Every Pokemon Game You Can Play On the Switch 2 in 2026, Ranked

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I’m so excited about the Nintendo Switch 2! Not only is the upgraded hardware letting us play some amazing RPGs on the go, but Nintendo also added a bunch of classic GameCube games through Nintendo Switch Online. And that’s where things really get good for me – I’m finally able to revisit some of my favorite Pokemon spin-offs, like Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness! It’s awesome having such a huge library of games available.

For a while, the selection of Pokémon games on Switch felt a little thin. But with the recent releases of remakes like Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, and the critically acclaimed Pokémon Pokopia, things are looking up! That’s why I’ve put together a complete guide to every Pokémon game you can play on the Nintendo Switch, ranked from best to worst. This list includes games that work on the original Switch, as well as those exclusive to the newer Switch model. So, even though work keeps me from fully enjoying Pokopia, here’s everything you need to know!

23) Pokemon Champions

Okay, so this game, Pokemon Champions, is last on my list because it doesn’t even come out until April! Honestly, that means I’m going in pretty blind, and we don’t really know if it’s going to be any good yet. From what I’ve heard, it’s launching on Switch and the new Switch 2 first, then hitting mobile, and it seems to be mostly focused on battling. The cool thing is it’s free to start, so I’m definitely going to check it out, but whether it’ll actually keep me hooked? We’ll just have to wait and see, I guess.

22) Pokemon Unite

Pokemon Unite is a free game you can play on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, and it will also be playable on the new Switch 2 through backwards compatibility. While it’s a fun team-based game for existing fans, if you haven’t played Unite before, there are other Pokemon games on Switch 2 that might be a better choice.

21) Pokemon Friends

I recently started playing Pokemon Friends, and it’s a really cute, free-to-play puzzle game that came out last year! Basically, you solve puzzles to collect yarn, and then you use that yarn to craft adorable Pokemon plushies. It’s not super complex gameplay-wise, but if you enjoy puzzle games, it’s a fun little time-killer.

20) Pokemon Cafe Remix

I’ll be honest, I sometimes play this game just because the art is really adorable. However, Pokemon Cafe Remix plays a lot like mobile puzzle games such as Candy Crush, and it can become repetitive pretty fast. While it’s free to download, the game pushes you to spend money quite a bit. It’s enjoyable and charming if you like puzzle games, but it’s not one of the best games available on the Switch.

19) Pokemon Quest

Pokémon Quest is a unique spin-off game available on both mobile devices and the Nintendo Switch. While the game itself is free to download, it offers many optional purchases. The gameplay is simple and casual, but its automatic battles and repetitive nature might not appeal to all players.

18) Pokemon Puzzle League

Pokemon Puzzle League is a fun and well-made puzzle game originally released for the Nintendo 64. It’s similar to Tetris Attack, but features a Pokemon theme. The game has several simple, yet addictive modes, and is actually one of the highest-rated Pokemon games on Metacritic. If you like puzzle games, it’s definitely worth checking out! You can play it on Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2 through the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack service, which includes a library of classic N64 games.

17) Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns is a charming detective game with a delightful story and engaging interactions with Pokémon, especially with Pikachu who can talk! While it’s geared more towards younger players and is shorter than many other Pokémon games on the Switch, it’s still a fun experience. You can purchase Detective Pikachu Returns for $49.99.

16) Pokemon Trading Card Game

You can now play this Game Boy game through the Nintendo Switch Online service. It’s still enjoyable, especially if you’re a fan of the Pokémon Trading Card Game. Many players consider it one of the best games released for the original Game Boy. If you’re looking for a nostalgic trip back to classic Pokémon card battles, complete with a great soundtrack, it’s definitely worth checking out again.

15) Pokken Tournament DX

Okay, so I’ve been playing Pokken Tournament DX, and it’s basically Tekken but with Pokémon! It came to the Switch and honestly, it’s a really good fighting game. It’s not really a Pokémon game in the traditional sense, though – it feels more like a fighting game featuring Pokémon. If you’re into that kind of thing, it’s awesome. I picked it up for sixty bucks, and the good news is it’s already confirmed to work on the new Switch 2 console!

14) Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

Okay, so the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games are seriously some of my favorites in the whole franchise. They’re different because they’re roguelike – meaning the dungeons are randomly made each time you play, and battles are turn-based. Rescue Team DX is a remake of the very first Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games, Red and Blue Rescue Team, and it’s a pretty good remake, honestly. But here’s the thing: if you have a Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack membership, you can actually play the originals for free! Rescue Team DX itself costs sixty bucks, so that’s something to consider.

13) Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team

Many fans of the original Mystery Dungeon still consider it the best in the series. While the remake features improved graphics and gameplay, players who already own the Expansion Pass might find the original version, released for Game Boy Advance in 2005, a better value.

12) Pokemon Stadium & Pokemon Stadium 2

I’m grouping these games together because they share a lot of similarities. Luckily, both are included with the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, letting you play them for the cost of that membership. Pokemon Stadium is remembered for its first 3D Pokemon battles, but I think the enjoyable mini-games are the main draw. While fun, the mini-games don’t offer quite the same lasting appeal as a classic Pokemon RPG or some of the deeper spin-off titles.

11) Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

The Pokémon game known for its Shadow Pokémon is at last being added to the Nintendo Switch Online GameCube Classics library in March 2026. While it has a small but passionate fanbase, it received generally mixed reviews. If you’re a dedicated Pokémon fan with the Expansion Pack, Gale of Darkness might be worth playing again. However, others may not enjoy it as much.

10) New Pokemon Snap

As a Pokémon fan, I have to say this new spin-off is one of the best on the Switch! It’s so much fun getting to snap photos of Pokémon again. It came out in 2021 and really captures the spirit of the original game, but with a modern update – the graphics are beautiful and there’s a lot more to do. It’s $59.99, and trust me, if you’re the type of gamer who likes to complete everything, you’ll easily get your money’s worth with the amount of gameplay this offers!

9) Pokemon Snap

I have a lot of fond memories of the original Pokemon Snap, and while the new version looks nicer and has bigger areas to explore, it didn’t quite feel as special. It actually made me want to go back and play the original again! Since the first Pokemon Snap is available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, I think it’s the better game overall. I don’t apologize for that!

8) Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Remakes often get criticized, but I actually enjoyed the original Diamond and Pearl, and I think this remake does a good job of capturing that same feeling. It’s a little strange that they didn’t include some of the helpful updates from Platinum, but overall it’s still a fun game with a classic style and updated 3D visuals.

7) Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered a fresh take on the classic RPG formula. It wasn’t a traditional Pokémon game, but it wasn’t just a side story either. The game features an engaging story and a satisfying, though sometimes repetitive, gameplay experience. Most Pokémon fans will likely enjoy it, and it’s available on both the Switch and Switch 2 for $59.99.

6) Pokemon Let’s Go, Pikachu and Pokemon Let’s Go, Eevee

The Pokémon Let’s Go games offer a charming art style and a fun twist: you can choose Eevee as your first Pokémon! If you loved the original Kanto games and want a fresh, updated experience, these are definitely worth playing. They’re available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 for $59.99.

5) Pokemon Sword and Shield

I know this might be a controversial opinion, but I actually enjoyed Scarlet and Violet more than Sword and Shield. And since it’s my personal ranking, here’s how I see it. Sword and Shield was the last traditionally-structured, 3D Pokémon game before Scarlet and Violet switched to an open-world format. While the story isn’t the strongest, it’s still a good choice for Pokémon fans wanting a mainline game on the Switch or Switch 2.

4) Pokemon Legends: Z-A

While not perfect, Pokemon Legends: Arceus‘ sequel is an enjoyable game, especially thanks to its remarkably satisfying ending – one of the best in recent Pokemon titles. It stands out as a strong choice among games released on the Nintendo Switch, and even features a special version designed to showcase the upgraded hardware of the new Switch 2 console.

3) Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Even though Pokemon Scarlet and Violet isn’t perfect, it’s still a fun game to play. The characters are likable, and the new Pokemon designs from Generation 9 – especially Lechonk and Fidough – are adorable. While the open world feels a little bare and the story isn’t always seamless, it’s worth experiencing at least once. The recent free upgrade for the Switch 2 also significantly improves how the game looks and performs.

2) Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

Though not exact copies of the original games, FireRed and LeafGreen closely recreate the classic experience. Now available on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2 as separate games for $19.99 each, these remakes let players revisit the first generation of Pokémon. If you long for the challenging gameplay and retro pixel art that many fans enjoy, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are excellent choices on Switch or Switch 2.

1) Pokemon Pokopia

As I mentioned in my review, Pokopia is the best Pokémon game in years. It’s a bit different because it’s a life simulation game, not the traditional Pokémon adventure, but it’s a really well-made and engaging game that you can play for hours. Plus, it has adorable Pokémon conversations and lots of fun references to older games. Being the first Pokémon game exclusive to the Switch 2, it’s a fantastic start for the new console.

What’s your favorite Pokémon game on Nintendo Switch or the upcoming Switch 2? Share your thoughts and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-03-07 00:12