Every Pokémon Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon, often cited as one of the world's most valuable media franchises, has been a staple of Nintendo since the Game Boy era. This beloved series boasts 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 graced 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 rest assured that any Pokémon games you purchase for the Switch will seamlessly transition to the new system. Below, we've compiled a comprehensive list of all Pokémon games released on the Nintendo Switch, along with details on upcoming titles expected for the Switch 2.

How Many Pokémon Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?

In total, **12 Pokémon games have been released for the Nintendo Switch**. This count includes mainline games from the 8th and 9th generations, as well as a variety of spinoffs. For clarity, we consider mainline entries with two versions as a single release. Note that Pokémon games available through Nintendo Switch Online are not included in this tally, but you can find that list below.

It's worth mentioning that 2024 was a year without a new Pokémon game release, marking over a year since the last new title and two years since the last mainline game. During this period, The Pokémon Company launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free mobile app that has gained significant popularity among fans. Although not available on the Switch, it's definitely worth exploring for Pokémon enthusiasts.

What Pokémon Game Should You Get in 2024?

For those pondering which Pokémon game to pick up on the Switch in 2024, I recommend Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While it may not replicate the traditional Pokémon experience, it brings a refreshing twist with added action and RPG elements. The game offers expansive open areas to explore, more control over Pokémon encounters, and a polished experience tailored for the handheld.

Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Arceus

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All Pokémon Games on the Nintendo Switch (in Release Order)

Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)

Originally released for the Wii U in 2016, Pokkén Tournament received a deluxe version for the Nintendo Switch in 2017. This updated edition features new characters and enhanced visuals to leverage the Switch's improved hardware. The engaging three-on-three battle system is perfect for multiplayer fun, both locally and online.

Pokkén Tournament DX - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Quest (2018)

Pokémon Quest transforms your favorite Pokémon into adorable cube forms. This free-to-play game offers a straightforward combat system where you dispatch Pokémon on expeditions, equipping them with various abilities to tackle different challenges.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee! (2018)

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! are remakes of the iconic 1998 Pokémon Yellow. As the first mainline Pokémon games to launch on a home console, these titles bring the Kanto region to life with all 151 original Pokémon, along with new forms from previous installments. Their accessibility features make them an excellent entry point for both newcomers and seasoned players.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - Switch

30 $59.99 save 13% $51.99 at Walmart

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! - Switch

36 $48.79 save 0% $48.79 at Walmart

Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)

Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced the series to an open-world experience with the Wild Areas, allowing for free exploration and battles with wild Pokémon. This eighth generation of Pokémon also brought back Gyms and introduced Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.

Pokémon Sword - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Shield - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)

A remake of the 2005 titles Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is the first Pokémon spinoff to be remade. Developed by Spike Chunsoft, it features dungeon exploration and job completion to unlock new Pokémon.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)

In Pokémon Café ReMix, you and Eevee run a café, serving Pokémon customers in a puzzle game similar to Disney Tsum Tsum. This charming, free-to-play title is available on the Nintendo eShop.

New Pokémon Snap (2021)

After over 20 years, New Pokémon Snap brings back the beloved photography concept from the original game. Developed by Bandai Namco, players traverse different biomes to capture images of wild Pokémon, unlocking new courses and content through their photography skills.

New Pokémon Snap - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Unite (2021)

Pokémon Unite marks the franchise's foray into the MOBA genre. This free-to-play game lets you control a team of five Pokémon in competitive battles against other players online, with a diverse roster to tailor your strategy. It has also been featured in various esports tournaments.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)

Remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl feature the fourth generation of Pokémon with a new chibi art style. They stay true to the originals while offering a fresh visual experience.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl Double Pack - Nintendo Switch

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Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)

Often hailed as one of the best Pokémon games on the Switch, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the past in the Hisui region. It emphasizes exploration, allowing you to roam freely to capture Pokémon and discover new environments. Strategic gameplay is key as you navigate the open world.

Out Now Pokemon Legends: Arceus for Switch

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Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet ushered in the ninth generation with a new open-world approach to gameplay. The expansive world invites free exploration, and the completed DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, adds even more content to enjoy.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet - Nintendo Switch

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Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)

Following the success of the original game and movie, Detective Pikachu Returns continues the mystery-solving adventures. As Tim's father goes missing, you join Detective Pikachu to unravel the case through new puzzles and investigations.

Detective Pikachu Returns - Nintendo Switch

17 See it at Amazon

Available Pokémon Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack

Subscribers to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack can enjoy additional Pokémon titles beyond the Switch's main library. Here are the five Pokémon games accessible with this membership:

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

Pokemon: All Mainline Games

Below is a showcase of all mainline Pokémon games, spanning nine generations of RPGs and monster-catching adventures:

Pokemon Red Version - Nintendo

Pokemon Green Version - Game Freak

Pokemon Blue Version - Nintendo

Pokemon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition - Nintendo

Pokemon Gold Version - Nintendo

Pokemon Silver Version - Nintendo

Pokemon Crystal Version - Nintendo

Pokemon Ruby Version - Game Freak

Pokemon Sapphire Version - Game Freak

Pokemon FireRed Version - Game Freak

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

After a rare year without a new Pokémon game release, Pokémon Day 2024 brought exciting news about upcoming titles. The highlight was the announcement of a new Pokémon Legends game set to launch in 2025. While details are scarce, we anticipate Pokémon Legends Z-A to be available on both the Nintendo Switch and the newly announced Switch 2.

A Nintendo Direct is scheduled for April 2, which is expected to provide more details on the Switch 2's release date and new games. For now, check out our full list of upcoming Switch games for confirmed releases and predictions about what might come to the Switch 2.