Every Pokémon Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo Switch Games

Pokémon, a globally renowned 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 exciting new additions. Every Nintendo console has featured numerous Pokémon titles, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With Nintendo's Switch 2 announcement confirming backward compatibility, 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, plus numerous spin-offs. For this list, dual-version mainline games are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded, but details on those are provided below.

Note: 2024 marked a hiatus for new Pokémon game releases, the first in over a year (and two years since the last mainline title). The Pokémon Company instead launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free mobile app version of the Pokémon trading card game, which has become incredibly popular. While not on this Switch list, TCG Pocket is highly recommended for Pokémon fans.

Best Pokémon Switch Game for 2024:

For Switch players in 2024, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the top recommendation. While it deviates from classic Pokémon gameplay, offering a fresh perspective with action-RPG elements, open exploration, enhanced encounter control, and polished handheld experience.

All Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games (Release Order):

• Pokkén Tournament DX (2017): A deluxe Nintendo Switch version 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 transforming Pokémon into adorable cube creatures. Simple combat involves sending Pokémon on expeditions and equipping abilities.

  

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

  

• Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): Introducing open-world Wild Areas for free exploration and wild Pokémon battles. Gym battles return, and the eighth generation of Pokémon is introduced, 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, serving Pokémon and solving puzzles.

  

• New Pokémon Snap (2021): A long-awaited sequel, featuring on-rails photography of Pokémon in diverse environments. Unlocking new courses adds significant replayability.

  

• Pokémon Unite (2021): Pokémon's foray into the MOBA genre, offering 5v5 online battles with a diverse roster of Pokémon.

  

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

  

• 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 ninth generation of Pokémon, featuring a vast open world for free exploration and a compelling storyline.

  

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

  

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pokémon Games:

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription unlocks additional Pokémon titles: Pokémon Trading Card Game, Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, and Pokémon Stadium 2.

All Mainline Pokémon Games:

Image collage of all mainline Pokémon game box art

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch:

Following a year without a new release, Pokémon Day 2024 announced a new Pokémon Legends game for 2025. Further details are anticipated in an upcoming Nintendo Direct. It's highly likely this new title will be available on both the Switch and Switch 2.