Play Pokémon Games On Switch: A Comprehensive Guide
Hey Pokémon fans! Are you itching to dive into the world of Pokémon on your Nintendo Switch? You're in the right place! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about playing Pokémon games on the Switch, from the main series titles to spin-offs and how to access older games. So, grab your Poké Balls and let's get started!
Main Series Pokémon Games on Switch
The Nintendo Switch has become a fantastic home for several main series Pokémon games. These titles offer the core Pokémon experience we all know and love: exploring regions, battling trainers, catching Pokémon, and becoming the very best (like no one ever was!). Let's break down the main games available:
Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced us to the Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom. These games brought some cool new features, including the Wild Area, a vast open-world area where you can encounter Pokémon in real-time and participate in Max Raid Battles with other players. Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing are also key mechanics, allowing your Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes and gain powerful new moves.
The storyline in Sword and Shield revolves around stopping a mysterious energy phenomenon known as the Darkest Day. Along the way, you'll challenge Gym Leaders, battle Team Yell, and uncover the secrets of the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. The Galar region is beautifully designed, offering diverse environments from sprawling cities to serene countryside.
To enhance your experience, consider purchasing the Expansion Pass, which includes The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra DLCs. These expansions add new areas to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and new storylines to enjoy. The Isle of Armor focuses on training under a former Champion, while The Crown Tundra involves exploring a frozen landscape and uncovering the mysteries of Legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! are unique entries in the series, serving as a reimagining of the original Pokémon Yellow Version. These games are designed to be more accessible to newcomers, especially those who jumped into the Pokémon world through Pokémon GO. They feature simplified catching mechanics, where you mimic throwing Poké Balls using the Joy-Con controllers.
In these games, you'll explore the Kanto region alongside either Pikachu or Eevee as your partner Pokémon. The storyline follows the classic journey of becoming a Pokémon Champion by defeating the Elite Four. You'll encounter familiar faces like Brock, Misty, and Team Rocket, and revisit iconic locations such as Viridian Forest and Cerulean Cave.
One of the main appeals of Let's Go is its cooperative multiplayer mode, allowing a second player to join the adventure and assist in battles and catching Pokémon. The games also feature connectivity with Pokémon GO, enabling you to transfer Pokémon you've caught in the mobile game to your Let's Go save file. This integration creates a fun and engaging experience for both long-time fans and new players.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the Nintendo DS games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. These remakes bring the Sinnoh region to life with updated graphics and enhanced features while staying true to the original gameplay. If you loved the original Diamond and Pearl, you'll feel right at home with these remakes.
The storyline revolves around stopping Team Galactic from reshaping the world according to their twisted ideals. You'll journey across Sinnoh, challenging Gym Leaders, exploring ancient ruins, and uncovering the mysteries of the Legendary Pokémon Dialga and Palkia. The remakes also include the Grand Underground, a vast underground area where you can dig for fossils and build your secret base.
While Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl stay close to the original games, they also introduce some modern improvements, such as the Fairy type, which was not present in the original Diamond and Pearl. These remakes offer a nostalgic yet refreshing experience for fans of the series.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a groundbreaking entry in the Pokémon series, offering a unique blend of action and exploration in the vast Hisui region (which eventually becomes the Sinnoh region). This game departs from the traditional turn-based battle system, introducing real-time action elements where you can move freely around the environment and engage in battles seamlessly.
The storyline in Arceus revolves around researching and completing the first-ever Pokédex for the Hisui region. You'll join the Galaxy Expedition Team and embark on missions to study Pokémon behavior, uncover the secrets of the region, and quell the frenzied Noble Pokémon. The game also features a crafting system, allowing you to create Poké Balls, potions, and other useful items.
One of the most appealing aspects of Arceus is its open-world design, which encourages exploration and discovery. You can ride Pokémon across land, sea, and air, and encounter Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game also features challenging boss battles against powerful Alpha Pokémon, which require strategic planning and skillful execution.
Spin-Off Pokémon Games on Switch
Besides the main series titles, the Nintendo Switch also boasts a variety of spin-off Pokémon games that offer different gameplay experiences. These games often explore unique genres and mechanics, providing a fresh perspective on the Pokémon universe. Let's take a look at some of the notable spin-off games available:
New Pokémon Snap
New Pokémon Snap is a photography game where you travel to various islands in the Lental region to capture photos of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The game is a sequel to the original Pokémon Snap on the Nintendo 64, bringing back the on-rails gameplay with updated graphics and new features.
In New Pokémon Snap, you'll ride in the NEO-ONE vehicle, taking photos of Pokémon as you journey through diverse environments such as jungles, beaches, and underwater caves. The goal is to capture the best possible shots of Pokémon exhibiting unique behaviors, such as eating, playing, or interacting with each other. Your photos are then judged by Professor Mirror, who rates them based on composition, pose, and other criteria.
The game also features a research element, where you can use Illumina orbs to trigger special reactions from Pokémon and uncover hidden secrets. New Pokémon Snap offers a relaxing and immersive experience, allowing you to appreciate the beauty and diversity of the Pokémon world from a unique perspective.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games on the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS. This game combines the Pokémon universe with the roguelike genre, where you explore randomly generated dungeons and battle Pokémon using turn-based combat.
In Rescue Team DX, you play as a human who has been transformed into a Pokémon and must form a rescue team to help other Pokémon in need. You'll team up with other Pokémon, recruit new members to your team, and embark on missions to explore dungeons, rescue stranded Pokémon, and solve mysteries. The game also features a heartwarming storyline about friendship, courage, and self-discovery.
One of the main appeals of Rescue Team DX is its replayability, as the dungeons are randomly generated each time you enter them. The game also features a variety of Pokémon to recruit, each with their own unique abilities and strengths. Rescue Team DX offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for fans of both Pokémon and roguelike games.
Pokémon UNITE
Pokémon UNITE is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game where you team up with other players to battle against opponents in real-time. The game features a variety of Pokémon that you can control, each with their own unique moves and abilities. The goal is to score points by defeating wild Pokémon and enemy players and depositing them into the opposing team's goal zones.
In UNITE, you'll level up your Pokémon during matches, learning new moves and evolving to become more powerful. The game also features a strategic element, where you must coordinate with your teammates to capture objectives, defend your goal zones, and defeat the opposing team. UNITE offers a fast-paced and competitive experience for fans of MOBA games.
One of the main appeals of UNITE is its accessibility, as it's free to play and easy to pick up. The game also features cross-platform play, allowing you to battle against players on both Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. UNITE offers a fun and engaging experience for players of all skill levels.
Accessing Older Pokémon Games on Switch
Unfortunately, playing every Pokémon game on the Switch isn't directly possible due to the lack of backward compatibility for physical cartridges. However, there are ways to access older Pokémon games through other means:
Nintendo Switch Online
While not directly Pokémon-related, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription gives you access to a library of classic NES and SNES games. While these don't include Pokémon titles, it's a great way to experience other classic games from Nintendo's history.
Pokémon Stadium on Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
The Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack gives you access to classic Nintendo 64 and Game Boy Advance games! One of the most exciting inclusions is Pokémon Stadium. Relive the glory days of battling with your favorite Pokémon in 3D! This is a fantastic way to experience a classic Pokémon title on your Switch.
Virtual Console (Hypothetical)
While not currently available, there's always hope that Nintendo might introduce a Virtual Console service for the Switch, allowing you to purchase and download classic Pokémon games from previous generations. Keep an eye on Nintendo's announcements for any potential updates on this front.
Conclusion
The Nintendo Switch offers a great selection of Pokémon games, from the main series titles like Sword and Shield and Legends: Arceus to spin-off games like New Pokémon Snap and Pokémon UNITE. While it's not possible to play every Pokémon game on the Switch directly, you can still enjoy a wide variety of Pokémon experiences on the console. Keep checking for updates and new releases, and happy gaming, Pokémon trainers! Gotta catch 'em all!
