Best Order To Play Pokémon Games On Nintendo Switch

by Alex Johnson 52 views

So, you're ready to dive into the wonderful world of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch? That's fantastic! The Switch has become a fantastic hub for Pokémon fans, offering a diverse range of adventures from classic remakes to innovative new experiences. But with so many options available, figuring out where to start can feel a little overwhelming. Don't worry, we're here to guide you through the best order to play Pokémon games on the Switch, ensuring you have a memorable and enjoyable journey. Whether you're a complete newcomer to the franchise or a returning trainer looking to explore the latest installments, this guide will help you choose the perfect starting point and map out your Pokémon adventure.

1. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

If you're entirely new to the Pokémon universe, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are the ideal starting point. These games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow version, set in the Kanto region, and are designed with newcomers in mind. The gameplay is simplified, making it easy to pick up and play, while still capturing the charm and excitement of the Pokémon world. Catching Pokémon is a streamlined process, and the story is engaging without being overly complex. These titles also boast vibrant graphics and a charming art style, making them visually appealing and perfect for younger players or those new to the series.

Why Start with Let's Go?

The Let's Go games serve as a gentle introduction to the core mechanics of the Pokémon series. You'll learn about catching Pokémon, battling trainers, and exploring the world, all without being overwhelmed by complex features. The connection with Pokémon GO is another bonus, allowing players to transfer Pokémon between the mobile game and the Switch titles, which can be a fun way to enhance the experience. The cooperative play mode is also great for families, allowing two players to explore the Kanto region together. Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are fantastic entry points because they offer a nostalgic trip for longtime fans while being accessible and engaging for new players. The simplified gameplay mechanics and charming presentation make them an excellent choice for understanding the basic Pokémon experience before moving on to more complex titles.

Key Features and Gameplay

  • Simplified Catching Mechanics: Unlike traditional Pokémon games, you catch Pokémon in the wild by mimicking the motion of throwing a Poké Ball, similar to Pokémon GO. This adds a fun, interactive element to the game.
  • Partner Pokémon: You'll have either Pikachu or Eevee as your constant companion, riding on your shoulder or head, adding a delightful visual element to your journey.
  • Cooperative Play: Two players can explore the world together, making it a perfect option for families or friends to play together.
  • Connection with Pokémon GO: Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to the Let's Go games, enhancing your collection and bridging the mobile and console experiences.

2. Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield

Once you've gotten your feet wet with Let's Go, the next step is Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. These games are the first mainline Pokémon RPGs on the Switch and offer a more traditional Pokémon experience. Set in the Galar region, inspired by the UK, Sword and Shield introduce a vast world filled with diverse environments and new Pokémon to discover. While they retain the core gameplay elements that fans love, they also introduce new features like the Wild Area and Dynamaxing, adding depth and excitement to the adventure. These games strike a good balance between classic Pokémon gameplay and modern innovations, making them a great stepping stone for players looking to dive deeper into the series.

Why Play Sword and Shield Next?

Pokémon Sword and Shield offer a more in-depth Pokémon experience compared to the Let's Go games. They reintroduce classic elements like wild Pokémon battles and the gym challenge, while also adding new features that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The Galar region is beautifully designed, with a variety of environments to explore, from sprawling fields to industrial cities. The story is more complex, with a compelling narrative that will keep you invested. By playing Sword and Shield after Let's Go, you'll get a solid understanding of the traditional Pokémon gameplay loop while also experiencing the modern innovations that the series has to offer. The Wild Area, a vast open-world area, provides a unique experience where you can encounter a wide variety of Pokémon and participate in Max Raid Battles, adding a cooperative element to the game. The introduction of Dynamaxing, where Pokémon grow to gigantic sizes for battles, also adds a strategic layer to the combat. Sword and Shield are a crucial step in experiencing the breadth of the Pokémon world on the Switch.

Key Features and Gameplay

  • Galar Region: Explore a diverse and beautifully designed region inspired by the UK, featuring sprawling fields, bustling cities, and challenging environments.
  • Wild Area: A vast, open-world area where you can encounter a wide variety of Pokémon and participate in Max Raid Battles.
  • Dynamaxing: Pokémon can grow to gigantic sizes during battles, adding a new strategic element to combat.
  • Gym Challenge: Face off against powerful Gym Leaders in exciting battles to earn badges and progress through the story.

3. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Following Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl offer a nostalgic return to the Sinnoh region, originally featured in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo DS. These games are faithful remakes, capturing the essence of the originals while updating the graphics and adding some modern features. If you enjoyed the traditional Pokémon experience in Sword and Shield, you'll appreciate the classic gameplay and story of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. These games provide a more linear experience compared to Sword and Shield, focusing on exploration, battling, and completing the Pokédex. Playing these remakes allows you to appreciate the history of the Pokémon series and experience a beloved generation in a new light.

Why Play Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl?

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl provide a classic Pokémon experience with a modern touch. These remakes stay true to the original games while offering enhanced graphics and improved gameplay mechanics. The Sinnoh region is rich with lore and features a compelling storyline that will keep you engaged. If you’re a fan of exploring and discovering secrets, the Sinnoh region has plenty to offer. The games also introduce the Grand Underground, a vast subterranean area where you can dig for fossils, build a Secret Base, and encounter wild Pokémon. The return of the Contest system, where Pokémon can participate in beauty pageants, adds a unique and entertaining element to the gameplay. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are essential for understanding the evolution of the Pokémon series and experiencing a beloved generation in a modernized format. The faithful recreation of the original games' atmosphere and story makes them a nostalgic treat for longtime fans and a valuable experience for newcomers.

Key Features and Gameplay

  • Faithful Remakes: Experience the classic story and gameplay of the original Pokémon Diamond and Pearl with updated graphics and modern features.
  • Sinnoh Region: Explore a rich and diverse region filled with secrets, challenges, and captivating lore.
  • Grand Underground: Dig for fossils, build a Secret Base, and encounter wild Pokémon in a vast subterranean area.
  • Contests: Participate in Pokémon beauty pageants, showcasing your Pokémon's skills and style.

4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

For a truly unique Pokémon experience, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a must-play. This game deviates from the traditional Pokémon formula, offering an open-world adventure set in the ancient Hisui region (which eventually becomes the Sinnoh region). Arceus features a more action-oriented gameplay style, where you can directly interact with Pokémon in the wild, sneak up on them, and catch them without entering a battle. The story revolves around creating the region's first Pokédex, providing a fresh perspective on the Pokémon world. If you're looking for something different and innovative, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the perfect choice. The game's open-world design and focus on exploration make it a refreshing departure from the traditional Pokémon formula.

Why Play Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a game-changer for the Pokémon series, offering a unique blend of action, adventure, and RPG elements. The open-world setting encourages exploration, and the new catching mechanics make interacting with Pokémon more engaging than ever before. The story is compelling, delving into the history of the Pokémon world and exploring the origins of the Pokédex. The game also introduces new Pokémon and regional variants, adding to the excitement of discovery. If you're looking for a Pokémon game that breaks the mold and offers a fresh perspective, Arceus is the perfect choice. The action-oriented gameplay, where you can throw Poké Balls directly at wild Pokémon without initiating a battle, adds a dynamic element to the catching experience. The crafting system, where you gather materials to create Poké Balls and other items, also enhances the sense of immersion in the game world. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a bold and innovative step for the Pokémon series, and it's a must-play for anyone looking for a new and exciting Pokémon adventure.

Key Features and Gameplay

  • Open-World Exploration: Explore the vast and beautiful Hisui region, filled with diverse environments and wild Pokémon.
  • Action-Oriented Gameplay: Catch Pokémon in the wild without battling, using stealth and quick reflexes.
  • New Catching Mechanics: Throw Poké Balls directly at wild Pokémon, adding a dynamic element to the catching experience.
  • Crafting System: Gather materials to create Poké Balls and other items, enhancing the sense of immersion.

5. Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet

Finally, for the latest and most expansive Pokémon experience on the Switch, there are Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. These games introduce the Paldea region, inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, and feature a fully open-world design. You can explore the region freely, without any set order for completing the main story quests. Scarlet and Violet offer three main storylines, allowing you to tackle them in any order you choose, providing unprecedented freedom and flexibility. The games also introduce new Pokémon, Terastallizing (a new battle mechanic), and a multiplayer mode where you can explore the region with friends. If you want the most modern and expansive Pokémon adventure on the Switch, Scarlet and Violet are the way to go. The open-world design and multiple storylines offer a fresh and engaging experience, and the new features and Pokémon add to the excitement of discovery.

Why Play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet represent the next evolution of the Pokémon series, offering a truly open-world experience with unprecedented freedom and flexibility. The Paldea region is vast and diverse, filled with unique environments, hidden secrets, and exciting Pokémon to discover. The three main storylines provide multiple paths to explore, and the ability to tackle them in any order allows you to customize your adventure. The new Terastallizing mechanic adds a strategic layer to battles, and the multiplayer mode lets you explore the region with friends. If you’re looking for the most modern and expansive Pokémon experience on the Switch, Scarlet and Violet are the ultimate choice. The seamless open world, where you can transition between towns and routes without loading screens, enhances the sense of exploration and immersion. The diverse cast of characters and the engaging storyline will keep you invested in the Paldea region, and the new Pokémon and features will provide hours of enjoyment. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are a culmination of the Pokémon series’ evolution, and they offer a glimpse into the future of the franchise.

Key Features and Gameplay

  • Open-World Design: Explore the vast and diverse Paldea region freely, without any set order for completing the main story quests.
  • Three Main Storylines: Tackle three different storylines in any order you choose, providing unprecedented freedom and flexibility.
  • New Terastallizing Mechanic: Transform your Pokémon into a crystalline form during battles, adding a strategic layer to combat.
  • Multiplayer Mode: Explore the Paldea region with friends, sharing the adventure and discovering new Pokémon together.

Conclusion

Choosing the right order to play Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch can significantly enhance your experience. Starting with Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! provides a gentle introduction to the series, while Pokémon Sword and Shield offer a more traditional gameplay experience with modern innovations. Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of classic games, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a unique and innovative open-world adventure. Finally, Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet provide the most expansive and modern Pokémon experience on the Switch. By following this order, you'll gradually explore the diverse world of Pokémon and discover the joys of catching, battling, and exploring these fantastic games. Happy gaming, and may your Pokémon journey be filled with adventure and excitement!

For further insights into the world of Pokémon, be sure to check out trusted resources like Serebii.net.