Best Pokémon games — Our ranking of the very best, like no one ever was

If you’re thinking of checking out a Pokémon game or two, you’ve come to the right place. However, discerning which titles are the very best Pokémon games poses a significant challenge. While past games have visually aged, fans agree they remain timeless classics. However, the newer games have exciting new mechanics and greater accessibility, making for some tough choices.

This list is not intended as a firm ranking, while the entries further down do come with a higher level of recommendation, any choice from this list is a fantastic game in its own right. That said, we can build a clear ranking based on the following important questions: how easily can the average person find this game, how interesting are the mechanics, and most importantly, how fun is it to play? 

✓ VideoGamer Summary

• The highest spots on our best Pokémon games list are claimed by titles that have refined the series’ formula, offering depth, strong storytelling, and memorable innovations.
• Midway through the list, beloved remakes and creative spin-offs stand out for their fresh approaches and emotional impact.
• Recent entries appear prominently for their accessibility and bold new ideas, even if not every experiment lands perfectly.
• Earlier generations and foundational titles remain essential, celebrated for their lasting influence and nostalgic appeal.

10. Pokémon X and Y (3DS)

While Pokémon X and Y weren’t a massive leap forward for the franchise, they still have plenty to offer. Kalos is a charming, France-inspired region, while Mega Evolutions brought fresh designs to classic favorites. There are delightful references to the first generation of Pokémon titles, from a sleeping Snorlax to a sinister encounter with a Mewtwo. 

However, the experience has limits. Kalos feels underdeveloped, the story and villains are underwhelming, and the game is notably easy, often handing players tools that trivialize battles. Accessibility is also an issue, as copies still cost around $60 (£44.68), and a 3DS isn’t always easy to find.

9. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (DS)

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon is a cult classic Pokémon series, beloved by fans. Its gameplay is unique and makes for a refreshing break from series norms. With a focus on dungeon crawling, it feels much more in line with a typical RPG experience. Being a separate series, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon can escape the baggage of the mainline games, offering a novel experience with an emphasis on adventure and exploration. 

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is beloved not just for those reasons but also due to its emotional and gripping story. There are plenty of remarkable features for fans to enjoy, ranging from optional special episodes focusing on side characters to an especially strong soundtrack. There is plenty of fun post-game material and a lot of replay value on offer. It’s often cited as one of the best Pokémon DS games for fans who want a fresh take on the franchise.

8. Pokémon Fire Red and Leaf Green (GBA)

It is impossible to talk about the best Pokémon games ever and not talk about Generation 1. This generation was the trailblazer that started this series, cementing Pokémon’s status as a legendary franchise. Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow’s original release on the Game Boy popularised the monster-catching genre, kick-starting a global obsession with the pocket beasts that remains to this day. 

The GBA-updated versions, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, retain much of the originals’ charm, but with the production value of Generation 3. The diverse and engrossing Kanto region looks amazing. The limiting factor here is accessibility. Tracking down a Game Boy or a GBA in 2025 is a tall order, making these titles less of an easy recommendation. 

7. Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

The choice to rank either of these titles above Generation 1 in any form may seem sacrilegious. However, the ambition on display in both Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness demonstrated a willingness to experiment on the part of Game Freak, which we have, arguably, not seen since. In the opening minutes of Colosseum, our protagonist commits robbery and proceeds to battle against sinister shadow Pokémon. These Shadow Pokémon are also how you catch new Pokémon; you even catch them from your opponents mid-battle.  

This game is not afraid to play with Pokémon’s core concepts, and on novelty alone, this game earns plenty of kudos. With both Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness coming to Nintendo Switch Online, we highly recommend you at least give them a look. 

6. Pokémon Emerald (GBA)

While some might claim there is too much water, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire offer plenty of charm. Starting in the cosy town of Littleroot, you’ll foil the uniquely memorable rival Team Magma and Team Aqua as they attempt to awaken destructive supernatural powers beyond their control. This generation is also renowned for introducing glorious coloured sprite work, which holds up to this day. 

Pokémon Emerald takes an already great package and brings it to completion by combining Ruby and Sapphire into a singular, holistic experience. Having both teams as antagonists in the game is great. If you can find a GBA and a cartridge, these titles come highly recommended. However, for 3DS owners out there, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are not a far cry in terms of quality and fun. 

5. Pokémon Platinum (DS)

Generation 4 is controversial for many. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the series’ big step into the DS era, and yet, while graphical changes were made, players felt slighted by slower battle speeds. The story fell flat for many due to a vague and uninteresting team of villains. While it was largely a solid entry, it did feel like it lacked polish compared to previous games. 

Pokémon Platinum was created as an answer to players’ gripes that pushed many to consider it one of the best Pokémon DS games, with better Pokédex balancing, faster gameplay, and a revamped story. As the definitive Generation 4 experience, it did a lot to make the ideas at play truly shine.

4. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (Switch)

It is easy to dismiss Pokémon Legends: Arceus as just another entry in the series. However, this title brought with it a heap of meaningful innovation. For starters, it was the first true open-world Pokémon game and introduced a new, fast-paced battle system.

Besides this, while the narrative setup may be derivative for some, the chance to experience a story set in the mysterious past of the Pokémon setting offers an exciting opportunity. If you are looking for a game to tide you over until Pokémon Legends: Z-A, this is a very solid choice as one of the best Pokémon Switch games.

3. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Switch)

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s placement on this list may be surprising, but despite its flaws, the entry brings an important evolution to the series. The open world is a joy to explore, and while the content can feel bland, the freedom to tackle gyms and challenges in any order is a dream for fans.

Battle changes add depth, with Terrastalisation offering exciting strategic options at higher levels and allowing players to adjust their Pokémon’s types on the fly. It’s also the most accessible Pokémon game, widely available, affordable, and easy to understand for newcomers. Those who have yet to play it may be surprised to discover its role as one of the best Nintendo Switch Pokémon games.

2. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (DS)

Generation 2 of Pokémon is among the very best of what the series has to offer. With a fully fleshed-out new region, 100 new Pokémon, and an unmatched post-game, including a revisit to Kanto (a feature not seen in any other Pokémon game). By itself, Pokémon Gold and Silver are already offerings worthy of the top of this list.

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver take these incredible games and perfect them. The DS visuals are timeless, and with the addition of the Pokémon and features from Generation 4, there is so much here for players to relish. It may be one of the hardest games to find and thus more expensive. However, the fact that it still sits at number two should indicate that this is one of the best Pokémon games ever. 

1. Pokémon Black and White and Pokémon Black 2 and White (DS)

Pokémon Black and White, while experimental, dramatically pushed the boat out for the series. This gave the title the feel of a classic JRPG. N and Team Plasma are standout antagonists who are more than just a roadblock. N’s complex motivations and twisted empathy make him a standout rival whose ideology is memorable and meaningful. 

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are, however, a little more complicated. A straight-up sequel may seem lazy, however, as a duology, the games complement each other with an impressive grace. By picking up where its predecessor left off, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 lend their world a sense of permanency and consequence – rare qualities for a Pokémon game. 

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