Here Are The 9 Best Pokemon Games Ranked From Worst To Best
Pokemon is one of the most iconic franchises to ever grace gaming. While fans of the Pokemon series are patiently awaiting the release of the brand new games announced by The Pokemon Company , there’s no better feeling than going back and checking out classic Pokemon games. But what are the best Pokemon games?
Each of us has our favorite Pokemon games, and while all of them are fantastic in their own way, some are simply better than others. So, here are the best Pokemon games ranked from worst to best plus our answers to some frequently asked questions in case you’re looking for a certain type of Pokemon game.
Editors Note: For the purpose of this article, we combined the remakes of certain generations with the original versions.
Shield Dlc: Pokmon Shield Expansion Pass
The Shield Expansion Pass allows Pokémon Shield owners to explore the Crown Tundra and the Armor Isles, two locations not previously seen in the Galar region. There are new storylines to uncover, new rivals to meet, new Pokémon to catch, and plenty of legendaries to hunt for. You must have the base game to play this DLC.
What About The Game Boy Advance
Nintendo is being its usual cagey self about the news the company has stated that it has nothing to announce about Game Boy games coming to the Switch, although the initial leakers of the story claim Game Boy Advance games will not be included in Switch Online just Game Boy and Game Boy Color titles.
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Release Date: Late 2021
One of the other games announced in celebration of Pokémons 25th anniversary was Pokémon Brilliant Diamond& Shining Pearl. It will be an enhanced remake of Pokémon Diamond & Pearl which is a fourth-generation game that was released on the Nintendo DS in 2006 in Japan .
The return to Sinnoh is highly anticipated amongst fans. The Diamond& Pearl games were a key turning point in the Pokémon series because they were a step up from previous games and showed fans what the future of the franchise would be. Fourth-generation is where online battling and trading was first introduced so its only fitting that it comes back around here. Aside from the obvious graphical changes, the remakes are believed to be faithful.
Interestingly, the games are being developed by ICLA and overseen by Game Freak, when usually the latter is the main developer. This makes this the first time a main series Pokémon game where Game Freak is not the lead developer.
All The Pokmon Games Available For The Nintendo Switch
The Pokémon franchise has been alive and well since 1996. The series has seen many new games, worlds, and Pokémon for us to explore and catch. Each game gives us something new and, for the most part, players of the series love it. Most Pokémon fans will delight in explaining which games they played first, which Pokémon are their favorites, and the relative qualities of each game.
The Nintendo Switch offers a wide range of Pokémon games for players to relive and explore. Although some of these games may not be strictly set up as how we know Pokémon now, they do add a bit to the overall universe. They give new ways of looking at the world of Pokémon, and experiences within it that may not have occurred to players. Theyre the perfect way to explore, catch, and learn about these adorable pocket monsters. If youre looking for a new Pokémon game to try out and explore, youve come to the right place!
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How To Randomize Pokemon Games
Make sure you have both a ROM and an emulator on hand.
- To randomize a Pokémon game, youll need a ROM for the game, as well as an emulator installed on your Windows or Mac computer to play the game.
LoveROMS and EmuParadise are two sites where you can get ROMs and emulators.
If youre playing a Pokémon game on a console or a mobile device, you wont be able to randomize it.
- The Universal Randomizer application can be downloaded here. Visit this for further information.
The Universal Randomizer can be used to randomize Pokémon games from generation one to generation five .
Pokemon Diamond Pearl And Platinum
The Pokemon Company
Taking the third spot on our list is the Sinnoh region, home to Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. Generation four features some of the best Pokemon from a main series Pokemon game. These were the games that introduced new evolution forms to a lot of generation one and two Pokemon. The final form of these already beloved Pokemon was the icing on the cake. We were greeted with amazing Pokemon such as Magnezone, Magmortar, Electivire, Togekiss, and many more.
The story of Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum was also one that stood out among other Pokemon games. Team Galatic was heavily concerned with the powers of the legendary Pokemon in these games. If you don’t already know, Dialga and Palkia are the Pokemon that govern space and time. So, the story surrounding Pokemon Diamond and Pearl is one connected to these elements. We see the importance of Team Galatic throughout the game. Another beloved aspect of the story is your rival Barry — along with the gym leaders we see over the course of the Sinnoh region. Some of these gym battles will pose a threat. The games do an excellent job at showcasing the power of the Nintendo DS.
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Release Date: Early 2022
Last but not least of the games announced earlier this year is Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It serves as a prequel to Pokémon Diamond & Pearl and in turn the Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl games. It is expected to be out around a year from now.
While it will honor the core gameplay of the games that have become for it, Pokémon Legends: Arceus makes history because it is the first action-RPG in the main series and Game Freaks first attempt at that sub-genre of games.
The reveal trailer saw many fans comparing the environment, gameplay, and general cinematic style to that of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The game is set to feature an open-world setting that is an extension of the Wild Area that was introduced in Pokémon Sword & Shield . Though it hasnt been confirmed, its speculated that the objective of the game will be to create Sinnohs first Pokédex.
The Old Pokmon Games Need Nintendo Switch Ports
Pokémon should port the Gen 1, 2, and 3 games to the Nintendo Switch so that fans can buy titles lost to obsolete gaming systems and enjoy them again.
For many fans of Pokémon, the games that got them into the series have been lost to time. Currently relegated to ageing cartridges, the older Pokémon titles need to be ported to a modern system like the Nintendo Switch so that fans wanting to go back and play the original games can access them more easily. Porting the older generation Pokémon games to Switch would fix the age-induced accessibility issues for these titles and remove the risk of players downloading illegitimate ports in hopes of playing through a favorite generation one more time.
Pokémon games have been coming out since 1996, starting with the original Game Boy, and have steadily released through the evolution of Nintendo handheld consoles. Because of this, Pokémon games predating the 3DS have been left behind as their consoles become obsolete or break down. While some players may have a copy of every game stored away, working consoles may no longer be accessible without a substantial cost, making playing these older titles difficult.
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Pok Safari: New Pokmon Snap
Ride around on a track and take pictures of wild Pokémon in their natural habitats in the New Pokémon Snap. You’ll have to use items and food to get some Pokémon to come out into the open. Will you be able to fill out your Photodex and figure out the mystery behind the Illumina phenomenon?
Pokmon X And Y Should Receive Ports For The Nintendo Switch
Of the eight generations currently available in the Pokémon series, Pokémon X and Y would be among some of the most exciting titles to receive a potential port to the Nintendo Switch. The Kalos region introduced many mechanics that have become popular in subsequent installations to the series, including enhanced battle mechanics like Mega Evolutions, character customization, and heavier importance on Pokémon NPC involvement in the narrative. Pokémon X and Y were released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, during the transition from the well-known pixelated graphics and sprites of the original games to the widespread use of 3D art and models in more recent titles. Because of this, the art and gameplay would likely hold up well on the Nintendo Switch, with minimal changes needed to be enjoyable.
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How Will Pokmon Stars Be Different
Officially, theres been no mention of Pokémon Stars yet, but that hasnt stopped the online rumour mill churning. It seems that itll be basically the same game as Pokémon Sun and Moon. However, it could be that there might be more Pokémon to collect in Pokémon Starsand all of those featured across both games can be traded using Pokémon Bank, which we assume will come to Nintendo Switch too in the future.
Pokémon Stars will, of course, be running at a much higher resolution than Pokémon Sun and Moon on the 3DS, using separately created graphics. As a reminder, the Nintendo Switch runs games at a max 720p HD in tablet mode, which is boosted to a max 1080p full HD. The 3DS, on the other hand, features a top screen with a resolution of just 800 x 240p.
Aside from that, youre looking at the same map, the same story and the same basic game as Pokémon Sun and Moon.
How To Play Pokmon Games On Your Iphone Or Ipad
Here’s how to play Pokémon on an iPhone or iPad using the best emulators for iOS, as well as modern Pokémon titles.
The Pokémon Company has released some of the most popular titles to ever grace the gaming community. These epic games date back to 1996 and have shaped many of our childhoods. But you don’t have to stop playing Pokémon just because you don’t own a Game Boy anymore.
In fact, there are plenty of ways to play Pokémon on your iPhone, whether you’re looking for the latest iOS games or classic adventures like Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue.
We’ll explain all your options belowemulators, browser apps, and App Store gamesso you’ll be able to catch ’em all in no time.
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Team Battles: Pokmon Unite
Square off in 5-on-5 team battles while using teamwork to score points and take down opponents. There’s a good roster of characters, and each Pokémon has its own Battle type with strengths and weaknesses, which you’ll need to use to your advantage. Best of all, Pokémon Unite is free-to-play, though there are optional in-game purchases.
New Super Mario Bros U Deluxe
Not to sound like a broken record here, but basically any Mario game is great for kids, including the fantastic New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, which compiles two Wii U games in one delightful package. Featuring a stellar collection of inventive side-scrolling levels, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe is classic Mario reborn with HD visuals. It also adds two new playable characters, Toadette and Nabbit, who are particularly great for inexperienced players. Toadette bounces back up when falling into pits, while Nabbit cannot be hurt by enemies, which makes them ideal for young kids learning the ropes of Mario platforming.
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The Legend Of Zelda: Links Awakening
The Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening is a traditional Zelda adventure reborn with colorful, cutesy graphics. Its the third time Links Awakening has been released, and it remains as charming as ever. Unlike most Zelda games, Links Awakening isnt set in Hyrule. It takes place on the bizarre Koholint Island, which is filled with plenty of interesting characters. Links Awakening is a top-down Zelda with a conventional dungeon structure that is more approachable to youngsters than Breath of the Wild.
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Pokemon Sun And Moon And Pokemon Ultra Sun And Ultra Moon
The Pokemon Company
Released in 2016, Pokemon Sun and Moon was Pokemon’s last entry on the 3DS and one of the most experimental Pokemon games we’ve seen from the series. The game forged gym battles in favor of Pokemon trials. The Aloha region featured a Pokemon trial per island and also incorporated Totem Pokemon. Essentially, these were overpowered Pokemon that players would have to challenge to progress past a certain area. Similar to gym battles, but many trainers around the world could not grasp this concept when it first released.
While the game had mixed results in terms of trials and Totem Pokemon, there were some aspects of the game that were delightful. In terms of Pokemon that were introduced during the seventh generation, there are some notable faces that fans of the series still go back to.
Some of these notable faces include:
- Rowlet evolution line
- Mimikyu
These titles also introduced the Beast Pokemon, a rather bizarre concept for The Pokemon Company. The debate is still up in the air whether or not fans love these Pokemon or not. One of the areas in which Sun and Moon lack is certainly in post-game content. With little to do after the credits roll, it’s tough to justify having this game ranked any higher.
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How To Play Nintendo Ds Pokemon Games On Pc
Playing Nintendo DS Pokemon games on your PC is achieved through the same steps as above. However, youll need a Nintendo DS emulator instead. We suggest deSmuME, which is easily the most frequently updated and supported Nintendo DS emulator.
Once youve downloaded the emulator, open the DeSmuME.exe file on your PC. The exact file name will depend on your downloaded version. Next, visit Emulator Games again and find a DS Pokemon game to download.
Once youve clicked on a Pokemon game, click the Save Game button and wait for it to download.
Next, return to DeSmuME and click File > Open ROM. Navigate to the downloaded .zip file and double click to open it in DeSmuME.
To save your progress whilst playing, you must click File > Save State and click an available slot. In the future, use File > Load State to open previously saved games.
Are Pokemon Red And Blue Set To Come Out On Nintendo Switch
Its likely that Pokemon games would be come out with a Game Boy and Game Boy Color emulator for Nintendo Switch Online. Exactly which games would be included is unknown, though.
Pokemon Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, and Crystal rank among some of the best and most memorable games on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Not only that, but there were other strong spin-offs released on the platforms including Pokemon Trading Card Game, Pokemon Puzzle Challenge, and Pokemon Pinball.
Pokemon Red and Pokemon Blue have both previously been released in emulated form on the Nintendo 3DS, so theres precedent for Nintendo bringing those classic titles back.
Given how Pokemon sparked a resurgence in the popularity of the Game Boy in the late 1990s, it would be difficult and unpopular to divorce the franchise from a Game Boy emulator on Nintendo Switch Online. That said, all of these different games may not be released at once.
There are a number of other classic games available for the Game Boy including the Mario Land, Donkey Kong Land, and Wario Land series. Alongside those are installments in other classic Nintendo franchises including Kirbys Dream Land, Metroid 2, Legend of Zelda: Links Awakening, and more. Nintendo is likely to include some Pokemon games in a Game Boy emulation addition to Nintendo Switch Online. Odds are that at least some of the most-wanted games will be left out in the cold, though.
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Read Next: Pokmon: Lets Go Review
Lets Go is essentially a 3D remake of Pokémon Yellow, which was a slightly enhanced version of the original Red and Blue on the Game Boy. Its story is simple: youre a kid who leaves home to go on a quest where you meet and befriend as many pocket monsters as possible while fighting to earn gym badges and take on the Pokémon League.
Yellow, like all subsequent Pokémon RPGs, was filled with random battles. In order to capture creatures, you first had to weaken them in a fight. Lets Go does away with this altogether. Instead, you randomly come across monsters in caves or fields and capture them by tossing pokéballs at them, using the Switchs Joy-Con controllers motion controls to simulate the toss. Its very intuitive and feels remarkably like Pokémon Go. For veterans, it might feel like something is missing, but for my kid, it made total sense: this is exactly how shes used to catching pokémon.
From there, the game slowly starts to resemble a more traditional Pokémon experience. You still battle against other trainers, and your monsters level up and evolve over time. If they get hurt, you give them a potion or take them to a Pokémon Center. Initially, some of these concepts were a bit hard to grasp for my daughter, particularly finding her way around the Kanto region, but thats where one of Lets Gos best features comes in: co-op.
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