15 Best Pokémon Games Ranked And Reviewed

by  John Uke Last update: August 30, 2024

Pokémon games have been a staple in the gaming world for over 26 years. With so many titles released, it can be tough to determine which ones stand out as the very best. We at GameTree have tested and ranked 15 of the best Pokémon games that provide the most engaging gameplay, depth, and replayability that any fan is sure to enjoy. From the classics to the latest releases, these are the games that should be on every Pokémon master’s list.

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15 Best Pokemon Games Of All Time That Every Fan Will Enjoy

For over two decades, Pokémon games have delighted fans with their fun turn-based battles, expansive worlds to explore, and hundreds of unique creatures to catch and train. Let’s dive into the 15 titles that truly captured the magic of the Pokémon universe from top to bottom.

15. Pokémon Diamond & Pearl

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl are 2006 RPG games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. This fourth generation of Pokémon games introduced 107 new creatures and took place in the new Sinnoh region. The gameplay involves catching and battling Pokémon while defeating gym leaders and stopping the evil Team Galactic. I recall the rush of excitement exploring the Sinnoh region for the first time, the challenge of strategizing against each gym leader’s unique lineup, and the satisfaction of unveiling Team Galactic’s plot, all of which made these games a defining part of my Pokémon adventure.

14. Pokémon X & Y

Pokémon X and Y are 2013 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. As the first installments in the sixth generation of Pokémon games, X and Y introduced 72 new Pokémon and took place in the new Kalos region. The games focus on the player capturing and battling Pokémon while defeating eight gym leaders. Venturing through the Kalos region, inspired by the beauty and romance of France, brought a new level of elegance and grandeur to my Pokémon experience. The introduction of Mega Evolutions brought a thrilling twist to battles, reinvigorating my strategies and attachment to my favorite Pokémon.

13. Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are 2002 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance. As the first installments in the third generation of Pokémon games, Ruby and Sapphire introduced 135 new Pokémon and took place in the Hoenn region. The gameplay involves battling and catching Pokémon while trying to become the champion. The rich, diverse environments of Hoenn, filled with mysteries like the Regi trio and underwater diving, made my quest feel epic and vibrant. Each victory and discovery felt like a personal triumph, and the introduction of weather effects and secret bases added layers of strategy and personalization that deeply enriched my journey to become the Pokémon Champion.

12. Pokémon Red And Blue

Pokémon Red and Blue are 1996 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy. These first generation Pokémon games introduced 151 Pokémon and took place in the Kanto region. The goal is to catch all the Pokémon while defeating gym leaders and the Elite Four. Playing these as a kid, the sense of wonder and excitement was unmatched; each route, gym, and Pokémon felt like a discovery. The simple yet profound joy of capturing and evolving Pokémon and the pride in assembling a team to take on the Elite Four are cherished memories that laid the foundation for my enduring love for the Pokémon world.

11. Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition

Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition is an enhanced version of Pokémon Red and Blue developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1998. Following the anime, the player’s Pikachu follows them around on screen and refuses to stay in its Poké Ball. Having Pikachu follow me around felt like stepping into the anime itself, creating a unique bond as we journeyed through Kanto together. It was a delightful twist that made this version stand out, making every battle and interaction more personal and engaging. This special edition was not just a game; it was an adventure that felt alive and full of personality.

10. Pokémon Omega Ruby And Alpha Sapphire

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are enhanced remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014. These games allow you to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon while trying to defeat the evil Team Magma and Team Aqua. Revisiting the Hoenn region with updated graphics and features was a nostalgic yet fresh experience. The revamped storyline and the addition of Mega Evolutions breathed new life into my beloved team. Battling against the might of Team Magma and Team Aqua with the enhanced mechanics and immersive 3D graphics made every encounter more thrilling, reigniting my passion for the world of Pokémon. Definitely one of the best pokemon games for 3DS.

9. Pokémon FireRed And LeafGreen

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are enhanced remakes of Pokémon Red and Blue developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. The goal is to become the champion by collecting all 150 original Pokémon and defeating gym leaders like Misty and Brock. Returning to the Kanto region in these remakes was like a heartwarming journey back in time, but with the added bonus of improved graphics and gameplay. The updated visuals brought a new level of detail to the world, making the challenge of collecting Pokémon and conquering gym leaders even more immersive. Every victory against iconic leaders like Misty and Brock was a nod to the past and a toast to the future of Pokémon adventures.

8. Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO is an augmented reality mobile game developed by Niantic and published by Nintendo for iOS and Android devices in 2016. It allows players to capture, battle, and trade virtual Pokémon who appear in real-world locations such as parks and streets. The thrill of hunting Pokémon in the real world added an exciting, physical aspect to the experience, turning my daily walks into adventurous quests. The joy of catching a rare Pokémon right in my neighborhood or teaming up with friends to defeat a Raid Boss at the local landmark brought a sense of community and adventure that was both refreshing and nostalgic. Pokémon GO wasn’t just a game; it was a phenomenon that reignited the magic of Pokémon in a whole new way.

7. Pokémon Crystal

Pokémon Crystal is an enhanced version of Pokémon Gold and Silver developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color in 2000. It allows players to play as a boy or girl while traveling the Johto region to collect Pokémon and battle the Team Rocket organization. The option to choose my character’s gender was a groundbreaking feature that added a personal touch to my journey. Exploring Johto, with its rich folklore and diverse Pokémon, while unravelling Team Rocket’s schemes, made every moment feel epic. Pokémon Crystal not only expanded the world of Pokémon but also deepened my connection to it, making every encounter and battle a memorable part of my quest to become a Pokémon Master.

6. Pokémon Gold And Silver

Pokémon Gold and Silver are 1999 role-playing games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color. Taking place in the Johto region, these second generation games allow you to collect the original 151 Pokémon along with 100 new ones. Exploring Johto with its own unique lore and set of Pokémon while also having the chance to return to Kanto was an incredible experience that doubled the sense of adventure. The day and night cycle, introducing a real-time aspect to the game, made the world feel alive and dynamic. Catching new and familiar Pokémon across these rich, interconnected regions was a profound joy that expanded my love for the Pokémon universe.

5. Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a 2022 ARPG developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch. Set in the Hisui region, it allows you to catch Pokémon, complete research tasks, and stop a meteor from destroying the land. The game’s shift to an action RPG format was a thrilling evolution, immersing me in the vast landscapes of Hisui like never before. The sense of wonder was amplified as I sneaked through tall grass to catch Pokémon or took on the noble quest of stopping a catastrophic meteor. Every research task I completed felt like a contribution to Pokémon history, making Legends: Arceus a truly innovative and engaging experience in the Pokémon series, making this one of the best Pokemon games of all time.

4. Pokémon Black And White 2

Pokémon Black and White 2 are 2012 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. As direct sequels to Pokémon Black and White, these games introduce new legendaries and allow you to uncover new areas in the Unova region. Returning to Unova with its expanded map and story felt like a fresh adventure laced with nostalgia. The excitement of discovering new legendaries and exploring previously inaccessible areas gave a sense of continuous discovery and wonder. These sequels managed to enhance the rich narrative and diverse world of Unova, deepening my connection to the region and its inhabitants.

3. Pokémon Platinum

Pokémon Platinum is an enhanced version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS in 2008. It expands the Sinnoh Pokédex and allows you to control Giratina and face stronger gym leaders and the evil Team Galactic. Playing Platinum felt like revisiting an old friend with a new story to tell. The expanded Pokédex meant more Pokémon to discover and strategies to devise. Battling the revamped gym leaders and facing the enigmatic Team Galactic with Giratina at my side brought a satisfying challenge and depth to my journey through Sinnoh. Platinum didn’t just rekindle my love for the region; it set it ablaze with new memories and adventures.

2. Pokémon Emerald

Pokémon Emerald is an enhanced version of Ruby and Sapphire developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Advance in 2004. It allows you to catch both Groudon and Kyogre while traversing the Hoenn region and unraveling Team Aqua and Magma’s plans. Venturing through Hoenn in Emerald was a vivid reimagining of an already beloved adventure. The ability to catch both Groudon and Kyogre, along with facing the enhanced challenges of both Team Aqua and Magma, added layers of excitement and strategy. The Battle Frontier, with its varied challenges, was a test of skill and strategy that kept me engaged long after the main storyline ended, making Emerald a deeply fulfilling chapter in my Pokémon journey.

1. Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are enhanced remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo DS in 2009. Allowing you to traverse both Kanto and Johto, these games let you collect the original 251 Pokémon from the first two generations. Returning to the regions of Kanto and Johto with updated graphics and features was like a dream come true. The sense of journeying across two vast regions to collect all 251 Pokémon was exhilarating, filled with nostalgia yet brimming with new discoveries. The addition of the Pokéwalker accessory brought a delightful real-world aspect to training and bonding with my Pokémon. HeartGold and SoulSilver masterfully recaptured the magic of the originals while creating new, cherished memories of their own.

Top Pokemon Games You Can Still Play In 2024

When looking at the best Pokemon games in order, we have to address which of them are still playable now. Some of the best Pokémon game experiences are still readily available on modern platforms and worth revisiting, including:

• Pokémon GO on mobile devices
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus on Nintendo Switch
• Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl on Nintendo Switch
• Pokémon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch (which BTW has also made it to our list of best single-player Switch games)
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on Nintendo Switch (releasing late 2022)
• Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee on Nintendo Switch
• Pokemon Unite, which we think is one of the best multiplayer Switch games that you can play today.

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If you’re looking to connect with other passionate Pokémon gamers, be sure to check out GameTree. This awesome new app makes it easy to find fellow players in your area to trade tips or set up multiplayer battles. With an engaging community of fans, GameTree is the ultimate destination for Pokémon masters in 2024. Download it now to start your journey!

Final Thoughts

From the classic sprite-based adventures to the gorgeous 3D worlds, Pokémon games have brought joy to millions of fans for over 25 years and counting. With imaginative new creatures waiting to be discovered and nostalgia-packed remakes to revisit, the Pokémon series clearly deserves its reputation as one of the most beloved video game franchises of all time. Let us know your own favorites and we can’t wait to see what adventures Game Freak cooks up next!