Often cited as the world’s most valuable media franchise, Pokémon has been a household name for Nintendo since the days of the Game Boy. There are hundreds of amazing creatures in this beloved series, and each recent generation brings so much more to discover. For every console Nintendo has released, dozens of Pokémon games have been released on it, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception.
As we approach 2025, now is a great time to check out what Pokémon has to offer on Switch and catch up before the recent games (and perhaps a recent Nintendo console) launch. We’ve rounded up all the Pokémon games that have been released on the Nintendo Switch below and we’ll be keeping an eye on them upcoming Pokémon titles that may appear.
How many Pokémon games are available on Nintendo Switch?
In fact, Twelve Pokémon games have been released on the Nintendo Switch. This includes the main games for the 8th and 9th generations of Pokémon, as well as many spin-offs. For the purposes of this list, we counted major entries with two versions as one release. We also haven’t included the Pokémon games offered on Nintendo Switch Online, but you can check out that list below.
What Pokemon Game Should You Get in 2024?
If you’re wondering what game to choose for Switch in 2024, my recommendation is Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It won’t give you the OG Pokémon experience, but that’s what older-gen games are for. Instead, Legends: Arceus brings more action and RPG elements to the Pokémon series, offering fresh open areas to explore, more control over encounters, and plenty of polish for mobile devices.
All Pokémon games on Nintendo Switch (in release order)
Pokkén DX Tournament (2017)
Pokkén Tournament originally released on Wii U in 2016. A year later, Nintendo and Bandai Namco prepared a deluxe version of the game for the Nintendo Switch, adding recent characters and updated graphics to take advantage of the better hardware. This three-on-three battle system is great fun to play with friends both in person and online.
Pokkén Tournament DX – Nintendo Switch
18
Pokémon Expedition (2018)
Pokémon Quest turns all your favorite Pokémon into a miniature cube. This free-to-play Switch game features a fun and basic battle system where you send Pokémon on adventures. Equip your Pokémon with various abilities to deal with all types of encounters.
Pokémon: Let’s go, Pikachu! & Let’s go, Eevee! (2018)
Pokémon: Let’s go, Pikachu! & Pokémon: Let’s go, Eevee! are remakes of the beloved Pokémon Yellow from 1998. These titles were the first mainline Pokémon games ever released on a home console, as none of them made it to the Wii U. The action takes place in the Kanto region and all 151 original Pokémon appear in various forms from previous mainline entries. With extensive accessibility features, these remakes were a great first step for the series on Nintendo Switch for newcomers and veterans of the series.
Pokémon: Let’s go, Eevee! – Switch
26
Pokémon: Let’s go, Pikachu! – Switch
29
Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
Pokémon Sword & Shield is the first entry in the series to feature open world aspects. These regions, called Wild Areas, allowed free movement and battles with wild Pokémon. Gyms also returned for the first time since X and Y. Additionally, Sword & Shield introduced the eighth generation of Pokémon, which included the Dynamax and Gigantamax forms of the previous Pokémon.
Pokémon Sword – Nintendo Switch
27
Pokémon Shield – Nintendo Switch
15
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the 2005 titles Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team. Surprisingly, this is the first-ever Pokémon spinoff remake to be developed by Spike Chunsoft. Gameplay involves completing tasks in various dungeons and unlocking recent Pokémon along the way.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX – Nintendo Switch
7
Pokémon Cafe Remix (2020)
The second Pokémon release of 2020 was Pokémon Café ReMix, offering gameplay similar to other puzzle games such as Disney Tsum Tsum, which require combining Pokémon to solve puzzles. In Pokémon Café ReMix, you and Eevee are the owners of the café and must serve the Pokémon that come for food or drinks. This adorable service game is free to play on the Nintendo eShop.
New Pokémon Snap (2021)
After over 20 years, Nintendo Switch is the console that finally has a sequel to Pokémon Snap. Developed by Bandai Namco, you traverse various biomes and areas using a camera mounted on rails to take photos of Pokémon in the wild. You can unlock recent tracks by taking good photos in New Pokémon Snap, leaving a solid amount of content to unlock and discover. You never know what you might find during each session!
New Pokémon Snap – Nintendo Switch
8
Pokémon Unite (2021)
This free-to-play game was Pokémon’s first entry into the MOBA genre. You command and control a team of five Pokémon in head-to-head battles against other players online. There are a good number of Pokémon to choose from, so you can customize your team to best suit your needs. Pokémon Unite later appeared in various e-sports tournaments, and many championships were held within the game.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl is a remake of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, which was originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS. As the fourth generation of Pokémon, Diamond & Pearl offers a wide range of Pokémon for you to battle and explore. The remakes feature a recent chibi art style that was created to stay true to the original titles while still keeping things fresh.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Double Pack – Nintendo Switch
14
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is often praised as one of the best Pokémon games available on the Switch. The action of this original title takes place far in the past, somewhere in the Hisui region. With a focus on exploration, you can freely wander around the map to catch Pokémon, explore different environments, and much more. Pokémon can be spotted wandering all over the map, requiring a strategic approach if you want to avoid battle.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus now available on Switch
21
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
The latest mainline Pokémon games have officially ushered in Generation 9, bringing an entirely recent approach to gameplay and world design. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet offers an open world with the freedom to explore wherever your heart takes you. The DLC pass, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, has already ended, which means it’s the perfect time to check out Scarlet & Violet.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – Nintendo Switch
20
The Return of Detective Pikachu (2023)
One game and one movie later, the Detective Pikachu sequel is finally available on Nintendo Switch. Tim’s father is missing and Detective Pikachu must solve the case! This sequel features recent puzzles and investigations where you can examine scenes and utilize your notebook to get to the bottom of the mystery. If you’re a fan of both Pokémon and mystery games, this is a great game to consider.
The Return of Detective Pikachu – Nintendo Switch
14
Pokémon games from Nintendo Switch Online + expansion pack available
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service includes additional Pokémon titles if you’re looking for more after completing your Nintendo Switch library. Here are five Pokémon games you can play with your Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
Upcoming Pokémon games for Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Day has come and gone in 2024, and now we finally have solid news about the upcoming Pokemon games. The most critical announcement of the presentation is the information that the recent Pokemon Legends game will be released in 2025, which will further raise speculation about the release of Nintendo Switch 2 next year. For now, check out the full list of upcoming Switch games, as everything we’ve confirmed will be coming to Nintendo’s handheld console.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, a store focused on no-nonsense Japanese games, in 2019 and has worked with various publishers covering the medium.
