4 best Pokemon games for Switch, ranked

Since the release of the Nintendo Switch, twelve Pokémon games have been made that are playable on the platform, but which are the best? These are the four best Pokemon games for Switch, ranked.

This list excludes remakes and deluxe editions, so no Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Pokken Tournament DX, etc. We’re talking about the games made on the Switch, for the Switch. With those qualifications in mind, which four are the best?

4. Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns is not a perfect game, but it is entertaining for those who enjoy this mini-franchise for its unique angle on the world of Pokémon. It offers more of the toils of a world of people and Pokémon living together than most Pokémon media, and doing it from a legal angle provides a unique spin on even that subplot. I mean, we get to see Pokémon in jail with an entire social system in place. What other Pokémon game does that?

3. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

I’m going to be honest: besides the technical and graphical issues, I do not understand the dislike for Scarlet and Violet. I genuinely think they’re up there right below Black and White, Black and White 2, and Sun and Moon. The more grounded and realistic writing of the characters combined with the fun open-world exploration, absolutely brutal level of difficulty that made even my competitive background have to optimize my team to survive, and the complete perfection that is Area Zero, all make Scarlet and Violet the hope we needed after Sword and Shield that Gamefreak still has it in them. I loved playing Violet and getting frustrated when I blacked out. No major complaints!

Related: 17 strongest Pokemon of all time

2. New Pokémon Snap

But one of the two things better than Scarlet and Violet is one of the most anticipated sequels of all time. While the title leaves something to be desired in creativity, the game does not. New Pokémon Snap is the flashy sequel fans of the original wanted, and they were rewarded. Like Detective Pikachu Returns, this is a creative premise for a Pokémon game worth checking out.

1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Since Pokémon games migrated to the Switch, it’s been hard to top the engaging open-world unique experience that is Pokémon Legends: Arceus. There’s just nothing quite like the conventional Pokémon battling combined with the dangers of an untamed earlier Sinnoh with new Pokémon regional forms to sneak up on and catch. Legends: Arceus truly is its own epic tale and one of the most invigorating Pokémon game experiences out there, especially for the Switch.

Those are the 4 best Pokemon games for Switch, ranked. Here’s to more amazing entries coming out in the future of Pokémon Switch games.