Nintendo Switch Pokémon Games: Play Order Guide

What's up, Pokémon trainers! So you've got your hands on a shiny new Nintendo Switch and you're itching to dive into the world of Pokémon, but you're wondering, "Which games should I play, and in what order?" Don't sweat it, guys! We've all been there, staring at the vast library of Pokémon adventures available on the Switch, feeling a little overwhelmed. But fear not, because I'm here to break it all down for you in a way that makes total sense. We're going to go through the games, suggest a playing order that maximizes the fun and makes the most sense story-wise, and maybe even throw in a few tips along the way. So grab your Joy-Cons, get comfy, and let's figure out the best way to experience Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch!

The Core Series: Your Pokémon Journey Begins

When we talk about the core series Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch, we're generally referring to the main installments that follow the traditional Pokémon formula: you're a young trainer starting your journey, collecting Pokémon, battling gym leaders, and taking on an evil team, all while aiming to become the Champion. These are the games that really define the Pokémon experience on the Switch, and playing them in a somewhat chronological or logical order can really enhance your understanding of how the series has evolved and what each generation brings to the table. It’s like watching a movie series; while you can jump in anywhere, there’s a certain magic to experiencing it from the beginning, seeing the characters and mechanics grow and change. For the Nintendo Switch, the core series starts with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! These games are essentially remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow, designed to be more accessible, especially for newcomers or those who played Pokémon Go. They introduce some unique catching mechanics and are a great, gentle introduction to the Switch's Pokémon offerings. Following that, you have the proper generation introductions: Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield for Generation 8, and then the recent remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS classics. Finally, we have Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the latest generation, which introduced a truly open-world experience. Each of these games offers a distinct region to explore, a new set of Pokémon to discover (alongside older ones), and its own unique storyline and challenges. Think of them as chapters in a larger book. While you don't have to play them in the order they were released, doing so allows you to appreciate the graphical upgrades, the introduction of new gameplay features like Dynamaxing or Terastalizing, and the evolution of the Pokémon designs themselves. Plus, it gives you a sense of progression through the games' histories. It’s about building that nostalgia and recognizing how far the series has come, all on one awesome console. So, when we're talking about the Nintendo Switch Pokémon games, these core entries are the ones that form the backbone of your potential playthroughs.

Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!

Alright, let's kick things off with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! These guys are your entry point into the Kanto region on the Switch, and they're special. Think of them as a loving tribute to Pokémon Yellow, but with a massive modern upgrade. They were designed with both longtime fans and brand-new players in mind, making them the perfect place to start your Nintendo Switch Pokémon adventure. The catching mechanic is super unique, borrowing heavily from Pokémon GO. Instead of battling wild Pokémon to weaken them, you throw Poké Balls just like you do in the mobile game. It's a different vibe, a bit more relaxed, and it really streamlines the process of building your team. Plus, your partner Pikachu or Eevee follows you around on the overworld – how cool is that?! It adds a layer of personality and connection that's really endearing. These games are visually stunning, with vibrant graphics that really bring the Kanto region to life. You'll recognize all the classic Gym Leaders, the iconic landmarks, and of course, the original 151 Pokémon (plus a few extras!). The story is pretty straightforward, following the path of the original games, but it's presented in a way that feels fresh and engaging. For anyone new to Pokémon or the Switch, this is definitely the recommended starting point. It eases you into the world, teaches you the basics in a fun way, and sets the stage for the more complex titles that follow. It’s a fantastic way to get a feel for the Switch's Pokémon capabilities without getting bogged down in too many mechanics right away. Seriously, if you want a charming and accessible introduction, these two are your go-to.

Pokémon Sword & Shield

Next up on our Nintendo Switch Pokémon journey, we've got Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These are the games that officially ushered in Generation 8, and they brought a ton of new features and a brand-new region to explore: Galar, which is heavily inspired by the United Kingdom. If you played Let's Go and liked it, this is your next logical step to experience a more traditional, but still evolved, Pokémon adventure. These games introduce the concept of the Wild Area, a massive open space where you can encounter a huge variety of Pokémon in real-time, and the weather actually affects which Pokémon appear! It’s a huge step towards a more dynamic world. But the real showstopper here is the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomenon. Imagine your Pokémon growing to kaiju-size for a few turns, adding a thrilling strategic layer to battles. This feature is central to the Gym battles, which are presented like massive sporting events with cheering crowds. The storyline usually involves taking on the Galar League challenge, aiming to become the Champion, while also uncovering a mystery related to the region's history and the legendaries, Zacian and Zamazenta. Sword and Shield really lean into the idea of a grand adventure and competitive battling. They have a more complex narrative than the Let's Go games and introduce a lot more Pokémon that are unique to the Galar region, alongside familiar faces. If you're looking to get into the more standard Pokémon RPG experience with modern graphics and some really cool new mechanics, Sword and Shield are your next best bet. They offer a robust single-player experience and lay the groundwork for competitive play with their focus on battling mechanics. Plus, the sheer number of Pokémon available is impressive, making team-building a blast. It’s a solid entry for anyone wanting to experience the evolution of the series on the Switch.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Now, let's talk about Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These aren't new generations, but rather faithful remakes of the beloved Nintendo DS classics, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, which introduced Generation 4 and the Sinnoh region. If you're a fan of the original games or want to experience a classic Pokémon journey with a fresh coat of paint, these are for you. They retain the charm and core gameplay of the originals but boast updated graphics that are quite stylized, giving them a unique, almost chibi-like appearance in the overworld. The Sinnoh region is fantastic, filled with unique lore, legendary Pokémon like Dialga and Palkia, and a compelling story about space, time, and the creation of the universe. These games bring back features like the Grand Underground, which is expanded and offers more opportunities for exploration and hidden bases, and the return of many Pokémon from previous generations, making team-building options incredibly diverse. For players looking for a more traditional RPG experience, these remakes offer a fantastic journey back to a fondly remembered era of Pokémon. They’re a great palate cleanser if you’ve been playing the more recent, experimental titles, or a perfect way to experience a highly acclaimed generation for the first time. The focus here is on the classic adventure: explore the region, challenge Gyms, defeat the evil Team Galactic, and become the Sinnoh League Champion. The gameplay loop is incredibly satisfying, and the sheer amount of content, including post-game activities, will keep you busy for hours. Playing these after Sword and Shield can offer a nice contrast in gameplay style and visual presentation, reminding you of the series' roots while still being on the modern Switch hardware. They are a testament to why Sinnoh is considered one of the best regions by many fans. It’s a well-crafted experience that respects the original while making it accessible for today's gamers.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Finally, we arrive at the latest generation on the Nintendo Switch: Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. These games are a massive leap forward, introducing the series' first truly open-world experience in the Paldea region. Forget linear paths; here, you're free to explore the vast landscape in any order you choose. This is a game-changer, guys! You have three main storylines you can tackle simultaneously: the traditional Gym challenge, a quest to defeat the rebellious Team Star, and an investigation into mysterious