Introducing the Ultimate Pokémon Saga on Nintendo Switch in 2025

Author: Julian Feb 12,2025

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 in-game or as trading cards, with each generation introducing new discoveries. Every Nintendo console has featured numerous Pokémon games, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With Nintendo's confirmation of backwards compatibility for the Switch 2, existing Switch Pokémon games will seamlessly transition to the new console. This guide details every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch, along with information on upcoming Switch 2 releases.

The Nintendo Switch Pokémon Lineup: A Total of 12 Titles

A total of twelve Pokémon games have graced the Nintendo Switch. This includes core series entries from generations eight and nine, plus a variety of spin-offs. For this list, dual-version mainline games are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded, but a separate list is provided below.

Note: 2024 marked a hiatus for new Pokémon game releases, following the release of Pokémon TCG Pocket, a hugely successful mobile app (not included here as it's not a Switch title).

Recommended Pokémon Game for 2024: Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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 exploration, enhanced encounter control, and polished handheld gameplay.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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.

Pokkén Tournament DX Pokkén Tournament DX - Nintendo Switch

  • Pokémon Quest (2018): A free-to-play game featuring chibi-style Pokémon in a simple, expedition-based combat system.

Pokémon Quest

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

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!

  • Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): Introducing Wild Areas for open-world exploration and the return of Gyms. Features Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokémon forms and the eighth generation of Pokémon.

Pokémon Sword Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Switch

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

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX - Nintendo Switch

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

Pokémon Café ReMix

  • New Pokémon Snap (2021): A long-awaited sequel to the original Pokémon Snap, featuring on-rails photography gameplay.

New Pokémon Snap New Pokémon Snap - Nintendo Switch

  • Pokémon Unite (2021): Pokémon's foray into the MOBA genre, featuring 5v5 online battles.

Pokémon Unite

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

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl Double Pack

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

Pokémon Legends: Arceus Pokémon Legends: Arceus - Switch

  • Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): The ninth generation of Pokémon games, featuring a vast open world.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - Nintendo Switch

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

Detective Pikachu Returns Detective Pikachu Returns - Nintendo Switch

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pokémon Games

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription grants access to:

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

All Mainline Pokémon Games

[Images of all mainline Pokémon game boxes are here, but I cannot display them as I am a text-based AI.]

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Day 2024 announced a new Pokémon Legends title for 2025, likely for both Switch and Switch 2. Further details are expected in the April 2nd Nintendo Direct.