Frequently recognized as one of the world’s most valuable media franchises, Pokémon has been a beloved entity since its debut on the Game Boy. This iconic series, featuring a vast array of captivating creatures, continues to evolve with every new installment, offering countless new Pokémon to discover. With each Nintendo console release, there have been numerous Pokémon games to enjoy, and the Nintendo Switch is no different.
As we edge closer to 2025, it’s the perfect moment to dive into the Pokémon games available on the Switch. It’s also a great time to get up to speed before any new games—or maybe even a new Nintendo console—are introduced. Here, we’ve cataloged all the Pokémon titles released on the Nintendo Switch and will stay updated on any future releases.
## How Many Pokémon Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
In total, the Nintendo Switch boasts a library of 12 Pokémon games. This collection includes the mainline games from Pokémon’s 8th and 9th generations, alongside a wealth of spinoffs. For our list, we’ve counted dual-version mainline entries as a single release. Note that we haven’t included Pokémon games accessible via Nintendo Switch Online, but you can find those in a separate section below.
It’s worth noting that 2024 was a hiatus year for Pokémon, marking a full year since a new game surfaced—and two since the last mainline title. In its place, The Pokémon Company rolled out Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free app version of the Pokémon card game that has become quite popular. Although it’s not on the Switch, TCG Pocket is still a must-try for enthusiasts.
### What Pokémon Game Should You Get in 2024?
If you’re deliberating on what Pokémon game to pick up for the Switch in 2024, Pokémon Legends: Arceus comes highly recommended. While it doesn’t quite emulate that classic Pokémon vibe of the older titles, Legends: Arceus is packed with action and RPG elements. The game boasts expansive areas for exploration, greater control over Pokémon encounters, and polished features perfect for handheld play.
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### All Pokémon Games on the Nintendo Switch (in Release Order)
### Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)
Originally launched for the Wii U in 2016, Pokkén Tournament made a triumphant return with the enhanced DX version on Nintendo Switch a year later. Courtesy of Nintendo and Bandai Namco, this deluxe edition brought fresh characters and improved visuals, fully leveraging the Switch’s capabilities. With its three-on-three battle format, it’s a fantastic game to enjoy with friends, either locally or online.
### Pokémon Quest (2018)
Pokémon Quest presents your favorite Pokémon in adorable cube forms. As a free-to-play game on the Switch, it offers a straightforward combat system where you send Pokémon out on various expeditions. Customizing your Pokémon with different abilities ensures they can tackle any challenge they face.
### Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
These remakes of the classic 1998 Pokémon Yellow were the first mainline Pokémon games to hit a Nintendo home console, bypassing the Wii U entirely. Set in the Kanto region, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! showcase all 151 original Pokémon, featuring variations seen in prior entries. As remakes, they were designed with accessibility in mind, making them an ideal starting point for newcomers while still pleasing series veterans.
### Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Pokémon Sword & Shield broke new ground as the first series title to feature aspects of an open world. Known as the Wild Areas, these zones allow players to roam freely and engage with wild Pokémon in dynamic battles. The return of Gyms, not seen since X & Y, was a welcome feature here. Sword & Shield also ushered in the eighth generation of Pokémon, introducing the unique Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.
### Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
This title is a remake of the 2005 classics Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team. Handled by Spike Chunsoft, Rescue Team DX is the first-ever Pokémon spinoff to receive a remake. The game involves completing tasks in various dungeons and unlocking new Pokémon as you progress.
### Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)
Released alongside Rescue Team DX, Pokémon Café ReMix offers gameplay reminiscent of other puzzle titles like Disney Tsum Tsum, where connecting Pokémon solves puzzles. In this charming, café-themed game, you and Eevee serve various Pokémon coming in for tasty treats. It’s an enjoyable, free-to-play game available on the Nintendo eShop.
### New Pokémon Snap (2021)
After over two decades, a follow-up to Pokémon Snap finally graced the Nintendo Switch. Developed by Bandai Namco, this sequel lets players explore diverse environments, using an on-rails camera to photograph wild Pokémon. With varied courses and areas to unlock through quality photos, New Pokémon Snap delivers a substantial amount of content and discovery possibilities.
### Pokémon Unite (2021)
Bringing Pokémon into the MOBA genre, Pokémon Unite was a notable free-to-play release. With gameplay requiring strategic team battles between five Pokémon, players can experiment with different team compositions. Its appealing competition format has seen Pokémon Unite featured in numerous esports tournaments, earning a dedicated following.
### Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
Remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, these games marked the fourth Pokémon generation. They introduced a wide roster of Pokémon to capture and battle. With a fresh chibi art style, these remakes stayed true to the originals, adding a contemporary twist.
### Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Hailed as one of the finest Pokémon games on Switch, Pokémon Legends: Arceus transports you to the ancient Hisui region. By embracing exploration, it allows free roaming and Pokémon capture in an expansive environment. With Pokémon visibly wandering the landscape, strategic engagements are key for avoiding unnecessary battles.
### Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)
Launching Generation 9 of the Pokémon series, these games offer a novel approach to world-building and mechanics. In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, players are given the freedom to explore an open world at their leisure. Following the completion of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC pass, there’s no better time to dive into these immersive adventures.
### Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
In this latest detective escapade, players once again join Detective Pikachu as he searches for Tim’s missing father. This sequel adds fresh puzzles and mysteries, challenging players to uncover the truth through detailed investigations. For fans of both Pokémon narratives and detective stories, Detective Pikachu Returns is a must-consider addition.
## Available Pokémon Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For those yearning for additional Pokémon experiences, the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service offers a handful of classic titles. With the Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can access:
– Pokémon Trading Card Game
– Pokémon Snap
– Pokémon Puzzle League
– Pokémon Stadium
– Pokémon Stadium 2
### Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Following the excitement of Pokémon Day in 2024, we’re finally starting to hear concrete details about what’s on the horizon. Most notably, a new Pokémon Legends game is slated for a 2025 release, fueling speculation surrounding a potential Nintendo Switch 2 in the coming year. Stay up to date with our list of upcoming Switch games to see what’s on the slate for Nintendo’s handheld console.
Looking for more Nintendo Switch games? Don’t miss these guides:
Noah Hunter, a seasoned freelance writer and reviewer with a keen interest in games and technology, contributes this guide. As a co-founder of Final Weapon, Noah delivers straightforward insights into the realm of Japanese gaming and has worked with various outlets to bring the latest in gaming news and reviews.
