Best Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch: Which Adventure to Start With

You unwrap a Switch on a holiday morning, a child asks for “the Pokémon one”, and suddenly you are staring at a shelf of near-identical covers. The best Pokémon game on Switch depends on who is playing: a first-timer wants a gentle path, a lapsed fan wants a modern take on the classics, and a longtime player wants something that feels different from the usual gym-badge routine. Every main entry lets you catch creatures and grow a team, but the style of play varies more than the cover art suggests.

Below are seven Switch titles, chosen for variety rather than sameness, plus buying advice on version pairs, difficulty and playing style. Details come only from each game’s name, so the tips focus on how to compare editions yourself. As of 2026 the Switch catalog includes both mainline adventures and side projects, and knowing which is which saves a lot of confusion at checkout, especially when a game comes in two versions.

Quick Picks

How to Choose

Decide between a mainline game and a spin-off

Mainline titles follow the familiar loop of catching, battling and exploring a new region. Spin-offs such as the Mystery Dungeon series use different rules and pacing. A good rule of thumb: if the player has never touched a Pokémon game, begin with a mainline entry, and add a spin-off only after they know the basic creature types and how evolution works.

Understand the paired versions

Many Pokémon games come in two versions with a handful of exclusive creatures in each. Choosing between them is rarely a big deal, because trading can fill the gaps. If you play alone and will not trade, pick the version whose cover legendary or theme looks more appealing, then move on without second-guessing. Never buy both versions unless you truly want the second one. If a friend or sibling plays too, buy different versions on purpose so that trading actually has something to offer both of you.

Match the game to the player’s age and patience

Younger children often do best with simpler, more guided entries, while experienced players may want freedom and a stiffer challenge. Check the age rating on the box, look at how much reading is involved, and consider whether the player will play alone or with a parent. A game that suits a seven-year-old might bore a teenager within a week. When in doubt, ask the player which creatures they already know, because familiar names make a new game far easier to enjoy.

Check the storage and play-style details

Look at whether the game is a physical cartridge or a digital download, and how much free space your Switch has. Physical copies can be resold or lent to friends, while digital copies are convenient but tied to an account. If several family members will use one console, a cartridge is the simplest way to swap titles without arguing about downloads.

Our Picks Reviewed

Pokémon Scarlet

Scarlet is a modern mainline entry and one half of the Scarlet and Violet pair, so it represents the most recent mainstream adventure style on Switch.

• Pro: As a mainline title, it follows the series’ familiar catching and team-building loop, which suits anyone who wants the standard Pokémon experience.
• Pro: Being a recent release, it tends to be easy to find in stores and online, so shopping around for a fair offer is straightforward.
• Con: The paired structure means some creatures belong to the other version, so completionists will eventually need trades or a second game.

Skip it if you prefer older-looking classic adventures, or if you want a game built on rules different from the standard format that the series is known for. Shoppers hoping to see every creature without trading should also hold off, because this version leaves some of them to its partner.

Pokémon Violet

Violet is the partner version of Scarlet, so the two share a story and style while differing in a few details such as exclusive creatures.

• Pro: The same modern mainline structure as its pair means a reliable, well-rounded Pokémon adventure for beginners and long-time fans alike.
• Pro: Choosing between Scarlet and Violet is low stakes, so you can pick based on which cover or theme appeals more without losing the experience.
• Con: Exclusive creatures in each version mean you cannot see everything with just one copy, which can nag completionists.

Skip it if you already own Scarlet and do not plan to trade, since the overlap is large, or if you want a game with a very different pace. Players who dislike the idea of a paired release at all may prefer a single-version title, where there is simply nothing to compare or trade.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

The Legends label marks this as a spin on the standard formula, which makes it a good second game for those who already know the basics.

• Pro: A different approach to the series offers a fresh feel for players who have grown tired of the usual route through a region.
• Pro: Because the entry stands alone rather than as part of a two-version pair, there is no choice to agonize over at checkout.
• Con: Players expecting the familiar gym-by-gym structure might find the changes confusing at first, and beginners could feel a little lost.

Skip it if you are buying for a child who has never played a Pokémon game, or if you prefer the classic structure of earlier titles. Players who want an easy, relaxed session before bed might also find the changed pacing more demanding than the usual stroll from town to town.

Pokémon Sword

Sword is half of the Sword and Shield pair, a mainline adventure that sits one generation behind the Scarlet and Violet pair.

• Pro: An older mainline release is often easier to find used, which lowers the cost of entry for families on a modest budget.
• Pro: The classic catch-battle-explore format is a reliable introduction for newcomers who want to learn the series from a stable starting point.
• Con: Being a previous-generation title, it lacks the newest creatures and features, so players who want the latest content should look elsewhere.

Skip it if you want the most recent adventure available, or if you would rather avoid choosing between two versions. Families buying for a child who only recognizes the newest creatures from videos and cards may also see a better response from a more recent release.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond

Brilliant Diamond pairs with Shining Pearl, and the pair revisits the Sinnoh adventure that longtime fans remember fondly.

• Pro: Fans of the original Sinnoh games get a familiar journey presented on modern hardware, which makes nostalgia the main selling point.
• Pro: The straightforward structure makes it approachable for newer players who prefer a well-known template over a more experimental design.
• Con: The paired release means each version leaves out a few creatures, so you may need trades to complete your collection.

Skip it if you want a game built for modern conveniences, or if you have no attachment to the original Sinnoh adventure and its pacing. Anyone who wants a modern open feel, or who gets impatient with simple routes and frequent town stops, may be happier with one of the newer mainline games on this list.

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!

The Pikachu name tells you this edition centers on the franchise’s mascot, and it pairs with a sibling version themed on Eevee.

• Pro: A simplified take on the series suits families and first-time players who want to learn the idea of catching and raising creatures.
• Pro: A friendly theme built around the best-known Pokémon makes it a charming gift for children who already love Pikachu.
• Con: Veterans who want a more complex, strategic challenge may find the game too gentle and short of surprises for their taste.

Skip it if you are an experienced player seeking depth, or if you want an adventure with the newest region and creatures. Teenagers who have already played other entries often describe this style as slow, so a more demanding title is a safer pick for them.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

The Mystery Dungeon name signals a spin-off that plays by different rules from the mainline games, with a dungeon-crawling flavor.

• Pro: A distinct style of play gives players who love the creatures but tire of the regular formula something genuinely different to enjoy.
• Pro: Spin-offs like this are often a good second purchase, since they do not simply repeat what a mainline title already offered.
• Con: Anyone expecting standard gym battles and trainer fights will find a very different game, which can be a letdown if unprepared.

Skip it if this will be a child’s very first Pokémon game, or if you want the traditional structure of catching creatures through a region. People who dislike repeating similar floors and layouts should also reconsider, because the dungeon format leans on that loop.

Which One Fits

• First-time player or young child: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, which keeps the experience friendly and approachable.
• Someone who wants the newest mainline adventure: Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.
• Veteran wanting something different: Legends: Arceus or Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.
• Budget-minded family: Pokémon Sword, often easier to find used.
• Nostalgic Sinnoh fan: Brilliant Diamond.

Common Mistakes

1. Buying both versions of a pair when one would be plenty for solo play.
2. Giving a spin-off as a first Pokémon game and expecting a standard adventure.
3. Ignoring the age rating and reading load, so a child gets stuck on text-heavy menus.
4. Assuming a digital copy can be lent to a friend the way a cartridge can.
5. Skipping a check of console storage before downloading a large game on a nearly full Switch.

FAQ

Which Pokémon game is easiest for a beginner?

The Let’s Go entries are widely seen as gentle starting points, and the mainline Scarlet and Violet pair also works well for newcomers.

Do I need to play the games in order?

No. Each mainline release tells its own story, so you can jump in anywhere without missing important background.

Can I play with a friend?

Most titles support trading and some battling between players, though the details vary between games. Check the box before buying if multiplayer matters.

Does the card game connect to these games?

Not directly, but many fans enjoy both. If your kid loves the games, our picks for the best Pokémon card products can extend the fun offline.

Should I get a handheld that plays these?

The games are made for Switch hardware. If you need a console first, see our roundup of the best portable gaming system choices.