Every Pokémon Game on the Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide to Nintendo Switch Games

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 Pokémon games, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception. With the official announcement of the Switch 2 and its backwards compatibility, existing Switch Pokémon games are guaranteed to work on the new console. This article details every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch, along with information on upcoming titles for the Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch Pokémon Lineup: A Total of 12 Games

A total of twelve Pokémon games have graced the Nintendo Switch. This includes core series entries from the 8th and 9th generations, plus numerous spin-offs. For this list, dual-version mainline games are counted as single releases. Nintendo Switch Online offerings are excluded, but details on those are provided below.

Note: 2024 marked a hiatus in new Pokémon game releases, the longest gap since the last mainline title. The Pokémon Company instead released Pokémon TCG Pocket, a free mobile app version of the Pokémon trading card game, which has achieved significant popularity. However, as it's not available on the Switch, it's omitted from this list.

Recommended Pokémon Game for 2024: Pokémon Legends: Arceus

For Switch players seeking a worthwhile Pokémon experience in 2024, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is highly recommended. While not a traditional Pokémon game, it offers a refreshing open-world experience, action-RPG elements, enhanced player control over encounters, and polished handheld gameplay.

All Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games (Release Order)

• Pokkén Tournament DX (2017): A deluxe version of the Wii U title, featuring added characters and enhanced visuals. This 3-on-3 fighting game offers engaging local and online multiplayer.

• Pokémon Quest (2018): A free-to-play game featuring chibi-style Pokémon in a simple, fun combat system. Players send Pokémon on expeditions, equipping them with various abilities.

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

• Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): The first installment with open-world elements ("Wild Areas"), featuring gym battles and the eighth generation of Pokémon, including Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.

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

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

• New Pokémon Snap (2021): A sequel to the original Pokémon Snap, featuring on-rails camera gameplay to capture Pokémon in various biomes.

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

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

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022): A highly acclaimed title set in the past, emphasizing exploration and open-world gameplay.

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): The latest mainline entries, introducing Generation 9 with an open world and expansive gameplay.

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

Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack Pokémon Games

The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription unlocks access to additional Pokémon titles:

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

All Mainline Pokémon Games

A visual representation of all mainline Pokémon games across nine generations.

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Day 2024 announced a new Pokémon Legends game for 2025. Further details are awaited, but it's anticipated to launch on both the Switch and Switch 2. A Nintendo Direct scheduled for April 2nd may provide additional information.