Since its inception in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has become a cultural phenomenon. It has spawned various merchandise, anime, films, and video games, becoming a beloved franchise of fans all over the world. Nintendo, the company behind the Pokémon video games, has seen massive success with its latest console, the Nintendo Switch. In this article, we’ll explore the Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, how they differ from previous games in the franchise, and what makes them a must-play for fans and newcomers alike.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! were released in November 2018 for the Nintendo Switch. These games are remakes of the original Pokémon Yellow Version, released in 1998 for the Game Boy. The games are set in the Kanto region and follow the same storyline as the original game.
The biggest difference between the Let’s Go games and other Pokémon games is the gameplay mechanics. The Let’s Go games are designed to be more accessible to newcomers to the franchise. The catching system is similar to the one used in the popular mobile game, Pokémon Go. Players no longer have to battle wild Pokémon to catch them; instead, they can throw Poké Balls directly at them to catch them.
In addition to the changes in the catching system, Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! have also removed random encounters. Players can now see Pokémon wandering around in the overworld and choose which ones they want to encounter. This change makes it easier for players to catch specific Pokémon they want for their team.
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield were released in November 2019 for the Nintendo Switch. These games are set in the Galar region, based on the United Kingdom. Like other games in the franchise, the player must catch and train Pokémon to become the best trainer in the region.
The biggest change in Pokémon Sword and Shield is the introduction of Dynamax and Gigantamax forms. These are special forms that Pokémon can take during battles. Dynamax Pokémon become larger and more powerful, while Gigantamax Pokémon take on unique appearances and gain special moves. The introduction of these new forms adds a new layer of strategy to battles and makes them more exciting.
Another new feature in Sword and Shield is the Wild Area. The Wild Area is a large open area where players can encounter Pokémon of varying levels. The Wild Area also features weather conditions that affect the types of Pokémon that can be encountered. Players can also participate in Max Raid Battles in the Wild Area, where they team up with other players to battle powerful Dynamax Pokémon.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX was released in March 2020 for the Nintendo Switch. This game is a remake of the original Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, which were released for the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS.
In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, players take on the role of a human who has been transformed into a Pokémon. They must explore dungeons to rescue other Pokémon and solve the mystery of why they have been turned into a Pokémon.
The biggest change in Rescue Team DX is the updated graphics. The game has been given a complete overhaul, with new 3D graphics that give the game a more modern look. The gameplay mechanics remain largely the same as in the original games, with turn-based combat and randomly generated dungeons.
Conclusion:
The Pokémon franchise has been a staple of Nintendo’s video game lineup for over two decades. The Nintendo Switch has seen the release of several Pokémon games that have brought new gameplay mechanics and updates to the beloved franchise.