Every Pokémon Game Available On The Nintendo Switch, Ranked By Metacritic

The Nintendo Switch has continued to build out its catalog of famous franchises available and the Pokémon series is no different. With a range of original titles, remakes, and reboots, alongside fun smaller experiences, there are countless products from The Pokémon Company available on the console.

Metacritic has been a consistent source of reviews for these titles, with experts across the industry coming together to share their thoughts on the games available on the Nintendo Switch. Regardless of how they are ranked, the success of these continued series has demonstrated that it’s a great time to be a Pokémon fan. 

9 Pokémon Café Mix – 64

There is a range of well-received spin-off Pokémon games but Pokémon Café Mix stands out amongst them because of its simple gameplay and gorgeously designed puzzle levels. The title sees the player run their own Café where they must please guests and continue to recruit these cute pocket monsters.

As the lowest-ranked Pokémon game on Metacritic on Switch, the Genius Sonority title has likely been held back by its lack of depth in both storytelling and its mechanics. However, TheGamer stated that it may “not be the most challenging Pokémon game to ever grace your console, but its cheerful and addicting nature is a nice addition to the fighting franchise that’s sure to make you smile.”

8 Pokémon Quest – 64

There are few other titles like Game Freak’s Pokémon Quest in the series. For starters, from a design perspective, the cube-like visuals definitely help it to stand out. What’s more, with the Pokémon themselves moving without being controlled, the player instead helps to aim their attacks and interacts with these creatures in unique ways.

Whether it’s leveling them up so that they can evolve, or utilizing the base camp to bond with the Pokémon better, some of the mechanics of the mainline games have been brought over here. It’s not without its flaws though, with very little story to latch onto. Ultimately Pocket Gamer UK said that “It’s almost instantly forgettable, but Pokemon Quest is a charming and enjoyable way to fill the time before the bigger games land.”

7 Pokémon Mystery Team: Rescue Team DX – 68

The Mystery series in general has intrigued audiences, but there’s something special about the beautiful art featured throughout this Spike Chunsoft game. Coupled with a compelling narrative to follow and already Rescue Team DX portrays itself as so much more than a simple spin-off.

With the main player getting turned into a Pikachu, the audience is pulled into the story in a way they never have been before. The mystery dungeons allow players to uncover secrets and battle against challenging foes. GameRant suggested that “In truth, it’s a game that feels endless despite its relatively short core content.”

6 Pokémon Unite – 70

Pokémon Unite is actually available on mobile platforms as well but perhaps plays best on the Switch, with better graphics and improved controls. The gameplay is still complex despite its premise, with co-op being a huge factor in the title’s development.

With team-ups, battles, different group games, and a massive roster of Pokémon, this strategic cross-platform title, ticks more boxes than might be expected. TiMi Studio Group created something that But Why Tho? said: “has something to offer both long-time franchise fans, as well as MOBA players who may be looking for something fun and rewarding.”

5 Pokémon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl – 73

Fans were thrilled to learn of the reboot titled Pokémon Brilliant Diamond And Shining Pearl as it promised to provide a trip down memory lane for those who had previously played the original titles. With new gameplay options, advanced graphics but the same story, and returning characters, the game came alive in an unexpected way.

Although the original versions are complete classics, the latest iteration does not do a disservice to what came before. ILCA ensured that Diamond And Pearl stay true to their roots, with ScreenRant saying “The quality-of-life additions make the game more accessible without making it feel bloated, the art style is simplistic and cute, and the gameplay mechanics will keep players moving through the adventure with ease.”

4 Pokkén Tournament DX – 79

Pokémon lends itself tremendously to a fighting game, so it’s no surprise that BANDAI NAMCO managed to create something incredibly popular that plays into the familiar mechanics of Pokémon in a diverse way. Button mashing isn’t required here, there’s actually some skill to the attacks.

Visually the graphics may well be a step up from many games from The Pokémon Company, and the developers have made sure the roster chosen manages to boast completely different movesets. Switch Player said that “The game impressed on every level; the core fighting gameplay is superb and incredibly extensive, the customization options are truly staggering, and the attention to detail is abundantly clear.”

3 New Pokémon Snap – 79

New Pokémon Snap managed to revamp the classic title in a way that completely refreshed it, allowing new generations of fans to experience the relaxed gameplay while boosting the various mechanisms involved in the product. With a storyline that manages to effectively weave the photography with moments audiences will care about, this game is effective in every way.

BANDAI NAMCO added a variety of original Pokémon behaviors, a range of locations, and even camera options that hadn’t been seen before. This all combined led Pocket Tactics to comment: “With a huge range of levels, gorgeous graphics, and a relaxing soundtrack, it’s hard not to enjoy every minute you spend in the Lental region.”

2 Pokémon: Let’s Go Eevee And Pikachu – 79

Pokémon Go was a complete success for Niantic and The Pokémon Company, and thus they created the Switch games Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee. Although it is able to crossover with the original app, it also boasts its own story with rival Trace and a number of battle scenarios.

The game itself plays mostly like a mainline title, although has a number of simpler decisions in regards to its larger mission. Graphically it’s gorgeous and a player will get the most out of it by combining it with a mobile platform. Switch Player said “Whether it’s your Pokémon entry point or you’re returning to Kanto yet again, Pokémon Let’s Go is for everyone. The lame motion controls aside, this is adventure perfection, not once feeling jaded after dozens of hours’ play.”

1 Pokémon Sword And Shield – 80

The premium Pokémon title for the Switch and the major game of the current generation, Sword And Shield follows the traditional formula with a new region, new mechanics (including Dynamax battles), and a roster of completely original monsters to catch and fight with.

The region itself is gorgeous and complimented tremendously by the graphics at play. The gym battles are challenging and the mythological-based adventure is sure to please both returning and new players. Vooks said that “The story is wonderful, the creatures themselves are all fantastic and adorable, and Max Raids will absolutely never not be great fun.”

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