Every Pokémon Game on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2

The Nintendo Switch platform hosts a comprehensive collection of Pokémon titles, totaling 13 distinct games released between 2017 and 2023. This library encompasses mainline entries for the eighth and ninth generations, remakes of beloved classics, and innovative spinoffs that explore different gameplay genres.

Key releases include the open-world adventures of Pokémon Sword & Shield and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the nostalgic remakes of Pokémon Yellow and Diamond & Pearl, and unique experiences like the photography game New Pokémon Snap and the MOBA entry Pokémon Unite. Looking ahead to the Switch 2, existing titles will receive compatibility updates, ensuring the franchise's continued presence on Nintendo's next-generation hardware.

The Nintendo Switch has hosted 13 Pokémon games since the console's launch, representing a diverse range of genres and gameplay styles. This collection includes mainline RPGs, fighting games, puzzle titles, and free-to-play experiences that cater to both competitive players and casual fans.

The franchise began its Switch journey with Pokkén Tournament DX in 2017, a fighting game developed in collaboration with Bandai Namco. Originally released for the Wii U in 2016, this deluxe version added new characters and updated visuals for the Switch hardware. The game features a three-on-three battle system that works both locally and online.

Following in 2018, Pokémon Quest offered a free-to-play experience with a unique visual style, transforming beloved creatures into miniature cube forms. The game simplifies combat into an expedition-based system where players equip different abilities to their Pokémon.

The same year marked a significant milestone with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!. These remakes of the 1998 Pokémon Yellow represented the first mainline Pokémon games to release on a home console. Set in the Kanto region, they feature all 151 original Pokémon with accessibility features designed for newcomers and veterans alike.

The eighth generation debuted with Pokémon Sword & Shield in 2019, introducing significant changes to the series formula. These titles marked the first installments to feature open-world elements through the Wild Areas, allowing free traversal and visible wild Pokémon battles. The games also reintroduced the Gym system for the first time since Pokémon X & Y and introduced Dynamax and Gigantamax forms.

2021 brought two major remakes to the platform. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl reimagined the 2006 Nintendo DS titles with a new chibi art style that remained faithful to the originals while offering modern enhancements. These fourth-generation games feature a wide variety of Pokémon to discover and battle.

The same year, Pokémon Legends: Arceus offered an original title set in the distant past of the Hisui region. Praised as one of the best Pokémon games available, it focused heavily on exploration with free movement across maps, strategic Pokémon capture mechanics, and the ability to avoid battles entirely by spotting creatures wandering in the wild.

The ninth generation arrived with Pokémon Scarlet & Violet in 2022, fully embracing an open-world structure with complete freedom of exploration. The games introduced an entirely new approach to gameplay and world design. The DLC pass, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, has concluded, making these titles complete experiences. Notably, these games will receive free updates to improve playability on the upcoming Switch 2.

Beyond mainline entries, the Switch library features several distinctive spinoff titles that expand the Pokémon universe into new genres. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020) represents the first Pokémon spinoff remake ever produced, developed by Spike Chunsoft. This dungeon-crawling adventure tasks players with completing jobs and unlocking new Pokémon through a charming narrative-driven experience.

The puzzle genre is represented by Pokémon Café ReMix (2020), a free-to-play title where players connect Pokémon to solve puzzles while managing a café with Eevee. Similar to other match-style puzzle games, it offers a casual, service-oriented experience.

Photography enthusiasts received a long-awaited sequel after more than 20 years with New Pokémon Snap (2021). Developed by Bandai Namco, this on-rails photography game takes players through various biomes to capture pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. Multiple courses can be unlocked by taking quality photographs, providing substantial content to discover.

Competitive gaming saw a major entry with Pokémon Unite (2021), the franchise's first foray into the MOBA (Multiplayer Online Battle Arena) genre. This free-to-play title pits teams of five Pokémon against each other in strategic battles. It has gained traction in the esports world, featuring in multiple championships and tournaments.

The collection concludes with Detective Pikachu Returns (2023), the sequel to the original Detective Pikachu game, continuing the narrative adventure that also inspired a feature film.

The Nintendo Switch 2 represents the next phase for the Pokémon franchise on Nintendo hardware. While specific launch titles for the new console have not been detailed in this context, existing Switch titles are confirmed to maintain compatibility through updates.

Specifically, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet will receive free updates designed to improve playability on the upgraded hardware. This ensures that players can continue enjoying the ninth-generation adventures with enhanced performance on the new system.

The franchise's history of supporting every Nintendo console continues with this transition. Pokémon has remained a staple of Nintendo platforms since the Game Boy era, and the Switch collection demonstrates the series' ability to evolve across generations while maintaining its core identity as one of the world's most valuable media franchises.

With 13 distinct games already released and updates planned for the Switch 2, the Pokémon series shows no signs of slowing down on Nintendo platforms. The diverse range of genres and styles available ensures that there is something for every type of player, from competitive battlers to casual collectors.