10 Best Pokémon Games in 2025 – Which One’s Your Favorite?
Searching for the best Pokémon game is like trying to catch a legendary Pokémon with a Poké Ball – challenging, time-consuming, and often a matter of personal preference.
The series started as a straightforward RPG inspired by adventure stories and somehow grew into a worldwide sensation. And yet, whenever I start a new one, I still feel like that kid picking his first starter Pokémon.
The deeper you go, the more complex it gets – status effects, type matchups, and whatever nightmare developers are cooking up. And don’t even get me started on catching these things.
Just when you think you’ve seen everything, a rare one appears, and an hour later, you’re yelling at the screen because it refuses to stay in the ball. That’s the Pokémon franchise experience in a nutshell.
But let’s be real – the coolest part? The journey. It’s the exploration, the surprises, and the pure joy of discovering something new, even if that “something new” is a weird fish that evolves into a giant dragon.
So, whether you’re into the classics or modern Pokémon games, the magic never really fades. It just gets weirder, and honestly, I’m all in for it!
Our Top Picks for Pokémon Games
There’s something about Pokémon that’ll never fade – whether it’s the thrill of discovery, the battles, or the frustration of catching that one stubborn Pokémon. For me, they’re not just games, they’re a nostalgia trip, reminding me why I fell in love with them in the first place.
So, here are the top picks from the list – each offering something different while still hitting that familiar, heartwarming Pokémon sweet spot.
- Pokémon Scarlet (2022) – An open-world RPG where you start as a student exploring a vast region.
- Pokémon Violet (2022) – Just like Scarlet, but with different common and legendary Pokémon to argue over.
- New Pokémon Snap (2021) – A photography adventure where you start as a researcher and capture Pokémon in the wild.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) – A semi-open-world RPG where you start as a newcomer documenting the first Pokédex.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) – A modern Pokémon game where you start as a challenger aiming for the Champion title.
Still wondering which one is the best Pokémon game? Keep reading – I’m about to break down why these picks deserve your time (and possibly ruin your sleep schedule).
10 Best Pokémon Games – More Than Just Catching ‘Em All
Pokémon have come a long way – from pixelated little creatures on a Game Boy screen to full-blown open-world adventures and yet I still somehow miss a Poké Ball throw. What makes them special?
The thrill of exploring, the heartbreak of a failed catch, and the undeniable urge to build a team that brings back memories. Over the years, they’ve added bigger worlds, new mechanics, and just enough change to keep me hooked while still making me feel like a ten-year-old on a journey.
Now, let’s talk about these games in detail – because creating a list of the best Pokémon games wasn’t easy.
1. Pokémon Scarlet
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 | Game Freak |
I started this game thinking I’d be quickly defeating Gym Leaders and earning badges like it was no big deal. Instead, I found myself wandering around one of the nicest open-world games for hours, distracted by every wild Pokémon and side mission that popped up.
The map is massive – so big that I lost track of where I was supposed to go next. It’s got that classic Pokémon feel, but with a world that’s so full of distractions, you’ll barely notice you’re actually supposed to be completing a quest. And the graphics? Well, let’s just say they’re a step up, though not mind-blowing by any means.
What makes Pokémon Scarlet stand out is the freedom it gives you. You’re not just following a path to the next gym or town – you’re free to explore, catch Pokémon, and get lost in the world.
Whether you’ve played modern Pokémon games or just picked up this game as your first, Pokémon Scarlet will keep you coming back for more. If you’re looking for the best Pokémon game that lets you do your own thing, maybe this one’s for you.
Get your copy of Pokémon Scarlet >
2. Pokémon Violet
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 | Game Freak |
I thought I knew what to expect, but Pokémon Violet had other plans. Sure, it’s got the same massive open world as Scarlet, but something about it felt even more overwhelming. I’d set out to become the next champion, only to get startled by wild Pokémon, hidden caves, and places I definitely wasn’t supposed to visit yet.
Freedom is both a blessing and a curse – you can go anywhere, but that also means you’ll probably end up challenging a Gym Leader way out of your league just because you took a wrong turn. The game gives you legendary Pokémon as a rideable companion early on, which makes exploring even more fun, though it does feel like cheating sometimes.
The battle system sticks to the traditional turn-based style, but with some modern improvements that make it smoother. The open-world aspect feels like what other Pokémon developers have been trying to do for years, and while it’s not perfect, it’s still a fun ride.
Pokémon Violet offers a fresh take while keeping that nostalgic charm. If you ask me to suggest the best Pokémon game with an open world that actually lets you get lost in it, this one’s got you covered.
Grab a copy of Pokémon Violet >
3. New Pokémon Snap
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2021 | Bandai Namco Studios |
This game tricked me. I thought I’d be chilling, taking cute pictures of Pokémon in the wild, but no – this is a full-blown photography expedition with more pressure than a final exam. The moment I spotted a rare Pokémon, my hands turned to jelly, and I’d either miss the shot or end up with a blurry mess.
The game wants perfection, grading my pictures like a strict professor who has never known kindness. And yet, I couldn’t stop playing. The different biomes are gorgeous, the Pokémon interactions feel alive, and somehow, snapping the perfect shot became more satisfying than catching them.
Unlike previous games, there’s no battling, no training – just you, a camera, and your questionable photography skills, thus making it one of the most immersive adventure games out there. But that’s the charm. It’s a reminder that Pokémon aren’t just battle machines, they have personalities, habits, and moments of pure magic.
If you’ve ever wanted a break from being a trainer, and observe a Pokémon in their natural habitat, this might just become your favorite Pokémon game.
Get the best deal on New Pokémon Snap >
4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2022 | Game Freak |
This is the game where Pokémon finally stopped waiting around for you to throw a Poké Ball and started throwing hands instead. Seriously, wild Pokémon here don’t just stare blankly while you sneak up on them – they will attack on sight.
It’s an open-world adventure where the goal isn’t just to catch ‘em all, but to survive long enough to do so. And let me tell you, when an Alpha Pokémon locks eyes with you, you start questioning every life choice that led to this moment.
For someone who grew up on traditional Pokémon video games, this was a massive shift. It ditches the usual Gym structure for a more exploration-based approach, making you actually work for your captures. The semi-open world feels fresh, the revamped battle mechanics keep things exciting, and the historical setting adds a new layer of depth.
If you’ve ever wanted a Pokémon Legends experience that actually makes you feel like a researcher braving the wild, this is it.
Get your Nintendo gift card today >
5. Pokémon Sword and Shield
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo Switch | 2019 | Game Freak |
There’s nothing quite like stepping into a new Pokémon adventure, only to realize that this time, battles happen in front of a screaming stadium crowd, and your Pokémon can suddenly grow ten times their normal size.
Pokémon Sword and Shield throws you into a world packed with towering creatures, lively cities, and a massive open space where I spent way too much time chasing after rare spawns instead of, you know, progressing through the game.
The battles are faster, the landscapes are gorgeous, and let’s not forget the multiplayer raids – chaotic, unpredictable, and absolutely addicting. Some Pokémon designs might make you question reality – yes, there’s one that looks like whipped cream – but the thrill of exploring and battling never gets old.
Whether you’ve been around since the early days or just looking for your first Pokémon game, this one makes sure you have plenty to experience.
Grab a Pokemon Sword and Shield Expansion pass >
6. Pokémon Puzzle League
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo 64, Virtual Console | 2000 | Nintendo Software Technology |
A Pokémon game without catching or battling? Sounds like someone mixed up their game cartridges, but this one’s a classic. Instead of sending my favorite Pokémon into battle, I spent hours lining up colored blocks like it’s the only job you have left.
The game throws gym leaders at you in a puzzle showdown where the real enemy isn’t their Pokémon – it’s the speed of your own hands. Blink for too long, and suddenly, your screen is a disaster zone.
But let’s be honest – if you’ve played previous games expecting deep strategy, this one will feel like a fever dream. No type-advantages, no EV training – just pure puzzle frenzy. It’s weird, addicting, and a great way to spend an afternoon.
Maybe it’s the challenge, maybe it’s the nostalgia, or maybe I just like the falling blocks. Either way, it’s a Pokémon game with its own unique style.
7. Pokémon Go
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| iOS, Android | 2016 | Niantic |
This game did what no other Pokémon game ever could – it got people outside. Suddenly, parks were filled with grown adults sprinting after invisible Pokémon, while businesses became unwilling PokéStops.
The game uses AR to see Pokémon appear in the real world. Your local coffee shop could suddenly have a Snorlax chilling out in the corner, or you might spot a wild Charizard flying over the city skyline.
With over 500 million downloads and an average rating of 4.5 stars, Pokémon Go turned an entire generation of gamers into trainers. Unlike traditional Pokémon, this one doesn’t trap you in endless text boxes – you just walk, throw Poké Balls, and hope your battery doesn’t die first.
Whether you love it or rage-quit after missing a Legendary Raid, you have to admit – Pokémon Go turned the whole world into a playground.
8. Pokémon Emerald
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Game Boy Advance | 2004 | Game Freak |
Yes! Pokémon Emerald – the game that made me fall in love with Hoenn and its tropical vibes. Forget the other games where you’re simply catching critters. Here, you get a bit of everything. From battling Team Aqua and Team Magma to exploring the mysterious Battle Frontier, it’s like Pokémon’s greatest hits all packed into one.
This classic Pokémon game, offers turn-based combat gameplay, gym challenges, and enough hidden areas to keep you exploring for hours. With a solid 4.5-star rating, Pokémon Emerald holds a special place in the hearts of fans. It blends nostalgia with gameplay depth that even modern Pokémon have struggled to top.
Whether you’re a pro looking for a challenge or a newcomer wanting to get lost in the Hoenn region, this one’s got you covered.
9. Pokémon Conquest
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Nintendo DS | 2012 | Tecmo Koei |
When you think of Pokémon style games, you probably don’t expect turn-based strategy and warfare, but that’s exactly what Pokémon Conquest delivers. This game throws you into the Pokémon universe with a whole new twist – strategizing your way to victory by commanding an army of warriors and their Pokémon partners.
The game fuses the Pokémon franchise with Nobunaga’s Ambition (yes, you read that right), creating a tactical masterpiece. It may not have the wild popularity of other games, but it still holds up for those seeking something different. Pokémon conquest is combined with strategy, and if you’re looking for a challenge, this one won’t let you down.
It’s the perfect blend of Pokémon and strategic depth that few expected, but many ended up loving.
Get the best deals on Nintendo eShop Gift Cards >
10. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
| Platforms | Year of release | Developer |
| Game Boy Advance | 2004 | Game Freak |
The remake that made the Pokémon world rejoice! Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen brought us back to the original Kanto region, but this time with improved graphics and some much-needed modernization. The gameplay gets a fresh coat of paint, and let’s not forget the Nostalgia Factor.
These games are what made Pokémon fans sentimental, as they faithfully recreated the originals while adding new elements that brought it into the 21st century.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen is one of the most beloved games around. For fans of the original Pokémon Red and Blue, this is the perfect way to relive the journey with updated visuals and quality-of-life improvements.
Whether you’re a Pokémon veteran or a newcomer curious about Kanto’s legacy, FireRed and LeafGreen are a must-play.
FAQs
What Pokémon game is the most popular?
Pokémon Go is the reigning champion. It’s the one that made everyone walk outside, pretending to “catch ‘em all” while secretly just trying to get a rare one.
What’s the best Pokémon game to start with?
Probably Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield. They’re beginner-friendly, and hey, the whole point is to catch Pokémon – the harder stuff comes later.
What is the longest Pokémon game?
Pokémon Sword and Shield take the crown. You’ll spend countless hours hunting for rare Pokémon and battling in gyms. You’ll blink and find out it’s been a week.
Which is the shortest Pokémon game?
Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee win for speed. Catching a Pokémon in this game is like a walk in the park – no challenge at all.
Which Pokémon game has the most legendaries?
Pokémon Sword and Shield have a hefty collection of legendaries. You’ll probably end up with a Pokémon army by the end.
