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- Best Pokemon Games for Nintendo DS/3DS
- Best Pokemon Games for Nintendo Switch
- Best Pokemon Game for Android & iOS
- Best Pokemon Games for PC?!
The Pokemon game series started back in February 1996 with the first-ever Game Boy Pokemon title, Pokemon Green & Red. And with Arceus, we now have 122 Pokemon games making it pretty hard to compile a list of the best Pokemon games ranked.
With the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, we actually have a total of 122 Pokemon games!!
The huge number of games does include main titles, remakes, and a long list of crazy spinoffs. Furthermore, the series branches into so many different genres that there’s something for everyone.
But which of these Pokemon games are actually worth it?
Which is the best Pokemon game to play, depending on your console/platform?
With the best Pokemon games ranked according to consoles down below, we have the answers you want.
We’re skipping the Game Boy and Wii family and focusing on consoles that have the best Pokemon titles and gameplay experience- Switch and DS/3DS.
Best Pokemon Games Ranked For Nintendo DS/3DS
Every GameBoy variant brought something new and exciting to the Pokemon titles.
But the release of Nintendo DS ushered in something that the GameBoy lacked- 3D gameplay.
And then the 3DS built on a solid foundation to take the gameplay experience to a whole other level.
So to kick things off, here are the best Pokemon games ranked for Nintendo DS/3DS.
10. Detective Pikachu
- Release Date: February 3, 2016
- Genre: Adventure, Puzzle
- Metacritic Score: 71/100
- Released On: 3DS
Nintendo and Creatures tried something different with Detective Pikachu by mixing Adventure and Puzzles. It wasn’t a home run, but it wasn’t too far off either.
Pikachu behaving like a middle-aged man trying to solve cases all over Ryme City might sound crazy, but it’s good-crazy. The devs managed to find the balance by keeping it easy enough for the younger players and engaging enough for veteran trainers.
Many would have revisited this gem after the live-action movie, and much like the game, the movie was a lot of fun and pretty well-received.
9. Pokemon Black 2 & White 2
- Release Date: June 23, 2012
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: 80/100
- Released On: DS
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 were the last main Pokemon titles for the Nintendo DS and the first-ever sequels of any main title.
Set 2 years after Pokemon Black and White, the sequels are all about conquering Unova while fending off Neo Team Plasma.
With Overworld Exploration and Battles, new cities, and 300 Pokemons, Black 2 and White 2 had plenty to do for every Pokemon trainer.
Even though the sequels are continuations of the originals, they failed to impress as much. But the new features and the abundance of playable content impressed players and critics alike.
8. Pokemon Conquest
- Release Date: March 17, 2012
- Genre: RPG, Strategy
- Metacritic Score: 80/100
- Released On: DS
Pokemon Conquest was an unlikely success. This ambitious spin-off from Tecmo Koei was a cross-over between Nobunaga’s Ambition and Pokemon.
This turn-based strategy game was set in the Ransei Region. The player, along with an Eevee travels through the 17 kingdoms of the Ransei Region to befriend Pokemon and battle Warlords and Warriors.
The restrictive gameplay mechanics, courtesy of Nobunaga’s Ambition, make everything more exciting and rewarding. But it’s a long game, takes nearly 14 hours to complete. And after that, you unlock more playable content.
If you’re looking for a long Pokemon gaming experience, Pokemon Conquest should definitely be on your list.
7. Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- Release Date: November 21, 2014
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: Pokemon Omega Ruby – 83/100, Pokemon Alpha Sapphire 82/100
- Released On: 3DS
Here’s why we aren’t listing any of the Gameboy Pokemon titles. The best Pokemon games of the GameBoy family were remade and re-released for Nintendo DS, 3DS, and even Nintendo Switch.
The story of the remake is exactly the same, but the difference in gameplay is stellar. Returning to a 3D Hoenn might be the highlight for most, but Mirage Spots and Mega Evolution were the real treats for every trainer.
Released exactly 12 years after the originals, Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire managed to sell over 14 million copies, making it one of the best-selling Pokemon remakes.
6. Pokemon Platinum
- Release Date: September 13, 2008
- Genre: RPG, Adventure
- Metacritic Score: 83/100
- Released On: DS
Pokemon Platinum managed to break the ‘threequel’ curse thanks to its uniqueness. This was the 3rd main title of the 4th Generation Pokemon games. And much to the delight of players and critics, this improved version of Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl actually felt like a different game- a new game.
Although set in the same region, Sinnoh, Pokemon Platinum brings the snowy winter season. Player characters are also dressed accordingly. New characters were introduced, and players can now catch Giratina in the end.
These subtle changes and the addition of the Distortion World made Pokemon Platinum a better overall experience than its predecessors.
5. Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
- Release Date: November 17, 2017
- Genre: RPG, Adventure
- Metacritic Score: 84/100
- Released On: 3DS
Released just 1 year after the base versions (Pokemon Sun & Moon), Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon cashed in on the original’s hype. Game Freak didn’t make too many changes, but the game still sold over 8 million copies within the first year of its release.
Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon are set in a re-imagined Alola Region. The gameplay and storyline weren’t changed much apart from the inclusion of Ultra Recon Squad.
But it was the new features that got players excited.
3 new activities, Mantine Surf, Alola Photo Club, and Ultra Warp Ride along with new Ultra Beasts saved the day.
4. Pokemon Sun & Moon
- Release Date: November 18, 2016
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: 87/100
- Released On: 3DS
Although the Ultra versions have their perks, they do not beat the base versions. Battling the Aether Foundation and Team Skull remains more fun in Pokemon Sun & Moon.
But there were other reasons behind the base versions’ success.
Pokemon Sun & Pokemon Moon livened up the whole series with revolutionary changes to the gym battles. It also brought the Z-moves and region-specific Pokemon forms to the series, both of which were prominent in 8th Generation Pokemon games.
This was also the first time we met Ultra Beasts and saw plenty of unseen Pokemons. That standout addition was the return of Mega Evolution.
If you only want one version of the Sun & Moon, we recommend the base version.
3. Pokemon Black & White
- Release Date: September 18, 2010
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: 87/100
- Released On: DS
Pokemon Black & White were the first mainstream titles of the 5th Generation Pokemon games.
These games followed the story of a young Pokemon trainer through the region of Unova. While catching and training 156 new Pokemons, trainers battle among themselves while keeping Team Plasma at bay.
The storyline and the gameplay were nothing revolutionary. But, Pokemon Black & White were the first games to have Seasonal Cycles, Triple Battles, Rotations Battles, and animated Pokemon sprites.
Although not good enough for critics, these new features managed to attract and satisfy a lot of Pokemon lovers.
2. Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver
- Release Date: September 12, 2009
- Genre: RPG, Strategy
- Metacritic Score: 87/100
- Released On: DS
Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver were the best and the most beloved remakes of the entire Pokemon series. These are the reimaginations of GameBoy Color games Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver.
Instead of capitalizing on nostalgia, Game Freak actually made major changes to the game while keeping the best of the classics.
For instance, the premise was kept pretty similar to the originals. Pokemon trainers collect and train Pokemons to become the best trainers in Johto and Kanto. But this time with 4th Generation enhanced graphics.
So although it was the same as Pokemon Gold & Silver, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver still felt brand new.
1. Pokemon X & Pokemon Y
- Release Date: October 12, 2013
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: Pokemon X – 87/100, Pokemon Y – 88/100
- Released On: 3DS
Pokemon X & Pokemon Y did some real innovation. That’s why the first-ever Pokemon games on Nintendo 3DS are still the highest rated by critics and players alike.
The plot followed a similar blueprint. Players would start as young Pokemon trainers in Kalos. They’ll train Pokemons and fight against the antagonist, Team Flare. But also compete with the Pokemon League Champion.
A revolutionary feature was Mega Evolution which allowed fully evolved Pokemons to reach a whole new form.
The polygonal 3D gameplay should have been the highlight of these titles. But brand new features like 72 new Pokemon species, character customization, Sky Battles, and the introduction of the Fairy-type Pokemons eclipsed that.
Best Pokemon Games Ranked For Nintendo Switch
Newer consoles meant better hardware, better graphics, and better gameplay. However, it didn’t necessarily mean better games.
The Nintendo Switch has been around for 5 years now, but it still doesn’t have that many Pokemon titles.
But we’ve made a list nevertheless. Here are the best Pokemon games ranked for Nintendo Switch.
10. Pokemon Quest
- Release Date: May 29, 2018
- Genre: Action, Adventure
- Metacritic Score: 64/100
- Released On: Switch, iOS, Android
The first thing that pops into the head after loading up Pokemon Quest is Minecraft. This free-to-play game was downloaded by 7.5 million players within a week of its release.
Pokemon Quest is set on a blocky island named Tumblecube which is basically a reiteration of the Kanto Region. And the main premise stays similar.
Players manage a base camp, go on adventures to complete the various challenges around the island, and catch and train new Pokemons.
Critics called it “forgettable,” but it has a 4.3 average rating on both Google Play and App Store.
9. Pokemon Cafe ReMix
- Release Date: June 23, 2020
- Genre: Puzzle, Action
- Metacritic Score: 64/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
Previously known as Pokemon Cafe Mix, this puzzle game is better suited for younger Pokemon fans but it’s a good time-kill for adults as well.
Players have to run a cafe along with Eevee where other Pokemons come to feast. It’s a mix-and-match puzzle game with multiple mini-objectives. By completing the main objectives players can add more Pokemons that will then act as the cafe staff.
If it sounds too basic, that’s because it really is. But don’t let this disappoint you, there are better titles further down the list.
And as for Cafe ReMix, we’ll still label it as the best Pokemon game on switch for kids.
8. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
- Release Date: March 6, 2020
- Genre: Roguelike
- Metacritic Score: 67/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Team Rescue and Red Team Rescue. Nintendo partnered with Spike Chunsoft to develop the first-ever remake of a Pokemon spin-off game.
The game begins with a personality quiz. After that, the player is turned into a Pokemon and the personality quiz decides which Pokemon you’ll turn into. Then it’s all about exploring the dungeons and carrying out various jobs.
The game was praised for its unique art style. It also brought back Mega Evolution and Auto Mode, something that was missing in the original. But because it reused plenty of already common gameplay elements, the game couldn’t live up to expectations.
7. Pokemon Unite
- Release Date: July 21, 2021
- Genre: MOBA
- Metacritic Score: 72/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
The first and only MOBA Pokemon game was a little late to the party but still managed to attract a horde of players. Although the main target was Switch users, Pokemon Unite became more popular among mobile gamers.
And even in 2022, it’s one of the best Pokemon games for Android and iOS.
Pokemon Unite put 2 teams of 5 Pokemons in 10-minute battles. Each player controls 1 Pokemon which grows stronger as the match progresses and the player earns points or defeats others.
Although it’s a free-to-download game, Pokemon Unite came under fire for forcing players towards in-game purchases.
6. Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Release Date: September 22, 2017
- Genre: Fighting
- Metacritic Score: 78/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo loves remakes, and why not? A few changes to the game, support for the latest hardware, and consumers will come running.
Although Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl have the age-old story of a young Pokemon trainer trying to catch ’em all and become the Pokemon League Champion, it looks and feels better on a Switch.
This remake of the 2006 Nintendo DS original, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, brought only some quality-of-life changes to the game. And yet it is one of the better-received Pokemon remakes.
While some fell for pure nostalgia, others did point out the lack of value addition.
5. Pokken Tournament DX
- Release Date: September 22, 2017
- Genre: Fighting
- Metacritic Score: 78/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Here’s a unique entry. Pokken Tournament DX is a Nintendo Switch version of Pokken Tournament, an arcade and Wii U Pokemon game developed by Bandai Namco.
To put it simply, it’s Tekken for Pokemon, but a lot less technical and much more fun. The sole focus is on combat, especially in the Duel Phase. There’s also a Field Phase which is a little less hectic.
The Switch version made small improvements to the game and added new Pokemon before release. But these subtle changes paid dividends as the critics and players praised the game equally.
The Pokken Tournament DX game was compared to classics like Pokemon Stadium, but it easily surpasses them.
4. Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee!
- Release Date: November 16, 2018
- Genre: RPG, Adventure
- Metacritic Score: 79/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Nintendo is content with recycling instead of reinventing, just why we only get remake after remake.
Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! are the remakes of a GameBoy original, Pokemon Yellow, that was released in 1998. And although most of the story and gameplay are the same. The Elite Four and the 8 Gym Leader from Pokemon Yellow all return, along with the main antagonists- Team Rocket.
However, it was the inclusion of motion controls to capture wild Pokemons that caught the eye. Some loved it, some did not- but no one denies the charm of this remake.
3. New Pokemon Snap
- Release Date: April 30, 2021
- Genre: Photography
- Metacritic Score: 80/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Imagine getting a sequel after 23 years. That’s exactly what fans of Pokemon Snap got with the release of New Pokemon Snap in 2021.
Pokemon Snap was a Nintendo 64 game first-person photography game where the player helped Professor Oak with Pokemon research.
New Pokemon Snap keeps the same premise but changes the characters. The player now has to scour the Lental Region to snap Pokemons in the wild and help Professor Mirror with his research.
Furthermore, new gameplay mechanics were added where players can get closer to a Pokemon or lure them out for better photographs. All-in-all the new version provides a more immersive experience.
2. Pokemon Sword & Shield
- Release Date: November 15, 2019
- Genre: RPG
- Metacritic Score: 81/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Finally some Nintendo Switch originals.
Pokemon Sword & Shield kicked off the 8th Generation of Pokemon games. And what a kickoff it was.
Return of the Gym Challenge was a great boost to the game, but an even better addition was the Wild Area which fans were demanding for as long as we can remember.
In the Wild Area, players can encounter wild Pokemons and battle other trainers as well.
Pokemon Sword & Shield brought back some beloved features and included some new ones to bring back old timers and attract younger players as well.
1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Release Date: January 28, 2022
- Genre: RPG, Action, Adventure
- Metacritic Score: 85/100
- Released On: Nintendo Switch
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is not only the best Pokemon game for Switch; it’s also the best Pokemon game right now.
The reason for this success is the premise. Nintendo and Game Freak finally decided to rest the age-old plot of a young trainer grinding to become the best.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui Region. And after traveling back in time to Hisui, players get a near-open-world experience as they explore the wild lands, encounter Pokemons, and create the first-ever Pokedex.
The latest installment finally pandered to mature players and no surprise that it’s the highest-rated Pokemon game for Switch. It has already sold over 12 million copies, and even the critics love it.
And that’s all the best Pokemon games ranked according to their consoles.
Pokemon games have always been exclusive to Nintendo consoles. Nintendo only recently started releasing Pokemon games for iOS and Android devices. So, there are no best Pokemon games for PC, Xbox, or PlayStation to really start ranking. So get the new Switch if you want to play the best Pokemon games ranked here.
We do love Pokemon. Here’s a guide on how to trade in Pokemon Go in case you need it!
