Often cited as the world’s most valuable media franchises, Pokémon is a household name that’s been a Nintendo staple since the Game Boy. The beloved series is home to hundreds of amazing creatures, with each new generation bringing loads more to discover. Every console released by Nintendo has had dozens of Pokémon games released for it, and the Nintendo Switch is no exception.
As we head further into 2024, now is a great time to explore the Pokémon offerings on Switch and catch up before new games are released. Below, we’ve compiled every Pokémon game that has been released on Nintendo Switch, and will keep an eye on any upcoming Pokémon titles that may arise.
How Many Pokémon Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
In total, twelve Pokémon games have released for the Nintendo Switch. This includes both mainline titles and the spinoffs that have released for Switch. For mainline entries with two versions, we’ve counted each as one release. The Pokémon games offered through Nintendo Switch Online are not included in that number but can be found below.
All Pokémon Switch Games in Order of Release Date
Pokkén Tournament DX – 2017
Pokkén Tournament was originally released for the Wii U in 2016. A year later, Nintendo and Bandai Namco prepared a deluxe version of the game for Nintendo Switch, adding new characters and updated visuals to take advantage of better hardware. This three-on-three battle system is a blast to play with friends both in person and online.
Read our review of Pokkén Tournament DX.
Pokémon Quest – 2018
Pokémon Quest turns all your favorite Pokémon into miniature cube form. This free-to-play title features a fun and simple combat system where you send Pokémon on expeditions. There are so many different abilities to equip to your Pokémon, which you’ll use at encounters of all kinds,.
Read our review of Pokémon Quest or see more free Switch games.
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 1998 Pokémon Yellow. These titles were the first mainline Pokémon games ever to release on a home console, since none made it to the Wii U. Set in the Kanto region, all 151 original Pokémon appear with varying forms from previous mainline installments. With heavy accessibility features, these remakes were a great first step for the series on Nintendo Switch for newcomers and veterans of the series.
Read our review of Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee!
Pokémon Sword & Shield – 2019
Pokémon Sword & Shield marked the first installment in the series to feature aspects of an open world. Dubbed the Wild Areas, these regions allowed for free traversal and battles with wild Pokémon. Gyms also made a return for the first time since X & Y. Additionally, Sword & Shield introduced the eigth generation of Pokémon, which included Dynamax and Gigantamax forms of previous Pokémon.
Read our review of Pokémon Sword & Shield.
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 & Blue Rescue Team. Surprisingly, this is the first Pokémon spinoff remake ever, with development handled by Spike Chunsoft. The gameplay consists of completing jobs in different dungeons and unlocking new Pokémon along the way.
Read our review of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.
Pokémon Café ReMix – 2020
The other Pokémon release of 2020 was none other than Pokémon Café ReMix. This title features similar gameplay to other puzzle games like Disney Tsum Tsum, which requires you to connect Pokémon together to solve puzzles. In Pokémon Café ReMix, you and Eevee own a café and must serve the Pokémon who come for food or a drink! This charming title is free-to-play via the Nintendo eShop.
New Pokémon Snap – 2021
After more than 20 years, the Nintendo Switch is the console that finally received a sequel to Pokémon Snap. Developed by Bandai Namco, you traverse around different biomes and areas with an on-rails camera to capture pictures Pokémon in the wild. You can unlock new courses by taking good pictures in New Pokémon Snap, leaving for a sizeable amount of content to unlock and discover. You never know what you might find during each session!
Read our review of New Pokémon Snap.
Pokémon Unite – 2021
This free-to-play title marked 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’s a solid amount of Pokémon to choose from, so you can adjust your team to best fit your needs. Pokémon Unite went on to be featured in different eSports tournaments, with multiple championships held for the game.
Read our review of Pokémon Unite.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl – 2021
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl are remakes of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl, which originally released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS. As the fourth generation of Pokémon, Diamond & Pearl feature a wide variety of Pokémon to battle against and discover. The remakes feature a new chibi art style that was created to stay faithful to the original titles while still remaining fresh.
Read our review of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus – 2022
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is often praised as one of the best Pokémon games available on the Switch. This original title takes place far in the past, somewhere in the Hisui region. With a focus on exploration, you can freely walk all around the map to capture Pokémon, explore different environments, and so much more. Pokémon can be spotted wandering around all over the map, which requires you to be strategic if you’re looking to avoid battle.
Read our review of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – 2022
The latest mainline Pokémon titles officially kicked off Generation 9, bringing along an entire new approach to gameplay and world design. In Scarlet & Violet, an open world awaits with freedom to explore wherever your heart takes you. The DLC pass, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, is now wrapped up, making it a perfect time to check out Scarlet & Violet.
Read our review of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.
Detective Pikachu Returns – 2023
One game and one movie later, the sequel to Detective Pikachu is finally available on Nintendo Switch. Tim’s father is missing, and it’s up to Detective Pikachu to solve the case! This sequel features new puzzles and investigations, where you can investigate scenes and use 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 title to consider.
Read our review of Detective Pikachu Returns.
Available Pokémon Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online subscription service has additional Pokémon titles if you’re looking for more after completing the Nintendo Switch library. Here are the five Pokémon games you can play with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
Upcoming Pokémon Titles on Nintendo Switch
At the time of writing, Nintendo has not confirmed any additional Pokémon games will be released on Nintendo Switch. With the Nintendo Switch 2 likely releasing in 2024, we might not see anymore new Pokémon titles make their way over to the Switch.
Noah Hunter is a freelance writer and reviewer with a passion for games and technology. He co-founded Final Weapon, an outlet focused on nonsense-free Japanese gaming (in 2019) and has contributed to various publishers writing about the medium.
