Pokémon stands tall as one of the most cherished media franchises globally, having become a quintessential part of Nintendo since its Game Boy inception. This beloved franchise boasts a vast menagerie of creatures you can catch in its games or collect as trading cards, with each new generation introducing even more for fans to enjoy. Every Nintendo console has witnessed a lineup of Pokémon games, and the Switch is no different.
On Pokémon Day, a flurry of exciting announcements about the franchise’s future was made. Here’s a look at every Pokémon game already available on the Nintendo Switch, along with the latest insights on upcoming titles set to debut on the next generation of the console, Switch 2.
How Many Pokémon Games Are on the Nintendo Switch?
To date, the Nintendo Switch has seen the release of 12 Pokémon games. This tally includes the primary games from the 8th and 9th generations, along with a number of spinoffs. For our purposes, we’re counting two-version mainline games as a single release and excluding Pokémon games available on Nintendo Switch Online, which are listed separately below.
Which Pokémon Game Should You Choose in 2025?
If you’re debating what Pokémon game to pick up for the Switch in 2025, I highly suggest Pokémon Legends: Arceus. While it might not deliver the nostalgic feel of the classic Pokémon games, Legends: Arceus innovates with action and RPG elements, offering expansive areas to explore, precise encounter controls, and a polished handheld experience.
- Nintendo Switch Pokémon Legends: Arceus
All Pokémon Games on the Nintendo Switch (in Release Order)
Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)
Originally a title for the Wii U in 2016, Pokkén Tournament received a deluxe upgrade for the Switch, bringing in new characters and enhanced visuals. The dynamic three-on-three battle system makes it a hit with friends both locally and online.
- Pokkén Tournament DX – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Quest (2018)
In Pokémon Quest, your beloved Pokémon transform into adorable cube forms. This free-to-play game for the Switch offers a straightforward combat system where your Pokémon go on missions. You can equip them with various skills to handle different challenges.
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
These games are charming remakes of the classic 1998 Pokémon Yellow. They were the first mainline Pokémon games to launch on a home console since skipping the Wii U. Filled with all 151 original Pokémon, these remakes present a Kanto journey enriched with accessibility features to welcome both new players and veterans.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! – Switch
Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Sword & Shield broke new ground as the series’ first foray into open-world gameplay with their Wild Areas. These installments brought back gyms and introduced the eighth generation of Pokémon, including the innovative Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.
- Pokémon Sword – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
A faithful remake of the 2005 games Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team & Blue Rescue Team, this title offers a refreshing take on completing dungeon missions and recruiting new Pokémon friends along the way.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)
In Café ReMix, embrace puzzle-solving fun akin to Disney Tsum Tsum. Here, you and Eevee run a café, serving Pokémon customers in this delightful free-to-play game available on the eShop.
New Pokémon Snap (2021)
The long-awaited sequel to Pokémon Snap has arrived on the Switch, inviting players to explore diverse environments and capture photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Developed by Bandai Namco, the game promises endless exploration and new course unlocks for those with an eye for good shots.
- New Pokémon Snap – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Unite (2021)
This game marks Pokémon’s venture into the MOBA arena, allowing players to command a team of five in intense online battles. With a range of Pokémon to choose from, it caters to diverse team strategies and has even carved its niche in the esports scene.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
These remakes of the Nintendo DS classics come with a fresh chibi art style that stays true to the originals while offering something new. Both games unfold in the Sinnoh region, brimming with Pokémon encounters and challenges.
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl Double Pack – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Often heralded as one of the best Pokémon games on the Switch, Legends: Arceus is set in the ancient Hisui region. It emphasizes exploration, allowing players to roam freely on the map, with Pokémon visibly foraging and interacting throughout.
- Out Now Pokémon Legends: Arceus for Switch
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)
As the ninth generation commences with Scarlet & Violet, players can enjoy a sprawling open world filled with possibilities. Decisions on where to venture next are entirely yours. The recently concluded DLC, The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, makes this an ideal time to dive in and enjoy.
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Nintendo Switch
Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
In this much-anticipated sequel, Detective Pikachu is back on the Switch, ready to crack another mystery. Join him and Tim as they solve new puzzles and unravel clues, perfect for fans of both Pokémon and intrigue-filled adventures.
- Detective Pikachu Returns – Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Games Available with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For those looking to expand their collection, the Nintendo Switch Online service offers additional Pokémon classics. Here’s what you can dive into with an Expansion Pack membership:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Exciting news broke on Pokémon Day 2025, with new titles on the horizon. Pokémon Legends: Z-A gives us a tantalizing peek into its setting of Lumiose City in the Kalos region. With beloved starters like Tepig, Totodile, and Chikorita poised to receive Mega evolutions, expect a fresh twist with "rooftop parkour" and revamped battle mechanics.
Announced during the April 2025 Nintendo Direct, Pokémon Legends Z-A will debut on both the Switch and Switch 2, with the latter presenting enhanced graphics and smoother performance. While "Fall 2025" remains the projected release window, pre-orders for the Switch 2 are already generating buzz.
Additionally, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company unveiled Pokémon Champions, capturing the essence of Pokémon battles reminiscent of Pokemon Showdown. This new title will be playable on both mobile and Switch, allowing you to battle with Pokémon trained through Pokémon Home.
Want to explore more Nintendo Switch games? Take a look at these guides.
Noah Hunter is a seasoned writer and reviewer with a deep passion for games and technology. He is the co-founder of Final Weapon, a platform dedicated to Japanese gaming, and regularly contributes to various publications focused on the gaming medium.
