With over 1,000 Pokémon across 100+ games, it’s safe to say the Pokémon series has been a bit of a success. We’re talking about a cultural juggernaut that has been dominating the media landscape to some degree or another for over a quarter of a century. Pokémon games are still being made (even if not very well), with new entries in the mainline series still being a significant event. The cartoon is still in production. And we can’t forget about the shockingly enduring Pokémon Go with 80+ million players at time of writing still getting in the way in your local Tesco.
What we’re saying is, a lot of people still love a game series that boils down to traveling the world, putting Pocket Monsters into your pocket balls, and capturing them to battle other players and force them to be your best friend.
Choosing the very best Pokémon games is no easy task. These are some of the most beloved video games of the last 25 years. Which game (or games) offers the definitive Pokémon experience?
20. Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
We think that the general public wanted to like the Switch release Pokémon Scarlet & Violet a whole lot more than they ultimately did. The three-arc story is quite frankly fantastic, with likable characters and a genuinely surprising conclusion. This was the first Pokémon game to go fully open world, and there’s something to be said for the moments in which Scarlet & Violet both pull this off successfully. Scarlet & Violet is immersive and fun in the best of times when it is at least co-operating with you.
On the other hand, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are also graphically unremarkable at best, if not downright ugly at worst. This might be easy to forgive if the game didn’t severely suffer in the performance department on the Switch, with Game Freak clearly struggling to figure the system out. We’re several patches in at this point, and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet still feels weirdly unfinished — and it probably never will be, but dig through the dirt and there’s some genuine gold here.
19. Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee!
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The 2019 Switch games Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu! and Let’s Go Eevee! wanted to be a good starting point for potential new fans, while also offering enough to appeal to those who had been playing these games for 20 years. Not only do you get the original 151 Pokémon here, but you also get their Mega Evolved forms and Alolan forms. Visiting the reimagined Kanto region is also a big treat for longtime players.
The only knock against Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee we really have is that the gameplay itself can make anyone over the age of about 10 years old feel like the game is basically your older sibling unplugging your controller so they can play the game for you. This is to be expected with games that take the main inspiration for its mechanics from Pokémon Go, meaning it’s all a bit simplistic.
But that doesn’t do much to deter the fun for those who just want a quick trip back to Kanto.
18. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Sword and Shield is a fascinating, frustrating pair of games in the Pokémon canon. The visual punch of seeing your Pokémon battle it out in a massive, absolutely packed stadium or out in the wild in 3D is offset by mediocre dungeons, an anticlimactic story, and plenty of absolutely terrible textures on the Switch.
Pokémon Sword and Shield is a decidedly imperfect experience, but the highs are often just as dramatic as the lows. Some of the frustrations people have with these games make a lot of sense, but those frustrations are more often than not offset by great Pokémon designs, quality of life improvements that erase some of the grindier elements of a Pokémon game, and enough potential gameplay depth to keep you busy for a very long time.
While perhaps not as graphically strong as some people were hoping for while also featuring a surprisingly concise Pokedex, Sword and Shield can still take you to a bright, immersive, and engaging world.
17. Pokémon Sun and Moon
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The experience of Poké Pelago is just one of the joys of Pokémon Sun and Moon, released in 2016 as the first games in the series’ seventh generation. Sun and Moon were also the first Pokémon games released to the 3DS, which would be home to some of the best Pokemon games of all time.
Sun and Moon offered improved polygonal 3D graphics, a well-rounded story with equally memorable characters and surprising dark turns and made some bold changes to the Pokémon formula. The most notable changes are the expansion of the riding Pokémon concept, and in replacing traditional gym battles with the Island Challenge form of progression.
Sun and Moon unfortunately are also far too easy and linear, and there aren’t a whole lot of new Pokémon here to get excited about. But these games would get better, as you’ll see later.
16. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl offered players the most robust catching experience in the series thus far. Between Diamond and Pearl alone you could potentially catch 445 out of the 493 that were available at the time. The familiar day/night system of games past is part of the larger sense of these games feeling like a continuation and improvement of the previous titles. Diamond and Pearl don’t do anything bold or inventive with the formula, and at the time of this game’s release to the DS in 2007, that was perfectly fine.
Diamond and Pearl introduced the extremely useful Heal Ball, but it doesn’t help that the new Pocket Monsters added to the games are by and large a little on the unremarkable side.
15. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2002, Ruby and Sapphire received ambitious remakes in 2014 for the 3DS with Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Changing up the locations and challenges in the Hoenn Region is just one of the ways these remakes distinguished themselves from the GBA originals. While the basic story and characters remain intact, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are loaded up with new features like a delightful new quest called “The Delta Episode,” and Nintendo have given everything a serious graphical glow-up.
It’s hard to find very many faults with this remake. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire may have the occasionally annoying fetch quest, but it’s still a worthwhile entry that’s still a lot of fun to play.
14. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
As remakes go, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen get far more right than not. Remaking the games that started it all is a challenge, but Game Freak updated these classics for the Game Boy Advance in 2004 in excellent fashion. The wireless adapter was a nice feature for this 20-year-old GBA release, but how does the rest of these games fare in the present day?
As it turns out, quite well. These games still have a place in many players’ hearts, as FireRed and LeafGreen updated its source material where it counts, particularly in terms of giving us improved graphics and art, some new Pokémon, and games that still feels like it opens up the Kanto region in a really appealing way. It doesn’t have the magic of the originals, but it’s a very good example of how to do a remake that can stand on its own.
13. Pokémon Conquest
Developer: Tecmo Koei
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Conquest is a tactical RPG set in the Pokémon universe we know and love. Developed by Tecmo Koei, who knows a thing or two about tactical RPGs, Pokémon Conquest always manages to feel like a game that’s part of the Pokémon world, even if the gameplay is wildly different from anything that had come before it in the Pokémon franchise.
Pokémon Conquest isn’t about capturing Pokémon. The game has you linking up with your monsters to battle against the opposing armies of the seventeen kingdoms that make up this game. While a deeper story might have been nice, Conquest creates a satisfying hybrid that appealed to both Pokémon fans and tactical RPG enthusiasts then and should do the same now.
12. Pokémon X & Y
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon X & Y is the sort of nostalgia that we always like to see from Nintendo. Something that draws very clearly from the past, but with an eye towards what the games can do in the present. In this case, both Pokémon X and Pokémon Y feature lush, polygonal 3D landscapes, fantastic Pokémon designs, and exceptional camera minigames using the 3DS’ gyroscope. This makes the sixth generation of the Pokémon franchise another example of the series moving along in the right direction.
The introduction of a completely new Pokémon group in the form of Fairy-type Pokémon signaled that the series could still surprise you with its creative choices. Excellent, nostalgic gameplay also benefits from a few crucial tweaks, including Mega Evolution.
11. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The 3DS already had some stellar Pokémon games by the time Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were released in late 2017. Yet Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon proved there was plenty of innovation and fun to be found in this series. Longtime players enjoyed the return of many Gen 1 Pokémon with new Alolan forms, and additions like powerhouse Z-moves and new story beats made this feel like an essential evolution of Pokémon Sun and Moon. The Festival Plaza alone makes Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon a worthy sendoff for the Pokémon series on the 3DS.
The post-game content for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon is also worth highlighting. Let’s just say there’s enough throwbacks to classic villains and battles to satisfy just about anyone.
10. Pokémon Gold and Silver
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Gold and Silver had arguably the toughest job of any Pokémon sequel. They had to follow up Red/Blue/Green and the fact that those games had set the tone for a new, extremely popular franchise. Thankfully, as we all know, Pokémon Gold and Silver met our expectations to near perfection. Appearing on the Game Boy Color nearly 25 years ago, Gold and Silver offered a dizzying array of new Pokémon, some of whom are iconic today, refined gameplay, and an almost overwhelming abundance of post-game content.
With over 100 new Pokémon, 2 new Pokémon types, and tons of new moves, Pokémon Gold and Silver was an awesome sequel. The graphics might look a little outdated today, but this splash of color gave the Kanto region a whole new look in 2000.
9. Pokémon Black and White
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Black and White proved the series could handle a relatively more mature story, with your antagonists here operating under the belief that Pokémon deserve to roam free. It was an interesting question then and remains one now, and it’s fascinating to see a Pokémon game that emphasizes story and characters to a much greater degree than in the past, but you still have new gameplay features like triple battles and rotation battles.
As you’ll find out quickly, Pokémon Black and White doesn’t skimp on gameplay, with a lengthy main quest and some of our favorite Pokémon sprite graphics, with some excellent battle animations. Reusable Technical Machines and the inclusion of seasons only added to the immersion Pokémon could now achieve. This is still an eminently likable, if not a little overly simple, Pokémon game.
8. Pokémon Platinum
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The Battle Frontier, some compelling Pokémon transformations, and the welcomed return of features like The Battle Tower are just a few of the reasons why Pokémon Platinum was a worthy addition to Diamond and Pearl. Pokémon Platinum has more going for it than just a bigger Pokédex, including access to a greater number of Mythical and Legendary Pokémon.
There’s a story greatly expanded from Diamond and Pearl, with the introduction of legendary Pokémon Giratina, that adds considerable depth to the narrative established in the other two games. The presence of Distortion World is another reminder that Game Freak was willing to do new, unexpected things, and put players in a situation of facing some of the toughest puzzles in the entire series. Without losing the essentials of classic Pokémon gameplay and worldbuilding that feels like a continuation of Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum has so much to recommend it.
7. Pokémon Crystal
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
For many fans, the first two generations of Pokémon represent the best of the series. To that end, Pokémon Crystal is a wonderful farewell to not only the 2nd generation, but a distinct era in the development of the franchise. The first game in the series to offer players a female character to choose, Crystal gave players a robust story, cute animations for the Pokémon sprites, and some essential tweaks to the UI. As a remake of the Gold and Silver games, it has neat little additions like making specific Legendary Pokémon available only if you’ve achieved specific tasks.
The level of depth and detail to Pokémon Crystal would of course be surpassed with time. However, there’s something seriously admirable about the depth and detail to this 2001 Game Boy Color game.
6. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
With an emphasis on exploring and some truly addictive catching mechanics, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is easily the best modern Pokémon title. While there’s some debate about whether this game is a mainline Pokémon release, it’s hard to deny that Game Freak still has a pretty good idea of how to make a Pokémon game fun.
From crafting to a surprisingly varied degree of challenge from the wild Pokémon you’ll encounter, Arceus is a game that pleasantly surprises you again and again with its ability to feel like a completely new game. At the same time, everything from the gameplay to the graphics still feel very much at home in the Pokémon universe. It’s a delicate balance to maintain, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus stays the course. It’s also nice to have a Pokemon game that lets you evolve your monsters all on your own.
5. Pokémon Red and Blue
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
It’s almost surreal to consider that 25+ years have now passed since the release of Pokémon Red and Blue. The games that started it all are certainly showing their age, but the sheer joy of traveling to locations, capturing Pokémon, and defeating gym leaders in battles that still run to pretty difficult lengths is still very much apparent in any playthrough. This is the foundation for Pokémon games that can still be found in the titles being released today. The historical significance of Pokémon Red and Blue, which introduced such concepts as Poké Balls, the Pokédex, and the Kanto region. There’s a lot of history and lore wrapped in games that are still enjoyable.
And of course, Pokémon Red and Blue introduced us to such creatures as Pikachu, Charmander, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and many, many more. There’s an old-school charm to all of this that you just can’t resist.
4. Pokémon Emerald
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Emerald really shines at taking some of the best elements of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and creating something quite brilliant, if not terribly inventive. At least, it’s not quite as groundbreaking a remake as some of the others we’ve covered, but obviously, we’re still talking about one of the best Pokémon games ever made. The Battle Tower in the post-game content is a treat, and being able to capture Kyogre, Groudon, and Rayquaza in a single game certainly has appeal.
There’s also the Johto League Pokémon, which become available once you’ve gotten past the Elite Four. Pokémon Emerald gives you plenty of motivation to get to the post-game content, too, with a strong story centered around the Elite Four and the Hoenn region that gets some updates of its own, as well.
3. Pokémon Black and White 2
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
The only direct sequels in the entire Pokémon franchise, Black and White 2 is another distinct example of how far the series has come from Red and Blue. You can very easily feel the spirit of those games in the mechanics and even atmosphere of Black and White 2, but these 2012 Nintendo DS releases expand on and improve upon those qualities in a variety of ways. Boldly redesigned gyms and the ability to encounter beloved Pokémon right from the beginning are just two examples of how Black and White 2 is more than just a simple retread. You’re also going to appreciate little touches, such as a smoother and easier-to-use interface.
Pokémon Black and White 2 also continues the deeper, relatively darker story that was established in the first Black and White games. It’s a worthy sequel to two exceptional Pokémon games.
2. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire brought the world of Pokémon into a vibrant world of relatively stunning color on the Game Boy Advance in 2003. This release to us is as important as Red and Blue, arguably more so because Ruby and Sapphire had to truly prove that Pokémon was more than just a fad with decently long legs. These games ushered in the 3rd generation, and they did this with extraordinary form and function. Ruby and Sapphire still look beautiful, with bright backgrounds and excellent Pokémon sprites.
Ruby and Sapphire also play supremely well, with minor improvements such as new abilities that were specific to certain Pokémon types. These were also the games that introduced us to 2v2 Double Battles and different Pokémon natures influencing their stats. A lot of innovation to be found in Ruby and Sapphire, while also focusing on the gameplay that made these games another massive success for Nintendo and Game Freak.
1. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Developer: Game Freak
Publisher: Nintendo
With two sprawling regions to explore, not to mention the Pokéathlon and the Battle Frontier, it’s safe to say that Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are going to keep you busy for a really long time. Released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS as remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, the bar was high to improve upon two of the best games in the Pokémon franchise. HeartGold and SoulSilver succeed at this, but also add such a mass of new content that it’s easy to regard them as wholly original games.
Some of the best dungeons in the series, including Mt. Silver and the Unknown Dungeon, can be found in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, while the Safari Zone gives you a rough idea of just how many Pokémon are packed into this release. The art style is bright and memorable, and it might be a small touch, but just having our Pokémon walk around with us is emotionally satisfying. You can boil down the very best of Pokémon, in terms of why people are still devouring these games after two and half decades, and the end result will be HeartGold and SoulSilver.
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