Pokémon Games Coming to Switch in 2025

As one of the most profitable media franchises globally, Pokémon has been a Nintendo mainstay since its Game Boy debut. This cherished series features hundreds of fascinating creatures to capture in-game or collect as trading cards, with every new generation expanding the universe. Nintendo's consoles have always hosted numerous Pokémon titles, and the Switch continues this tradition.

With Nintendo confirming the Switch 2's backward compatibility, you can confidently purchase any current Pokémon Switch games knowing they'll transition to the new console. Below, we've listed all existing Pokémon titles available on Switch along with details about upcoming releases for Switch 2.

Current Pokémon Games on Nintendo Switch

A total of 12 Pokémon games have launched for Nintendo Switch. This includes mainline entries from 8th and 9th generations plus various spinoffs. For clarity, dual-version mainline games count as single releases here. While Nintendo Switch Online offers additional Pokémon titles, we've focused solely on standalone Switch games.

Note: 2024 marked a rare break from annual Pokémon game releases, with no new titles arriving for over a year (two years since the last mainline entry). The Pokémon Company instead launched Pokémon TCG Pocket, a successful digital trading card app unavailable on Switch but worth exploring for fans.

Best Pokémon Game to Play in 2024

For 2024, we recommend Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It diverges from traditional Pokémon gameplay with open-world exploration, action-RPG elements, and refined mechanics that shine on Switch hardware.

Complete Nintendo Switch Pokémon Game List

Pokkén Tournament DX (2017)

This enhanced Wii U port features new fighters and improved visuals for Switch. The 3v3 fighting system delivers thrilling multiplayer battles locally and online.

Pokémon Quest (2018)

This free-to-play title transforms Pokémon into blocky adventurers. Send them on expeditions and customize their abilities in this simplified RPG.

Pokémon: Let's Go Titles (2018)

These Kanto remakes adapt the classic Pokémon Yellow with modern accessibility features, marking the series' first mainline home console releases.

Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)

Introducing Wild Area open zones and Dynamax mechanics, these Gen 8 games brought new innovations to the core formula.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX (2020)

This remake of the 2005 dungeon crawler features refreshed visuals while maintaining the original's charming exploration gameplay.

New Pokémon Snap (2021)

After two decades, this sequel expands the photography adventure with new biomes and enhanced snapping mechanics.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)

This groundbreaking entry revolutionizes the formula with action-packed real-time catching and massive open zones.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet (2022)

Gen 9 introduced true open-world gameplay, with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC now complete.

Nintendo Switch Online Pokémon Games

Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers can access these classic Pokémon titles:

• Pokémon Trading Card Game
• Pokémon Snap
• Pokémon Puzzle League
• Pokémon Stadium 1 & 2

Upcoming Pokémon Releases

Following 2024's Pokémon Day announcements, developers confirmed Pokémon Legends Z-A for 2025. While platform details remain unconfirmed, expectations suggest both Switch and Switch 2 releases. Stay tuned for the April 2 Nintendo Direct for potential Switch 2 reveals.