List of Pokémon Games Available on Nintendo Switch in 2025

Pokémon stands out as one of the most iconic media franchises of all time, and it’s been a steady companion in the Nintendo gaming family since the Game Boy era. This captivating series hosts a vast array of unique creatures, perfect for collecting either in games or as trading cards. Every new iteration introduces even more wonders for fans to discover. Naturally, every Nintendo console—including the Switch—has had its fair share of Pokémon titles.

During the recent Pokémon Day, several exciting updates and announcements for the franchise were unveiled. We’ve put together a list of every Pokémon game currently available on the Nintendo Switch, as well as a sneak peek into what’s coming up for the anticipated Switch 2.

How Many Pokémon Games Are Available on the Nintendo Switch?

On the Nintendo Switch, you can dive into a total of 12 Pokémon titles. This tally includes mainline adventures from the 8th and 9th generations plus a plethora of spin-offs. For our purposes, we’ve counted core series games with dual versions as a single entry. It’s worth mentioning that we’ve excluded Pokémon titles that are part of Nintendo Switch Online, but there’s a separate list for those later.

Recommended Pokémon Game for 2025

If you’re pondering over which Pokémon game should grab your attention in 2025, let me suggest Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It’s a different vibe if you’re looking for classic nostalgia, but it’s a fresh adventure introducing more dynamic action and RPG elements distinct from traditional Pokémon games. It encompasses an open-world exploration, lets you manage your encounters with more control, and shines with its polished design tailored for the handheld experience.

All Pokémon Games on the Nintendo Switch (In Release Order):

• Pokkén Tournament DX (2017): Originally developed for the Wii U in 2016, this deluxe version for the Switch brought updated visuals and new characters to optimize the experience on better hardware. It’s a fun, three-on-three fighting game perfect for CQC action both locally and online.

• Pokémon Quest (2018): Turning familiar Pokémon into charming cube forms, this free-to-play title offers simple yet engaging combat mechanics that involve sending your Pokémon on various expeditions equipped with different skills.

• Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018): Revisiting the cherished 1998 Pokémon Yellow, these remakes were the first mainline Pokémon games to appear on a home console. Set in the Kanto region, they bring back all 151 original Pokémon yet curated for accessibility, making them great for newcomers and seasoned trainers alike.

• Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019): This series entry brought new life to the franchise with open-world areas dubbed the Wild Areas, allowing free movement and battles with wild Pokémon. Featuring the eighth generation of Pokémon, the games also introduced the Dynamax and Gigantamax transformations.

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020): A delightful remake of the 2005 original titles, this spinoff focuses on dungeon-crawling gameplay, wherein players complete missions at various locations while adding new Pokémon to their team.

• Pokémon Café ReMix (2020): Discover charming puzzle gameplay similar to Disney Tsum Tsum, where you run a café and serve incoming Pokémon guests with Eevee. It’s a delightful, free-to-play title available on the Nintendo eShop.

• New Pokémon Snap (2021): After two decades, the Switch gave us a sequel where photographers traverse diverse landscapes capturing Pokémon in their natural habitats. It plays as much as a puzzle-action game as it does an adventure.

• Pokémon Unite (2021): Dipping into the MOBA scene, this title allows you to team up five Pokémon against others in online matches. Choice variety and strategic versatility make it perfect for competitive gameplay and even esports tournaments.

• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021): Reimagined for the Nintendo Switch, these remakes of the revered 2006 titles feature a fresh chibi art style while embracing the classic narratives and exploration frameworks.

• Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022): Widely acclaimed and set in the distant past of the Hisui region, it focuses on exploration with its large, open areas teeming with Pokémon. Strategy in catching and avoiding battles is essential in this standout title.

• Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022): Launching Generation 9, these titles offer a rich open-world design and have just wrapped up their DLC package, "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero." Updates are expected to enhance compatibility with Switch 2 hardware.

• Detective Pikachu Returns (2023): The much-anticipated sequel to the original and its film adaptation, this game invites you to solve puzzles and embark on a gripping detective adventure with Tim as you search for his missing father.

Pokémon Titles Accessible via Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack:

For those with Nintendo Switch Online, you have access to additional Pokémon classics, including:

• Pokémon Trading Card Game
• Pokémon Snap
• Pokémon Puzzle League
• Pokémon Stadium
• Pokémon Stadium 2

Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch:

Pokémon Day 2025 delighted fans with news about future releases. Featured in the April Nintendo Direct was Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in Lumiose City, Kalos, and introducing new Mega Evolutions and gameplay mechanics like "rooftop parkour." Expected to launch in Fall 2025 on both existing and new Switch models, it promises improved visuals and performance on the latter.

Another exciting announcement is Pokémon Champions—a competitive battle game coming to mobile and the Switch, encouraging players to link their trained Pokémon via the Pokémon Home app.

If you’re interested in the broader Nintendo Switch catalog, be sure to explore further guides and recommendations. As always, I’m Noah Hunter, a fervent enthusiast and critic in the gaming realm, contributing with insights and in-depth commentaries on games and technology.