The world of Pokémon has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s gaming legacy since its debut on the Game Boy. Generations of players have explored vast regions, collected hundreds of unique creatures, and engaged in countless battles. With each new console, the beloved franchise expands, and the Nintendo Switch has proven to be an exceptional home for a diverse array of Pokémon titles. As we look towards 2026, the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 promises even more exciting adventures for trainers everywhere. This guide covers every Pokémon game released on the Nintendo Switch and provides a glimpse into the upcoming titles for the Switch and its successor.
How Many Pokémon Games Are There on Nintendo Switch?
Currently, the Nintendo Switch boasts a strong collection of **over a dozen Pokémon games**, encompassing both mainline entries and various spin-offs. This count includes the core RPGs from the eighth and ninth generations of Pokémon, as well as a variety of genre-defying experiences. When considering new releases and counting paired versions of mainline games as a single entry, the library offers substantial depth. Upcoming titles like Pokémon Legends: Z-A are set to continue this rich tradition, bringing new gameplay mechanics and captivating storylines to both current and next-generation Nintendo hardware.
Among the highlights already available or announced are:
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Pokémon™ Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch
Scheduled for a 2025 release, this anticipated title will be available on both the original Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. It promises a fresh take on the Legends series formula within the vibrant Lumiose City, introducing novel combat elements and Mega Evolutions for familiar Pokémon.
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Pokémon Violet
Part of the ninth generation, Pokémon Violet introduced an expansive open world, allowing players unprecedented freedom in exploration and progression through the Paldea region, alongside its counterpart, Pokémon Scarlet.
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus
This innovative entry reimagined the Pokémon experience with an emphasis on exploration and capture mechanics in the ancient Hisui region. It offered a unique blend of action and traditional RPG elements, becoming a fan favorite for its fresh approach.
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Pokémon Shining Pearl
A faithful remake of the original Nintendo DS game, Pokémon Shining Pearl brought players back to the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements, allowing new and old fans to relive the classic adventure.
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Pokémon Sword
As one of the first mainline Pokémon games on the Switch, Pokémon Sword introduced the Galar region, Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, and the semi-open “Wild Area,” expanding the traditional Pokémon journey.
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Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
Serving as a charming remake of Pokémon Yellow, this game offered a simplified catching mechanic inspired by Pokémon GO and a nostalgic return to the Kanto region, providing an accessible entry point for new players.
All Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch (in Release Order)
Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)
The Nintendo Switch’s journey with Pokémon began with a fighting game. Pokkén Tournament DX is an enhanced port of the Wii U title, offering a unique blend of traditional fighting game mechanics with Pokémon battles. Players choose from a roster of their favorite Pokémon, engaging in dynamic 3D arena combat. The DX version introduced new characters like Decidueye, Croagunk, Empoleon, Scizor, and Darkrai, alongside fresh support Pokémon and game modes, making it a comprehensive and exciting experience for both casual players and fighting game enthusiasts, whether playing locally or online.
Pokémon Quest (2018)
Pokémon Quest transformed familiar Pokémon into adorable, blocky “Pokéxel” forms, offering a free-to-play adventure. This dungeon-crawling RPG takes place on Tumblecube Island, where players send teams of cuboid Pokémon on expeditions to battle wild Pokémon and uncover treasures. The gameplay focuses on simple tap-and-play combat, strategic Power Stone customization for abilities, and base camp decoration. It provides a charming and accessible entry into the Pokémon universe, perfect for quick play sessions and collecting a unique roster of pixelated companions.
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018)
These titles were the first main series Pokémon games to launch on the Switch, reimagining the classic Pokémon Yellow adventure. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! took players back to the Kanto region, featuring simplified catching mechanics inspired by Pokémon GO and real-time overworld Pokémon encounters. They offered a streamlined experience for newcomers while retaining the core charm of the first generation. With vibrant visuals and cooperative play options, these games served as a nostalgic bridge, delighting both long-time fans and those new to the franchise on a home console.
Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)
Ushering in the eighth generation, Pokémon Sword & Shield introduced the Galar region, a land inspired by the United Kingdom. These games pioneered the concept of the “Wild Area,” a sprawling semi-open world where players could freely explore and encounter various Pokémon in dynamic weather. They also debuted the colossal Dynamax and Gigantamax forms for Pokémon, adding a new strategic layer to battles. With a strong focus on Gym Challenges and a robust online competitive scene, Sword and Shield delivered a grand new adventure while experimenting with open-world elements.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)
A beautiful remake of the 2005 Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS originals, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX transports players into the role of a Pokémon. After transforming from a human, you form a rescue team with other Pokémon, exploring procedurally generated dungeons to help those in need. The game features a stunning watercolor art style, bringing a fresh visual appeal to its compelling narrative and challenging tactical gameplay. As the first full remake in the Mystery Dungeon series, it offered both nostalgic charm and modern enhancements.
Pokémon Café ReMix (2020)
Originally known as Pokémon Café Mix, this puzzle game offers a delightful spin on the Pokémon universe. In Pokémon Café ReMix, players run a café alongside Eevee, solving touch-based puzzles to prepare dishes and drinks for adorable Pokémon customers. Recruiting Pokémon staff, each with unique skills to aid in puzzles, adds a strategic element. The game is free-to-play on the Nintendo eShop, continually updated with new Pokémon, dishes, and challenges. Its charming visuals and accessible puzzle mechanics make it a relaxing and engaging experience for fans of all ages.
New Pokémon Snap (2021)
More than two decades after its Nintendo 64 predecessor, New Pokémon Snap arrived, allowing players to once again journey through diverse ecosystems as Pokémon photographers. Traveling on an on-rails vehicle called the NEO-ONE, players must coax Pokémon into striking poses and capture their best moments using various tools. The game features vibrant graphics, rich environments, and a vast array of Pokémon behaviors to discover. Unlocking new courses and research levels based on photo scores provided significant replayability, encouraging careful observation and interaction within the Lental region.
Pokémon Unite (2021)
Marking Pokémon’s venture into the Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) genre, Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play team-based strategy game. Two teams of five players control different Pokémon, each with unique roles and abilities, battling to score points by depositing energy into opponent goals. The game features a growing roster of Pokémon, regular updates with new characters and balance changes, and a robust ranked mode. Its accessible gameplay loop and competitive depth quickly made it a popular choice, even spawning its own esports scene with official championships.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021)
Returning to the Sinnoh region, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Pokémon Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the 2006 Nintendo DS titles. Developed by ILCA, these games maintained the original’s top-down perspective and scale while updating the visuals with a charming chibi art style. They brought back beloved features like the Grand Underground, where players could dig for treasures and create secret bases, and the Super Contest Shows. These remakes offered a nostalgic experience for fans of the fourth generation and a new way for younger audiences to explore the Sinnoh region’s rich lore.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
One of the most critically acclaimed Pokémon games on the Switch, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered a truly revolutionary experience set in the ancient Hisui region, the predecessor to Sinnoh. The game broke from traditional mechanics, focusing heavily on exploration, crafting, and a more active battle system where trainers could observe and catch Pokémon seamlessly in the overworld. Its emphasis on filling the first Pokédex and unraveling the region’s mysteries captivated players, providing a refreshing take on the monster-catching formula and paving new paths for the franchise.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)
Launching the ninth generation of Pokémon, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet introduced a fully open world in the Paldea region, allowing players to tackle three distinct story paths in any order. These titles embraced a non-linear approach to adventure, encouraging expansive exploration and dynamic encounters with Pokémon roaming freely. They also featured the Terastallization phenomenon, temporarily changing a Pokémon’s type and boosting its power. With extensive DLC, “The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero,” now complete, these games offer a vast world brimming with new Pokémon and challenges.
Detective Pikachu Returns (2023)
Following the original 3DS game and live-action movie, Detective Pikachu Returns brings back the coffee-loving, talking Pikachu for a new investigative adventure. Players once again join Tim Goodman and his gruff Pokémon partner to solve mysteries across Ryme City. The game combines classic point-and-click adventure elements with Pokémon interactions, allowing Detective Pikachu to question human witnesses and other Pokémon to gather clues. With new puzzles and a compelling storyline focused on Tim’s missing father, it offers a unique blend of mystery-solving and Pokémon charm.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A (2025)
Announced for a 2025 release, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is poised to be a significant evolution for the series, launching on both the Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2. Set entirely within a redeveloped Lumiose City, this title promises a more interconnected urban environment, departing from the sprawling natural landscapes of Arceus. The game introduces new Mega Evolutions and features a revamped battle system that reportedly incorporates more real-time action elements, building on the innovative gameplay introduced by its predecessor. This release aims to deliver a dense, engaging experience.
Available Pokémon Games With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
For players seeking to dive into the rich history of the Pokémon franchise, the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack offers access to a curated selection of classic titles. This premium subscription tier expands the available library beyond native Switch releases, bringing beloved retro Pokémon experiences to modern hardware. Members can enjoy these games through the various Nintendo 64 and Game Boy libraries included in the expansion pack. These older titles provide a wonderful opportunity to revisit the series’ roots and experience some of its most iconic moments from previous generations.
The Pokémon games currently available with a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership include:
- Pokémon Trading Card Game: Relive the classic Game Boy Color RPG that brought the Pokémon TCG to life.
- Pokémon Snap: The original Nintendo 64 photo safari adventure where players capture Pokémon in their natural habitats.
- Pokémon Puzzle League: A colorful and competitive Nintendo 64 puzzle game featuring Pokémon.
- Pokémon Stadium: Experience 3D Pokémon battles and minigames on the Nintendo 64.
- Pokémon Stadium 2: The expanded sequel to Pokémon Stadium, offering more Pokémon, minigames, and challenges.
Upcoming Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch
Beyond the already revealed Pokémon Legends: Z-A, the future holds more exciting prospects for the franchise on Nintendo platforms, particularly as the Switch 2 approaches. While some information may stem from unofficial sources, the Pokémon Company has officially announced several intriguing projects. These upcoming titles suggest a continued diversification of the Pokémon gaming experience, exploring new genres and gameplay styles. Expect these fresh adventures to leverage the capabilities of both existing Switch hardware and the enhanced features of the Nintendo Switch 2, offering something new for every type of Pokémon fan.
Pokémon Pokopia
Stepping into a genre reminiscent of Animal Crossing, Pokémon Pokopia is a charming new spin-off. Players take on the role of a Ditto, disguised as a human, who embarks on a journey to build and foster a new community on a secluded island. The game emphasizes collaboration and learning from local Pokémon to cultivate relationships and develop the island’s infrastructure. With its focus on customization, crafting, and social simulation, Pokopia promises a relaxing yet engaging experience. This eagerly anticipated title is confirmed for a release on the Nintendo Switch 2 in March 2026.
Pokémon Champions
Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have also unveiled Pokémon Champions, a strategic battle-focused game. Drawing inspiration from competitive online battle simulators like Pokémon Showdown, this title will allow players to engage in deep tactical Pokémon battles. A key feature is its integration with the Pokémon Home app, enabling trainers to bring their meticulously trained Pokémon from other games into the competitive arena. Slated for release on both mobile devices and Nintendo Switch platforms, Pokémon Champions aims to offer a robust and accessible platform for competitive Pokémon battling.
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