Best To Worst: Ranking Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games

Alright, Pokémon fans, gather 'round! We're diving headfirst into the wonderful world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch. From exploring vast open worlds to revisiting classic adventures, the Switch has become a fantastic hub for Pokémon trainers. But let’s be real, not all games are created equal. So, we're going to rank them from best to… well, let's just say, "most needing improvement." Get ready for some nostalgia, some tough choices, and maybe even a little bit of controversy. Let's jump in and see where your favorites land!

The Pinnacle: Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus isn't just a great Pokémon game; it’s a bold step forward for the entire franchise. This game dared to break the mold, and boy, did it succeed! Set in the ancient Hisui region (which would eventually become Sinnoh), Arceus throws you into a world teeming with wild Pokémon, where research and discovery are the name of the game. Forget rigidly turn-based battles in every encounter; here, you can sneak through tall grass, study Pokémon behaviors, and even catch them without battling at all.

The gameplay is where Arceus truly shines. The open-world exploration is engaging and rewarding, with each region offering unique environments and Pokémon to discover. The crafting system adds a layer of depth, allowing you to create essential items like Poké Balls and potions. And let's not forget the story – a compelling narrative about understanding and coexisting with Pokémon, rather than just capturing them all. Arceus successfully blends action and RPG elements, creating an experience that feels fresh and exciting while still staying true to the core of what makes Pokémon great. Whether you're battling Noble Pokémon in intense, real-time encounters or simply enjoying the serene landscapes, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers countless hours of captivating gameplay. It’s a must-play for any Pokémon fan and sets a new standard for future titles in the series. The seamless integration of exploration, research, and battling makes for an immersive and unforgettable adventure. It’s a game that respects the past while fearlessly forging a new path.

The Fan Favorites: Pokémon Sword and Shield

When Pokémon Sword and Shield first hit the shelves, they were met with a mix of excitement and skepticism. As the first mainline Pokémon games on a home console (that you could also take on the go!), expectations were sky-high. And while they might not have ticked every single box for every fan, Sword and Shield brought a lot to the table, making them firm favorites for many.

One of the biggest draws of Sword and Shield is the Galar region, which is inspired by Great Britain. The landscapes are diverse and beautifully designed, from the rolling hills of the Wild Area to the industrial cities and snow-capped mountains. Speaking of the Wild Area, this was a game-changer! For the first time in a mainline Pokémon game, players could freely roam a vast open area, encountering Pokémon that varied depending on the weather and time of day. It added a whole new level of immersion and made exploration feel genuinely rewarding. The introduction of Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing added a fun, strategic layer to battles, allowing Pokémon to grow to massive sizes and unleash powerful moves. Raids in the Wild Area, where you teamed up with other players to take on Dynamax Pokémon, were a blast and offered great rewards. The story, while not the most groundbreaking, was engaging enough, with a memorable cast of characters and a classic Pokémon adventure feel. Plus, the post-game content, especially with the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLCs, added significant depth and extended the lifespan of the games considerably. Sword and Shield might have had their flaws, but they brought the Pokémon world to life in a way that hadn't been seen before, making them a beloved entry in the series.

The Nostalgic Trip: Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

If you're looking for a delightful dose of nostalgia with a modern twist, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are your go-to games. These titles are essentially a reimagining of the original Pokémon Yellow, bringing the Kanto region to life with updated graphics, streamlined gameplay, and a whole lot of charm. For longtime fans, revisiting Kanto with a vibrant new look is an absolute treat. Seeing familiar locations like Pallet Town, Viridian Forest, and Cerulean City rendered in beautiful HD is a fantastic experience. And for newer players, it's a great way to discover the magic of the first generation of Pokémon.

One of the biggest changes in Let's Go is the Pokémon catching mechanic, which is heavily inspired by Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon, you simply throw Poké Balls at them using motion controls (or button controls in handheld mode). It's a more streamlined and accessible approach, making it easy for newcomers to jump in. Plus, having Pikachu or Eevee ride on your shoulder or head is just plain adorable! The co-op mode is another highlight, allowing you to team up with a friend for even more fun. Exploring Kanto together, battling trainers, and catching Pokémon is a blast, and it's a great way to introduce someone to the world of Pokémon. While Let's Go might not be the most challenging Pokémon game out there, it's a heartwarming and enjoyable experience that celebrates the series' roots. Whether you're a seasoned trainer looking for a nostalgic trip or a newcomer eager to discover the magic of Pokémon, Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are definitely worth checking out. They're a charming reminder of why we fell in love with Pokémon in the first place.

The Disappointments: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Ah, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These remakes of the beloved Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were met with a lot of anticipation, but unfortunately, they didn't quite live up to the hype. While they faithfully recreate the original Sinnoh region, they also stick a little too closely to the source material, resulting in a somewhat outdated and underwhelming experience for many players.

One of the biggest criticisms of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is their lack of innovation. Unlike other Pokémon remakes that introduced new features and expanded storylines, these games largely play it safe. The graphics, while improved, still feel a bit generic and lack the charm of other Switch titles. The chibi art style for the overworld characters was also a point of contention for many fans. While the core gameplay of exploring Sinnoh, battling trainers, and catching Pokémon is still enjoyable, the games don't offer much beyond that. There are some quality-of-life improvements, such as the Grand Underground and the ability to customize your Poké Balls with stickers, but they don't significantly enhance the overall experience. The post-game content is also relatively limited compared to other Pokémon games. While Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl aren't terrible games, they simply don't offer enough to justify their existence. They feel like a missed opportunity to truly modernize and expand upon the classic Diamond and Pearl games. If you're a die-hard fan of the originals, you might still find some enjoyment in revisiting Sinnoh. But for most players, there are better Pokémon experiences available on the Switch.

The Mobile Port: Pokémon Quest

Pokémon Quest is a bit of an oddball in the Pokémon lineup on the Nintendo Switch. Originally released as a free-to-start mobile game, it eventually made its way to the Switch, offering a simplified and somewhat repetitive Pokémon experience. While it has a certain charm, it's hard to recommend it over the other, more substantial Pokémon games on the platform.

In Pokémon Quest, you explore Tumblecube Island with a team of cube-shaped Pokémon, battling wild Pokémon and collecting loot. The gameplay is very basic, with Pokémon automatically attacking enemies and you occasionally using special moves. The main draw of the game is the cooking mechanic, where you use ingredients to attract different Pokémon to your base. However, this quickly becomes repetitive, as you're essentially just grinding for ingredients and hoping for the right Pokémon to show up. The graphics are cute and colorful, but the overall presentation feels very simplistic. And while the game is free-to-start, it does heavily encourage you to spend money on in-app purchases to speed up your progress. Overall, Pokémon Quest is a decent time-waster, but it doesn't offer the depth or complexity of other Pokémon games. It's a fun little distraction for a short while, but it's unlikely to keep you engaged for very long. If you're looking for a more substantial Pokémon experience on the Switch, there are definitely better options available.

Final Rankings:

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A revolutionary title that redefines the Pokémon experience.
2. Pokémon Sword and Shield: A solid entry with a vast world and engaging features.
3. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!: A charming and nostalgic trip back to Kanto.
4. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: A faithful but underwhelming remake.
5. Pokémon Quest: A simple and repetitive mobile port.

So, there you have it, trainers! Our ranking of the Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch. Whether you agree with our list or not, one thing is for sure: the Switch is a fantastic platform for Pokémon fans. Now, grab your Switch, choose your adventure, and get ready to catch 'em all!