Every Pokémon Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo Switch Titles

Pokémon, a globally recognized media franchise, has been a Nintendo mainstay since its Game Boy debut. The series boasts hundreds of captivating creatures, collectible both in-game and as trading cards, with each generation introducing new discoveries. Every Nintendo console has featured Pokémon games, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With the Nintendo Switch 2's backward compatibility confirmed, existing Switch Pokémon games are guaranteed to work on the new system. This guide details every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch, along with information on upcoming Switch 2 releases.

Total Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games:

A total of twelve Pokémon games have been released for the Nintendo Switch. This includes core series entries from generations eight and nine, and various spin-offs. Mainline games with dual versions are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded from this list (see below for details).

Note: 2024 saw no new Pokémon game release (a two-year gap since the last mainline title). Instead, The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a successful free-to-play mobile card game app (not included here as it's not a Switch title).

Recommended Pokémon Game for 2024:

For Switch players in 2024, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is highly recommended. While it deviates from classic Pokémon gameplay, it offers a refreshing experience with action-RPG elements, open-world 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 new 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 a simple, fun combat system involving expeditions and customizable Pokémon abilities.

• Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018): Remakes of Pokémon Yellow (1998), marking the first mainline Pokémon games on a home console. Set in Kanto, featuring all 151 original Pokémon and enhanced accessibility.

• Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): The first installment with open-world aspects ("Wild Areas"), featuring gym battles and the eighth generation of Pokémon (including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms).

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

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

• New Pokémon Snap (2021): A sequel to the original Pokémon Snap, featuring on-rails photography in various biomes.

• Pokémon Unite (2021): Pokémon's first MOBA, featuring 5-on-5 online battles with a diverse roster of Pokémon.

• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021): Remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles, featuring a chibi art style and the fourth generation of Pokémon.

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

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): The latest mainline entries, introducing Generation 9 and an open-world design.

• Detective Pikachu Returns (2023): A sequel to the original Detective Pikachu game, featuring mystery-solving gameplay.

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pokémon Games:

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription provides access to additional Pokémon titles:

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

All Mainline Pokémon Games:

(Images provided but descriptions omitted for brevity)

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch:

Pokémon Day 2024 announced a new Pokémon Legends game for 2025 (likely titled Pokémon Legends Z-A and releasing on both Switch and Switch 2). Further details are awaited. The April 2nd Nintendo Direct is expected to provide more information on the Switch 2 release date and new games.

This comprehensive overview provides a complete picture of Pokémon games available and upcoming on Nintendo Switch consoles.