The Best Console Games For Pokemon Fans
The beloved Pokemon franchise is still going strong after all these years, with plenty of new games to keep fans busy and happy. With modern consoles, you can still catch and train Pokemon on the go, just like in the original Gameboy days. Except for this time, there are huge 3D worlds to explore and more monsters than ever. Continue on to learn more about the top video games for Pokemon fans.
What to Look For
To bring you the best Pokemon games, we looked at a few different aspects of each game: What type of gameplay is it, such as a 3D open world or top-down view? Does it have online play? And what kind of Pokemon does it have? For example, if you like old-school Pokemon games with a top-down view, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond might be up your alley. It’s just like the original DS game but with revamped graphics — it even has online trading. For a change of pace, check out the 3D semi-open world of Pokemon Legends of Arceus. It turns the traditional formula for these games on its head and is a beautiful journey with breathtaking new monsters to catch. Read on for more info on these awesome Pokemon Switch games.
Pokemon Scarlet
Catch them all
With each Pokemon iteration, new boundaries are pushed for the series. In this iteration, you explore the open world of Paldea with a custom character. Pokemon are visibly scattered around for you to engage in combat and capture. We really like the world this game establishes: it’s vibrant, with unique towns and sections so you feel like you’re exploring a new world. With hundreds of critters to catch, there’s plenty to keep you busy on your journey to becoming a Pokemon master.
Pros:
- Enough challenge and content for more hardcore gamers, while still easy enough for casual gaming
- There are random events and mystery gifts online to acquire items
- An engaging storyline that isn’t linear
Cons:
- Released a bit buggy and with an occasional crash, but over time these will be patched
Pokemon Violet
Your journey awaits
Pokemon has finally joined modern gaming with this game. Explore the beautiful landscape of Paldea as you collect and train various new Pokemon. You’ll befriend a legendary Pokemon that turns into a motorbike, on which you can ride around to venture into the wilderness. As an open-world game, you’ll be backtracking to various areas frequently. You’re totally free to choose which quests to take and in which order. A new feature is the “Let’s go” mode, where you can set your main fighter to combat wild Pokemon automatically while you continue about your business in the overworld. Once your Pokemon has been worn out, it won’t be able to battle until you replenish its health.
Pros:
- You can make sandwiches to boost the stats of your Pokemon
- Online cooperative play lets you adventure with up to three friends
- Plenty of customization options for your character
- Seamless transition between overworld and battles
Cons:
- The open world can be a bit overwhelming if you’re used to more linear gameplay
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The world is your oyster
Things are a bit different in this Pokemon game. Legends: Arceus changes the standard formula of Pokemon. First off, it’s a semi-open world with roaming pokemon to catch. Instead of just catching one of each Pokemon, players are encouraged to catch multiple sets of the same species. By doing this, you help the Professor research Pokemon and unlock the mysteries of Hisui. Another change is the absence of gyms and gym leaders, as well as far fewer trainer battles. Most of your time will be spent fighting and capturing wild Pokemon.
Pros:
- Gryo controls make catching Pokemon more immersive
- Ridable Pokemon can be used to get around quickly
- Plenty of ways to craft and accumulate useful items
- Can hold the left trigger to go into first-person mode smoothly, which can also use gyro controls
Cons:
- The graphics could be a bit better
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond
It’s been about a decade since the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl were released on the Nintendo DS. They were incredible games, and these remakes absolutely do the classic versions justice. Brilliant Diamond features updated graphics to retell this marvelous story. It plays true to the original, with a few quality-of-life improvements. One of our favorites is the return of a feature that was originally from Pokemon Yellow: your Pokemon can walk behind you as you adventure.
Pros:
- You can now use HMs without needing a Pokemon to learn the move
- Unlike the original game, you can trade online in this one
- The Grand Underground has even more hidden treasures
- You can choose which Pokemon follows you around in the overworld
Cons:
- Might be a bit simplistic for gamers looking for a challenge
Pokemon Sword
Embark on a grand adventure
Pokemon Sword and Shield were the long-awaited next generation of Pokemon games, the first of the modern games on the Switch. They arrived on the console a few years ago, yet are still just as worthy of picking up. In Pokemon Sword, you go through the familiar Pokemon routine: catching and leveling up Pokemon, battling trainers and gym leaders, and discovering every part of the world to find legendary creatures. In Sword and Shield, however, this happens in a large 3D world with Pokemon roaming free. This series also introduced a new element: Gigantamax Pokemon, huge versions of monsters that deal a ton of damage.
Pros:
- Great competitive online scene, with multiple types of matches
- Downloadable content extends the gameplay and introduces new locations, Pokemon, and gear
- A fun story that’s great for all ages and easy to follow
Cons:
- The linear gameplay might not be for everyone’s taste
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pokemon are there now?
As of today, there are 1,010 unique Pokemon. In every iteration of the game, new Pokemon are released along with old favorites. With the latest games, Scarlet and Violet, 107 new Pokemon have joined the Pokedex.
How do you catch legendary Pokemon?
First, you’ll want to stock up on Ultra Balls and Great Balls, and potions to heal your monsters. Once in battle, whittle the legendary monster’s health down to a sliver of red. Then use a move that paralyzes it. After that, it’s a matter of waiting as you throw Ultra balls at it to wear it down while restoring your Pokemon’s health with potions. Eventually, you should be able to capture the legendary beast.
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With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.