10+ Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024: Catch ‘Em All

The Pokémon franchise is one of the biggest ever, thriving on Nintendo consoles for decades. Each new Nintendo generation comes with some of the best Pokémon games, and the Nintendo Switch generation is no different.

The newest generation Pokémon games let gamers catch pocket monsters but usually have a unique twist in the traditional formula. From the blocky characters of Pokémon Quest to the open-world adventure of Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the best Pokémon games avoid franchise fatigue by introducing new mechanics, areas, and art styles.

Table of Contents Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 10 Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024
3. More of the Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

Show Full Guide

Table of Contents

1. Key Takeaways
2. 10 Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024
3. More of the Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024
Show Full Guide
4. The Bottom Line
5. FAQs
6. References

10 Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024

The best Pokémon games ranked list focuses on the new games available right now. Nintendo Switch Online offers a good variety of Pokémon games from older consoles. Unfortunately, many beloved classics like Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver remain on Nintendo DS.

10. Pokémon Unite

Pokémon Unite is a MOBA made for phones and Switch. Like Dota 2 and League of Legends, players pick their favorite Pokémon and battle in a 5v5 team fight. Thanks to its short matches and easy controls, Unite is considered one of the easiest MOBAs on mobile platforms. Apart from having fan-favorite Pokémon, the game isn’t reinventing the mobile MOBA wheel.

Each Pokémon has unique moves, making the gameplay engaging. The game also supports cross-platform play, so friends on Nintendo Switch and smartphones can join the battle together. The title also offers voice chat for easy communication, the first in Pokémon history.

Overly aggressive monetization knocks Pokémon Unite to the end of the list. The microtransactions are nearly unavoidable here. Free-to-play grind can take weeks of play to get a single new Pokémon. With that said, Pokémon Unite is still one of the best mobile Pokémon games and a great entry point for players new to MOBA.

9. Pokémon Quest

Pokémon Quest is another free-to-play game that saw a simultaneous release on Nintendo Switch and mobile platforms. The Minecraft-styled voxel graphics of Pokémon Quest look charming and well-designed. The game reimagines the original Kanto region Pokémon in the new graphics style, leading to some adorably blocky monsters.

Set on Tumblecube Island, players build their base and recruit a team of Pokémon. The main goal is to use Pokémon to face challenges and eliminate wild Pokémon from the island. Thanks to its simple gameplay loop, the game is one of the best free Pokémon games for casual players. With no price of admission, Pokémon Quest is easy to get into.

Pokémon Quest requires quite a lot of grinding. Sacrificing Pokémon is necessary to gain experience and evolve, which is never a great feeling. The gameplay is somewhat addictive, but the usual free-to-play mobile game tropes make it hard to enjoy for older players. We recommend playing casually for the best experience.

8. Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns is a sequel to the 2016 Nintendo 3DS game featuring a talking Pikachu. The game also received a live-action treatment way before other, more popular IPs in the franchise. The coffee-drinking Pikachu is a crime-solving detective in Ryme City. Along with his partner Tim Goodman, Pikachu is searching for Tim’s dad Harry Goodman.

Thanks to the closed gameplay, the story is painfully simple to follow. Detective Pikachu Returns might be too easy for advanced gamers but a little complicated for young ones. It’s a perfect Pokémon for new gamers playing under a parent’s or older sibling’s guidance.

Detective Pikachu Returns is one of the best Pokémon games for kids, but the puzzles feel half-baked. The story revelations are predictable, even for kids. The only saving graces are the investigation-based gameplay and a talking Pikachu.

7. Pokkén Tournament DX

Pokkén Tournament DX is an enhanced port of the original 2015 Wii U version. The game has a Pokémon roster fighting each other like an arcade fighting game. Developed by Bandai Namco, the game borrows heavily from Tekken, a popular fighting game franchise. Instead of Jin Kazama and Nina Williams, players take control of Charizard and Pikachu.

It’s a new take on “Pokémon fights” and feels refreshing, especially if you don’t like turn-based RPGs. The enhanced Nintendo Switch version also brings a couple of new Pokémon to the fight. Decidueye, Blastoise, and Aegislash join the fray in Pokken Tournament DX. It’s one of the best Pokémon spin-offs for fans of action.

Despite having 23 Pokémon fighters, the gameplay can be shallow. Pokkén Tournament DX presents a fresh gimmick that’s great in small bursts, especially if you have friends over. However, the title lacks the depth of some of the best fighting games, such as Tekken 8 or Street Fighter 6.

6. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are still going strong, thanks to the new DLC. There’s plenty to like about the game: the open-world design is exciting to explore, many NPCs to chat with, and Pokémon to catch. Players are free to explore the Paldea region in any direction. The three storylines can be played in order, further increasing the feeling of freedom.

There are plenty of new Pokémon to capture in this open-world game. The new Tera Pokémon are a welcome and very cool-looking addition. The story arguably isn’t as engaging as its predecessors, but it should keep you motivated to continue your collection. Due to its stripped-back features, it lacks the depth of some of the best Pokémon RPG games, but it’s certainly an enjoyable ride.

Unfortunately, the game’s controversial launch was plagued with game-breaking bugs and bland visuals. The aging Nintendo Switch hardware struggled to keep a steady frame rate despite the outdated graphics, leading to an inconsistent experience. However, the game is doing much better now, thanks to updates, making Scarlet and Violet a great Pokemon game to play in 2024.

5. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl is another remake of a Nintendo DS original. The game aims to faithfully recreate the charm of the original for modern audiences and give returning players a graphical update. The title comes with standard remake quality-of-life improvements that make the game palatable for new fans.

The game is considered a good returning point for Pokémon fans. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remained too faithful to the original release, making it feel outdated in some aspects. While the better graphics and the inclusion of Grand Underground are welcome additions, the game still lacked meaningful changes to become a big hit.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl changes the original’s pixel art to full 3D graphics. The game also reintroduces characters like Lucas and Dawn in a chibi style. It can be argued that ILCA should have adapted Platinum instead, the definitive version of the Generation Four experience, but both games here are among the best Pokémon games on Switch.

4. New Pokémon Snap

Players looking for a relaxed Pokémon experience will appreciate New Pokémon Snap. The game continues the cult classic Nintendo 64 title and builds upon it in meaningful ways. Players play as a Pokémon photographer visiting the Lental region and helping a professor with research.

There are no Pokémon to capture here, no turn-based battles, and no exploration. New Pokémon Snap offers an on-rail experience that takes players through the world in a guided tour. Observing Pokémon in their natural habitat is the main draw here. The only capturing involved is of photos, making New Pokémon Snap the perfect game for pacifist players.

The smaller and limited scope leads to great-looking visuals, making New Pokémon Snap one of the best-looking games in the franchise. The sense of immersion from observing your favorite Pokémon in the wild is unparalleled here. It’s one of the best Pokémon spin-offs you can play now and beautifully reimagines a true classic of yesteryear, despite its casual pace.

3. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!

Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! are remakes of the 90s classic game released on Game Boy. The game treads almost the same path as the original. There are still eight gym leaders to beat and Elite Four members to encounter, but the game throws several welcome changes into the mix.

Players can customize a Pikachu or Eevee (depending on the version) throughout the adventure. Pokémon can be seen in the overworld, and players can capture them without battling. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! is widely considered one of the best Pokémon games on Switch, featuring the traditional formula.

The game also has beautiful visuals, surpassing Arceus and Sword & Shield. The Pokémon Go-style capturing system supports motion gameplay with Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers. However, the motion controls can be hit or miss, leading to some sour experiences.

2. Pokémon Sword & Shield

The first Pokémon game in the mainline series to grace home consoles, not handhelds, is still one of the best Pokémon games to play in 2024. The title streamlined multiple tedious aspects of the long-running series. Although fans were not pleased with the reduced Pokédex, the excellent DLCs helped calm everyone down.

Pokémon Sword & Shield is also among the best-selling Pokémon games. The game offered a semi-open world experience, letting players explore areas at their leisure. Featuring an area based on the UK, Pokémon can be seen roaming around the overworld.

Sword & Shield does have online elements; players can be seen riding their bikes in the overworld. Raid events let players team up to take down a pocket monster. There are innovations, but the game requires the Expansion Pass for the definitive experience. Well worth playing if you want traditional RPG gameplay at its peak.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is one of the best Pokémon games for Switch. Set in the Hisui region based on the island of Hokkaido in Japan, the open-world game refreshes the series. The game doesn’t stick to nearly 25-year-old mechanics introduced in the first Pokémon game. Instead, Pokémon Legends: Arceus opts for new mechanics and gameplay loop.

The open world is alive with Pokémon roaming about. The game does away with the traditional “young trainer wants to be the best” story and features clans, time travel, and the creation of the first Pokédex. The world design is more akin to Capcom’s Monster Hunter series, with open areas anchored by a central village.

The only downside is the visuals. The game looks dated and can occasionally struggle on the aging Nintendo Switch hardware. Apart from a few repetitive quests, Legends: Arceus delivers the best Pokémon gameplay seen to date, thanks to its action approach.

More of the Best Pokémon Games to Play in 2024

The Bottom Line

Nintendo Switch boasts of a healthy Pokémon game library. From remakes to brand new experiences, there is a Pokémon made for everyone on the latest Nintendo handheld. A few modern, open-world games do get restricted by Switch hardware. With Nintendo Switch 2 rumored to be on the way, fans can expect the best Pokémon games list to grow bigger and better.

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