FskuId%3D6464088&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Violet-Nintendo-Nintedo-Switch%2F776638564" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, players find themselves in ancient Sinnoh, tasked with creating the first-ever Pokédex. To do that, they will need to explore a gorgeous open world. You can even catch Pokémon in the overworld by throwing an ancient PokéBall. You also fight right in the overworld instead of going into a different battle mode.

Image

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Run around ancient Sinnoh completing your Pokédex and discovering the mysteries of this early time period.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Legends-Arceus-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB0914YGQSH%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6414123&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-legends-arceus-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6414123.p%3FskuId%3D6414123&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPok-mon-Legends-Arceus-Nintendo-Switch%2F890161998" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

Revisit the Sinnoh region with these gorgeous remakes coming to Nintendo Switch. These games employ a top-down view and chibi art aesthetic in the overworld, reminiscent of the original DS games.

Image

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

The Legendary Pokémon Dialga is waiting for you along with a long list of exclusive Pokémon only available in this version of the game.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Brilliant-Diamond-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB08Y6HCHP8%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6414121&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-brilliant-diamond-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6414121.p%3FskuId%3D6414121&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Brilliant-Diamond-Nintendo-Switch-Digital-71201%2F513779684" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Shining Pearl

Run through the Sinnoh region in this Gen 4 remake for Nintendo Switch. You'll come across different exclusive Pokémon from what's found in Brilliant Diamond and will need to trade with friends to fill out your Pokédex.

Image

Pokémon Shining Pearl

Work toward collecting all of the version exclusives in Shining Pearl including the Legendary Pokémon Palkia.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Brilliant-Diamond-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB08Y74H4PB%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon |<a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6414122&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-shining-pearl-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6414122.p%3FskuId%3D6414122&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US""> Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Shining-Pearl-Nintendo-Switch%2F890677903" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

New Pokémon Snap

Ride around on a track and take pictures of wild Pokémon in their natural habitats in the New Pokémon Snap. You'll have to use items and food to get some Pokémon to come out into the open. Will you be able to fill out your Photodex and figure out the mystery behind the Illumina phenomenon?

Image

New Pokémon Snap

Take pictures of several different Pokémon in their natural habitats while you look into the Illumina phenomenon.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FNew-Pok%25C3%25A9mon-Snap-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB08CWL8X61%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6414112&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fnew-pokemon-snap-nintendo-switch-nintendo-switch-lite%2F6414112.p%3FskuId%3D6414112&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Snap-Nintendo-Nintendo-Switch-Digital-Download%2F940372143" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Sword

The most recent generation of the core Pokémon RPG has players exploring the UK-inspired Galar region. There are new Pokémon to collect, new gyms to defeat, and lots of fun multiplayer catching to do in the Wild Area dens. Sword features exclusive Pokémon that aren't found in Shield.

Image

Pokémon Sword

Legendary Pokémon like Zacian are waiting for you to catch them along with all of the Galarian variants in this fun story.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Sword-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB07WTRY78V%2F%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6255366&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-sword-edition-nintendo-switch%2F6255366.p%3FskuId%3D6255366&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Sword-Nintendo-Switch-Physical-Edition-110262%2F874127409%3Fathbdg%3DL1200" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Shield

The counterpart to Pokémon Sword gives players different exclusive Pokémon to catch, a different gym to battle, and a few other differences. Will you be able to fill out your Pokédex while exploring the Galar region and all of its new Pokémon?

Image

Pokémon Shield

Run around the UK-inspired Galar region capturing new Pokémon variants and working toward capturing the Legendary Pokémon: Zamazenta.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Shield-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB07P5TL4SH%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6255368&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-shield-edition-nintendo-switch%2F6255368.p%3FskuId%3D6255368&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Shield-Nintendo-Switch-Physical-Edition-110457%2F919694071" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass

With this pass, Pokémon Sword and Shield owners can explore two new locations within the Galar region: the Crown Tundra and the Armor Isle. The Crown Tundra is filled with catchable legendary Pokémon from previous games, while the Armor Isle provides a new storyline and a new Pokémon for players to evolve. You do need the base game to play this DLC.

Image

Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass

Add even more fun to your Sword or Shield adventure by visiting The Crown Tundra and Isle of Armor with this paid DLC.

Buy from:  <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPok%25C3%25A9mon-Expansion-Shield-Retail-Version%2Fdp%2FB083V9FSJM%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6398351&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-sword-expansion-pass-pokemon-shield-expansion-pass-nintendo-switch-digital%2F6398351.p%3FskuId%3D6398351&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy

Pokkén Tournament DX

Prove your favorite Pokémon are the best by duking it out in a massive stadium. There are 21 creatures to choose from, and they each have unique attacks to help you take down your opponents.

Image

Pokkén Tournament DX

Battle against friends while playing as your favorite Pokémon.

Buy from: <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=5896300&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokken-tournament-dx-nintendo-switch%2F5896300.p%3FskuId%3D5896300&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokken-Tournament-DX-Nintendo-Nintendo-Switch-045496591137%2F773647136" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"">Walmart

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

You've been turned into a Pokémon, and now you're banding together with other Pokémon to take on rescue missions. You can meet and recruit over 400 different Pokémon to your team while exploring various dungeons. See which Pokémon you discover.

Image

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

You've been turned into a Pokémon and now you must join others as you take on various missions.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPokemon-Mystery-Dungeon-Rescue-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB083PKWHGX%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6352138&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-mystery-dungeon-rescue-team-dx-nintendo-switch%2F6352138.p%3FskuId%3D6352138&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Mystery-Dungeon-Rescue-Team-DX-Nintendo-Switch-Physical-045496597054%2F848438749" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! reimagines the Kanto region from the first Pokémon game and allows players to revisit the fun with upgraded graphics. Players start with a special Pikachu who follows them around and can wear fun clothes. Pokémon fights are mainly limited to trainer and gym battles. Most wild Pokémon are simply caught by throwing a Poké Ball. Players will need to trade with Let's Go, Eevee! players to catch all of the Pokémon in the game.

Image

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

Revisit Gen 1's Kanto region and gyms with Pikachu as your partner. You can capture all 151 Pokémon from the original Red and Blue games.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPok%25C3%25A9mon-Lets-Go-Pikachu-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB07DHWCV38%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6216393&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-lets-go-pikachu-nintendo-switch%2F6216393.p%3FskuId%3D6216393&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Let-s-Go-Pikachu-Nintendo-Switch-Physical-045496593940%2F781016413" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

This is the counterpart to Let's Go, Pikachu! It allows players to run around with a special Eevee while exploring the Kanto region. Players can even ride on Charizard, Arcanine, or some other large Pokémon's back while exploring. Pass a Joy-Con to a friend, and you can both capture Pokémon together.

Image

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

Eevee is waiting to be your starter as you revisit Team Rocket and the gyms from the first Pokémon games.

Buy from: <a href="https://target.georiot.com/Proxy.ashx?tsid=8428&GR_URL=https%3A%2F%2Famazon.com%2FPok%25C3%25A9mon-Lets-Go-Eevee-Nintendo-Switch%2Fdp%2FB07DJ1SS29%3Ftag%3Dhawk-future-20%26ascsubtag%3Dhawk-custom-tracking-20" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Amazon | <a href="https://shop-links.co/link?skuId=6216391&publisher_slug=future&exclusive=1&u1=hawk-custom-tracking&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bestbuy.com%2Fsite%2Fpokemon-lets-go-eevee-nintendo-switch%2F6216391.p%3FskuId%3D6216391&article_name=hawk-article-name&article_url=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Best Buy | <a href="https://goto.walmart.com/c/1943169/565706/9383?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.walmart.com%2Fip%2FPokemon-Let-s-Go-Eevee-Nintendo-Switch-Physical-Edition%2F255807021" data-link-merchant="walmart.com"" data-link-merchant="bestbuy.com"" data-link-merchant="Amazon US"">Walmart

Pokémon HOME

Pokemon Home Pokedex (Image credit: iMore)

Pokémon HOME is necessary for any serious Pokémon trainer who wants to keep the collection of Pokémon they've caught over the years. The base service is free but allows players to store up to only 30 Pokémon and limits how many trades they can do. However, if players pay for the Premium subscription, they'll be able to deposit as many as 6,000 Pokémon and can trade more freely with others online.

Image

Pokémon HOME

Store your Pokémon and trade them with others online using this handy service.

Get from: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pokemon-home-switch/" data-link-merchant="nintendo.com"">Nintendo

Pokémon Unite

Square off in 5-on-5 team battles while using teamwork to score points and take down opponents. There's a good roster of characters, and each Pokémon has its own Battle type with strengths and weaknesses, which you'll need to use to your advantage. Best of all, Pokémon Unite is free-to-play, though there are optional in-game purchases.

Image

Pokémon Unite

Play this free Pokémon game with friends online in 5-on-5 team battles. Defeat other players and wild Pokémon while on your way to the goal to score points.

Get from: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pokemon-unite-switch/" data-link-merchant="nintendo.com"">Nintendo

Pokémon Quest

In Pokémon Quest, your adventure takes place on Tumblecube Island, where there's plenty of loot to discover and Pokémon friends to make. Upgrade your Pokémon pals using Power Stones to make them more powerful. It's free to start but also includes some optional in-game purchases.

Image

Pokémon Quest

Check out these blocky versions of your favorite Pokémon in this free game.

Get from: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pokemon-quest-switch/" data-link-merchant="nintendo.com"">Nintendo

Pokémon Café ReMix

Pokémon Café ReMix is a relaxing puzzle game has the cutest Pokémon art style I've ever seen and will keep you entertained for hours. It's up to you to meet and bring more Pokémon staff to your cafe. The more successful your cafe becomes, the more upgrades you'll be able to add. It's free to start, but there are in-game microtransactions as well.

Image

Pokémon Café ReMix

Make food and drinks for adorable Pokémon while playing puzzle games.

Get from: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pokemon-cafe-remix-switch/" data-link-merchant="nintendo.com"">Nintendo

Pokémon TV

While this technically isn't a game, it is a service available on Nintendo Switch. Watch your favorite Pokémon TV shows, specials, and video game competitions while using it.

Image

Pokémon TV

Watch your favorite Pokémon shows and specials from your Nintendo Switch.

Get from: <a href="https://www.nintendo.com/store/products/pokemon-tv-switch/" data-link-merchant="nintendo.com"">Nintendo

All Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch

You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

I've been a Pokémon fan since I first got my hands on Red and Blue in elementary school. Whether you're a new Pokémon enthusiast or a veteran like me, there's so much for you to enjoy as these are some of the best Nintendo Switch games. Anyone excited about upcoming games should preorder Scarlet and Violet. This will be the first open-world game for the franchise, and it's sure to be an exciting title.

If I had to recommend only one game, it would have to be either Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. These Gen 8 games are the third-highest-selling Pokémon games after Red and Blue and Gold and Silver. Plus, they introduce the Wild Area, sections of the map where Pokémon can be seen walking around in the overworld. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online membership, you can even jump into Max Raid Dens and catch Pokémon with others online.

For anyone who was a huge fan of the original RPGs, I cannot recommend Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! or Let's Go, Eevee! enough. You get to explore the Kanto region in an all-new adventure with either a special Pikachu or a special Eevee at your side. You'll take down Team Rocket, explore the original eight gyms, and can even see Pokémon wandering around in the overworld. Note that fighting is mostly removed from wild Pokémon battles and reserved for trainer or gym battles instead.

Whether you've played only one Pokémon game or you've played several, every serious Pokémon trainer should definitely use Pokémon HOME. The free service allows you to store up to only 30 Pokémon, but if you pay for the Premium subscription, you can store up to 6,000 from several different games and can trade with other trainers as well. It's the perfect way to flush out your Pokédex or get super rare Pokémon you might have missed before.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.