The 10 Best Pokémon Video Games Ever Made

One of the most challenging video game series to discuss is The Pokémon, and for good reason. The Pokémon series made a grand debut in 1996, and since then, it brought gamers worldwide numerous game sequences. 

The games from this series have continued to become genuinely personal among many. Some praise the first game released in the series, while others exalt and have special places in their hearts for those they think brought the best combat experience or storyline. 

Conclusively, deciding the best Pokémon games is a personal choice and reference. Still, we feel that these ten were unique contributions and left a tenacious impact.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)

Many Pokémon fans were not ready for this entry and were taken by surprise when it was introduced to the Nintendo Switch. This game was a heroic move for the series, and it offered a more open-world gaming experience. 

You were required to lurk, explore, and evade enemy Pokémon attacks, but the game’s epic storyline in the Hisui region is what made the game truly unique. Unlike the turn-based battles, you could sneak up on Pokémon, study their behaviours and capture them directly in the wild.

Gamers travelled to a distant past when human and Pokémon relations were shaky. The fresh perspective and innovative mechanics the game offered the Pokémon formula earned it massive praise and follow-up.

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (2010)

These were remakes of the Pokémon Gold and Silver. The games brought forth the legendary Steel- and Dark types and gave players the opportunity to revisit Kanto’s past region. Because Gold and Silver had this and a lot more, reasonably, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver turned out to be even more loved. 

They added the PokéWalker device, which allowed for more interaction as gamers could now go on real walks with their Pokémon for in-game rewards. By capturing the magic that came with the original and adding more modern touches, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were excellent makeovers.

Pokémon Emerald (2004)

Pokémon Emerald was released for GBA in 2004 to become the third Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire model. But what made this game stand out was that it featured content from the two games that came before, alongside new content specifically formulated just for it. 

Even though the original storyline was practically similar, any hardcore Pokémon fan will tell you that the changes that came with Pokémon Emerald were impeccable. In this game, players could explore the Hoenn region with added elements that made their journey feel fresh and engaging.

For instance, the game introduced the Battle Frontier, which allowed you to take part in various battle dynamics. This feature became a gamer’s treasure since it allowed you to keep catching Pokémon and play the game once you completed the original storyline.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)

These games focused on a lot of content and honest effort, giving the Pokémon franchise a revolutionary Gen 5. They had a different approach to the initial Pokémon Black and White and blended the Pokémon of the Unova region with other creatures. Ultimately, the variety of the team potential made gaming more enjoyable. 

Visually, the games capitalized on the DS hardware, delivering intricate details, dense cities, and stunning 3D vistas. The post-game was incredible and made you sharpen how you battled at the White Treehollow and Black Tower as you tried to catch various legendaries.

Pokémon X & Y (2013)

These were the games that officially marked the Pokémon series’ changeover to the Nintendo 3DS. They featured 3D graphics, giving a tremendous transformation and updates that hadn’t been experienced before.

Set in the scenic Kalos region, Pokémon X & Y brought about the Fairy type for balancing the dynamics, 72 extra Pokémon, and the Mega Evolutions, which allowed particular Pokémon to evolve more powerfully. These additions and the Kanto starters made these two games ultimate hits, starting a new and beloved era for the franchise.

Pokémon Sword & Shield (2019)

Pokémon Sword and Shield came with impressive gaming qualities that allowed for innovativeness, experimentation, and flowing fun. The games introduced gamers to the Galar region and made competitive battling and casual gym-badge acquiring worth it despite lacking a proper National Pokédex.

One of the standout additions was the Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing mechanics, which allowed Pokémon to grow to enormous sizes during battles, enhancing their abilities and adding a thrilling new dynamic to combat strategies.

Pokémon frolicking in the overworld replaced random encounters, making backtracking and exploration delightful. You could change Pokémon moves from the Pokémon Center, and the introduction of breeding mechanics and Nature mints made the games more realistic.

Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (2014)

These games may have felt somehow like Pokémon X & Y in some sense or as expected. However, the environments and the storyline you encountered felt unique and fresh. With the powerful 3DS hardware, the games had improved gameplay, graphics, and soundtrack and featured better mega designs. 

Even though some gamers criticized these entries for not having excellent stunts or feeling bland, maybe for lacking the Battle Frontier, they were a fantastic culmination of innovative content and the typical Pokémon with a more in-depth story. They also introduced the thrilling Delta Episode, a post-game adventure that delved deeper into the lore of the Hoenn region and the mysteries of Mega Evolution.

Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon (2017)

These games brought Pokémon fans back to the Alola region but with a very different storyline compared to the predecessors, Pokémon Sun & Moon. Apart from several additional Z-moves, the games also had new Pokémon forms and Rotom Dex improvements like more affection and added powers. 

Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon fixed previous pacing issues, expanded the Ultra Beasts, and introduced a legit Ultra Warp Ride feature.

Pokémon GO (2016)

Pokémon GO took over the gaming world after The Pokémon franchise joined efforts with Niantic in 2016 for an augmented reality Pokémon-catching experience. Everyone remembers the magical Summer when everybody seemed to be outside on their own Pokémon adventure. 

Pokémon GO was impressively robust owing to how the game brought a more realistic gaming approach to the Pokémon universe. You felt like an actual Pokémon trainer on an adventure. 

The impact of this game was global and inspired millions of people to go outdoors for exploration and physical activity. The game was an unending entertainment experience, spawning special gaming events.

New Pokémon Snap (2021)

We can all agree that Pokémon Snap was a fabulous and beloved spin-off back in the day. But then came the New Pokémon Snap in 2021. This game magnificently redefined the joy of Pokémon photography. It featured more Pokémon, fun animations, puzzles, branching paths, environs, and photo possibilities Pokémon Snap could not dream of. 

The creatures were adorable, and the interactions they birthed were delightful. This was a befitting expansion to a very inventive spin-off, making it worth mentioning.

In the end, the popularity of these top 10 games highlights their timeless appeal, consistently drawing players into the captivating world of Pokémon. Whether it’s battling, exploring, or simply catching ’em all, Pokémon games continue to offer joy and adventure, proving their lasting impact on the gaming community and beyond.