Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
2022 · SwitchThe 2022 open-world Switch games set in the Spain-inspired Paldea region, where you roam freely across three storylines and take on giant Titan Pokémon in the wild.
MainlineGen 9 (Paldea)
5 releases & editions
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Where to start with Pokémon
The world's biggest monster-collecting RPG — catch, train, and battle hundreds of unique creatures called Pokémon across nine generations of adventures.
Start with Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
The most modern Pokémon game — fully open-world, set in a vibrant Spain-inspired region, and the easiest place to begin on Switch today.
Then play…
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!
2018 · SwitchA 2018 Switch reimagining of Pokémon Yellow set in Kanto, with Pokémon GO-style catching, no wild battles, and local co-op play for a second player.
A relaxed, Switch-friendly reimagining of Kanto with simplified catch mechanics, no random encounters, and optional two-player co-op — ideal for newcomers and younger players.
3 releases & editions
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
2022 · SwitchA 2022 Switch action RPG set in feudal-era Hisui (ancient Sinnoh), where you sneak up on wild Pokémon, catch them in real time, and build the region's very first Pokédex.
MainlineGen 4 (Sinnoh)A bold action-RPG reinvention where you catch Pokémon in real time and explore ancient Sinnoh — exciting, approachable, and a fantastic alternative entry point.
Pokémon Sword & Shield
2019 · SwitchThe 2019 Switch games set in the UK-inspired Galar region, featuring open Wild Areas, giant Dynamax raid battles, and two DLC expansions (Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra).
MainlineGen 8 (Galar)A beginner-friendly Switch entry set in a charming UK-inspired region with one of the series' most streamlined on-ramps, plus two substantial paid DLC expansions.
5 releases & editions
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl
2021 · SwitchThe 2021 Switch remakes of Diamond & Pearl, staying faithful to the originals while adding quality-of-life improvements, a revamped Grand Underground, and a large post-game.
Faithful, polished Switch remakes of the beloved Sinnoh games in a charming chibi art style — a gentle introduction to a fan-favorite region and Pokémon roster.
3 releases & editions
Honest skips / for later
Pokémon Red & BlueFor fans
The 1996 originals that started everything are mechanically dated with no modern platform — revisit them once you've fallen in love with a newer entry.
Pokémon Gold & SilverFor fans
Beloved Gen 2 classics, but the DS remakes HeartGold & SoulSilver are the definitive Johto experience — play those if you can find a DS cart.
Pokémon Ruby & SapphireFor fans
The original Hoenn games are GBA-only and superseded by the 3DS remakes — play Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire instead, or return here once you're a committed fan.
Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreenFor fans
The most faithful GBA remakes of Gen 1 are excellent but GBA-only with no current digital storefront — Let's Go on Switch is the easier modern route to Kanto.
Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilverFor fans
Widely considered among the best Pokémon games ever made, but DS-only with no modern port — chase these down once you're hooked on the series.
A beloved dungeon-crawling spin-off with a surprisingly emotional story, but very different from mainline Pokémon — save it for after you've tried the core games.
Pokémon Black & WhiteFor fans
Gen 5's story-driven games are praised as the series' narrative peak, but DS-only with no remakes — save them for when you're invested in the franchise.
Pokémon Black 2 & White 2For fans
True numbered sequels set two years after Black & White — require the originals first, DS-only, and beloved by fans for their expanded content and strong post-game.
Pokémon X & YFor fans
The series' jump to full 3D was a big moment, but the 3DS eShop closed in 2023, making these awkward to access today — seek out a cart once you're a fan.
The best way to experience Hoenn, with 3DS visuals and the bonus Delta Episode endgame — but 3DS-only with no modern port.
Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra MoonFor fans
The definitive Gen 7 experience with an expanded story and more content — but 3DS-only with the eShop now closed.
New Pokémon SnapLater
A delightful photography spin-off with no battling — come back to it after you've enjoyed a mainline game.