by George May 02,2025
Often hailed as one of the world's most valuable media franchises, Pokémon has become a household name since its debut on the Game Boy, establishing itself as a Nintendo staple. The beloved series features hundreds of fascinating creatures that fans can catch in-game or collect as trading cards, with each new generation introducing even more to explore. Pokémon games have been a consistent presence on every Nintendo console, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception.
With the official announcement of the Nintendo Switch 2 and its confirmed backwards compatibility, you can confidently purchase any existing Pokémon games for the Switch, knowing they will seamlessly transition to the new system. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of all Pokémon games released for the Nintendo Switch, along with details on upcoming titles expected for the Switch 2.
In total, 12 Pokémon games have been released for the Nintendo Switch. This count includes mainline entries from the 8th and 9th generations, as well as various spinoffs. For clarity, we've considered mainline entries with two versions as a single release. Note that this list does not include Pokémon games available through Nintendo Switch Online, but you can find that list below.
It's worth mentioning that 2024 was a skip year for Pokémon, with no new games released. Instead, The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free app version of the trading card game that has gained significant popularity. While not available on the Switch, it's a must-try for Pokémon enthusiasts.
If you're looking for a recommendation on which Pokémon game to pick up in 2024, consider Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While it may not offer the traditional Pokémon experience, it brings fresh action and RPG elements to the series. With open-world exploration and more control over encounters, it's a polished and exciting addition to the handheld lineup.
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Originally released for the Wii U in 2016, Pokkén Tournament DX was revamped for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This deluxe version includes new characters and enhanced visuals to leverage the Switch's superior hardware. The three-on-three battle system is engaging and fun, whether playing locally or online.
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Pokémon Quest transforms your favorite Pokémon into adorable cube forms. This free-to-play game offers a simple yet enjoyable combat system where you send your Pokémon on expeditions. Equip them with various abilities to handle different encounters effectively.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the iconic 1998 Pokémon Yellow. These were the first mainline Pokémon games to be released on a home console, marking a significant milestone for the series. Set in the Kanto region, these games feature all 151 original Pokémon with various forms from previous installments. Their accessibility features make them an excellent entry point for both newcomers and veteran players on the Nintendo Switch.
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Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced elements of an open world with the Wild Areas, allowing for free exploration and encounters with wild Pokémon. The return of Gyms, as seen in previous games like X & Y, added to the excitement. These games also marked the debut of the eighth generation of Pokémon, featuring Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.
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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the 2005 titles, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team. This is the first-ever remake of a Pokémon spinoff, developed by Spike Chunsoft. The gameplay involves completing missions in various dungeons and unlocking new Pokémon as you progress.
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Pokémon Café ReMix offers puzzle gameplay similar to Disney Tsum Tsum, where you connect Pokémon to solve puzzles. In this game, you and Eevee run a café, serving Pokémon customers with food and drinks. This charming, free-to-play service game is available on the Nintendo eShop.
After more than two decades, the Nintendo Switch finally received a sequel to Pokémon Snap. Developed by Bandai Namco, New Pokémon Snap lets you traverse different biomes with an on-rails camera to capture photos of wild Pokémon. High-quality photos unlock new courses, offering ample content to explore and discover.
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Pokémon Unite marked the franchise's first foray into the MOBA genre. In this free-to-play game, you command a team of five Pokémon in competitive battles against other players. With a diverse roster of Pokémon to choose from, you can tailor your team to suit your strategy. Pokémon Unite has also gained recognition in the esports scene, with numerous championships held for the game.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. As part of the fourth generation, these games offer a wide variety of Pokémon to battle and discover. The remakes feature a new chibi art style that pays homage to the originals while adding a fresh touch.
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus is widely acclaimed as one of the best Pokémon games on the Switch. Set in the ancient Hisui region, this game emphasizes exploration, allowing you to freely roam the map to capture Pokémon and explore diverse environments. Strategic gameplay is essential as Pokémon roam freely, requiring careful planning to avoid or engage in battles.
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Pokémon Scarlet and Violet kicked off the ninth generation, introducing a new open-world approach to gameplay and world design. Players can explore freely, and the recently concluded DLC pass, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, adds to the game's appeal, making it an ideal time to dive into Scarlet and Violet.
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Following the success of the first game and its movie adaptation, Detective Pikachu Returns brings back the mystery-solving adventure. Tim's father is missing, and it's up to Detective Pikachu to crack the case. The sequel offers new puzzles and investigations, allowing you to delve into scenes and use your notebook to unravel the mystery. It's a perfect blend of Pokémon and detective gameplay.
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The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service offers additional Pokémon titles for those looking to expand their gaming library. With a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can enjoy the following five Pokémon games:
Below is a list of all mainline Pokémon games, spanning nine generations of RPGs and monster-catching adventures:
After a rare year without a new Pokémon game, Pokémon Day 2024 brought exciting news about upcoming releases. The most significant announcement was the arrival of a new Pokémon Legends game in 2025. While details are scarce, Pokémon Legends Z-A is expected to launch on both the current Switch and the newly announced Switch 2.
A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for April 2, which is likely to provide more information about the Switch 2's release date and new games. For now, you can check out the full list of upcoming Switch games to see everything confirmed for the Nintendo handheld, as well as our predictions for what games will be released on the Switch 2.
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