The Pokemon Company / NintendoPokemon is massive. 29 years since a little monster-catching RPG enthralled Game Boy owners, Game Freak have created many more classics, spin-offs, and remakes, bringing hundreds more new Pokemon to catch and fresh regions to explore. But what are the best Pokemon games that every trainer should own?
From the originals that kicked everything off to the more daring reinventions that pushed the series forward, there’s no shortage of classics. Whether you grew up with Kanto as a digital second home, diving into Hoenn’s seas, or exploring the open wilds of Paldea, every fan has that one Pokemon game that hit differently.
For this list, we’ve narrowed it down to the 15 best Pokemon games of all time – the ones that every fan should have played at least once. That means picking the definitive versions, too. FireRed and LeafGreen over Red and Blue, HeartGold and SoulSilver instead of the originals. And yes, there are plenty of modern games here, too, that have earned their place among (and even higher than) the classics. Does Pokemon Legends Z-A make the cut? Read on to find out.
Best Pokemon games of all time
15. Pokemon Trading Card Game (Game Boy)
Nintendo- Release Date: April 10, 2000
- Developer: Hudson Soft
- Format: Game Boy Color
What is it? Released in Japan in the late 90s and brought to North America in 2000, the Pokemon Trading Card Game turned the popular card craze into a fully-fledged RPG. Developed by Hudson Soft, it let players battle Club Masters instead of Gym Leaders, collect cards through duels, and ultimately face the Grand Masters to prove their skill.
Why we like it: In an era where microtransactions were as foreign a concept as flying Spoinks, players could earn and rip booster packs purely through gameplay to build and battle their way to the top. It perfectly captured the thrill of collecting and battling and remains one of the best Pokemon experiences to date. This wasn’t simply a rudimentary mimicking of the physical card game; it was an excellent RPG in its own right
14. Pokemon Colosseum
The Pokemon Company / Genius Sonority- Release Date: March 22, 2004
- Developer: Genius Sonority
- Format: Nintendo GameCube
What is it? Pokemon Colosseum offered fans something they had never seen in the franchise before: a console-based adventure with a story. Set in the sun-beaten Orre region, you don’t catch Pokemon in the wild. Instead, you snag Shadow Pokemon – creatures corrupted by a villainous team – from other trainers and purify them through battle. It’s not a fully open-world RPG, nor is it purely a battle arena like Stadium; it sits somewhere in between.
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Why we like it: Playing Colosseum felt bold. Snagging Shadow Pokemon gave every encounter tension, as you were stealing back corrupted creatures. The double battle system forced you to think about synergy and timing, and seeing Pokemon fully rendered in 3D on a home console was still exciting at the time. The moody soundtrack, the harsher environment, and a protagonist with a past gave it a personality the series rarely showed. Its follow-up, XD: Gale of Darkness, refined its ideas, but Colosseum remains a cult classic, even if it wasn’t the fully fledged RPG some may have hoped for.
13. Pokemon Black 2 & White 2
The Pokemon Company- Release date: October 7, 2012
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo DS
What is it? The first true sequels in Pokemon history, Black 2 and White 2 picks up two years after the events of the original games. Returning to the Unova region, players explore new towns and routes while seeing how familiar faces and factions have changed. Team Plasma has split apart, with one side trying to move on and the other still pursuing power through the legendary Kyurem.
Why we like it: Black 2 and White 2 took everything great about the originals and built on it, proving that Pokémon could deliver a true sequel that felt both familiar and fresh. They gave players so much more to do after the credits rolled, from facing classic Champions in the nostalgic Pokemon World Tournament to mastering new battle challenges and developing the social hub of Join Avenue.
12. New Pokemon Snap
The Pokemon Company / Bandai Namco (via Twitter: @triforcemeg)- Release date: April 30, 2021
- Developer: Bandai Namco
- Format: Nintendo Switch
What is it? New Pokemon Snap builds on the 1999 N64 original, blowing it wide open with more areas, more creatures, and a wider range of interactions. Players travel in a pod through lush environments, taking photos of Pokemon behaving naturally in their habitats. This time, there are 12 unique regions to explore, each playable during both day and night for twice the variety. With over 200 Pokémon to capture on film and four distinct poses for each, it’s a major step up from the original’s modest 63-Pokémon roster.
Why we like it: It’s a visual treat packed with life, from forests and volcanoes to underwater caverns. Every new route feels alive with discovery, and the simple joy of lining up the perfect shot never fades. This is one of the most polished and relaxing experiences outside the mainline series, a game that trades battles for exploration and proves the franchise can thrive even when the Poké Balls stay closed.
11. Pokemon X & Y
- Release date: October 12, 2013
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo 3DS
What is it? Pokemon X and Y marked Game Freak’s leap into full 3D in the mainline series, introducing the brand-new Kalos region with fully modelled characters, dynamic camera angles, and environments. Alongside being the first step toward the semi-open worlds that later games would refine, their biggest addition was Mega Evolution – a temporary form change that let certain Pokemon evolve beyond their final stage mid-battle, boosting their stats and sometimes even altering their type or ability.
Why we like it: Mega Evolution was a game-changer, adding strategy and excitement to battles in a way no later feature has quite matched. While newer generations have expanded the series in other ways, X and Y remain milestones for laying the foundations of future games and delivering one of the most universally loved mechanics in Pokemon history.
10. Pokemon Stadium 2
The Pokemon Company- Release date: March 26, 2001
- Developer: Nintendo EAD
- Format: Nintendo 64
What is it? Pokemon Stadium 2 built on the original N64 hit with all 251 Pokemon from the first two generations, sharper visuals, and a wider range of battle modes. Using the Transfer Pak, players could import their teams from Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Crystal to see them battle in full 3D. The game featured a tougher Gym Leader Castle, expanded Stadium Cups, and a lively Kids Club packed with creative minigames.
Why we like it: Stadium 2 made battling on console feel properly rewarding. Smarter opponents kept matches tense, and support for both Kanto and Johto Pokemon turned it into a full celebration of the Game Boy era. Away from the arena, the Kids Club delivered some of the N64’s best party moments – from hurling Ekans onto Digletts to copying Clefairy’s chalkboard moves or racing to catch eggs as Chansey. It built on everything the original started, offering a more polished and enjoyable experience that fans still look back on fondly.
9. Pokemon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
- Release Date: November 17, 2017
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo 3DS
What is it? Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are the definitive versions of Pokemon’s Gen 7 era, expanding on the original Sun and Moon with more content, a much better-paced story, and a deeper endgame. Set in the tropical Alola region, Game Freak tried its hand at revamping the traditional Gym journey with themed island Trials, where players faced Totem Pokemon and expert trainers, Kahunas, on their path to becoming the region’s very first Champion.
Why we like it: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon dialled back the overzealous hand-holding of the originals while packing in even more endgame content for veteran players. New features like Z-Moves, Island Scan, and the massive Ultra-exclusive Team Rainbow Rocket storyline made Alola stand out as a love letter to long-time fans while still serving as an excellent entry point for newcomers.
8. Pokemon Sword & Shield
- Release date: November 15, 2019
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo Switch
What is it? Pokemon Sword and Shield took the series to the Nintendo Switch for the first time, introducing players to the Galar region, inspired by the UK. It mixed traditional routes and gyms with the new Wild Area – a semi-open-world expanse filled with roaming Pokemon and changing weather. New features like Dynamaxing, where Pokemon grow to enormous size mid-battle, and cooperative Raid Battles gave the formula a fresh twist. Sword and Shield also introduced the series’ first major DLC expansions, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, which added new regions, storylines, and Legendary Pokemon, including Kubfu, Urshifu, and Calyrex.
Why we like it: Sword and Shield finally made the world of Pokemon feel alive, almost as if you could imagine a David Attenborough documentary about the Wild Area. For the first time, you could see creatures roaming freely, reacting to the weather and terrain instead of appearing from nowhere in long grass. Gym battles turned into huge stadium events with Dynamaxing, while Raid Battles offered a simple but satisfying way to team up with friends. The Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions added even more to explore, helping Sword and Shield grow into one of the most complete and enjoyable games of the modern era.
7. Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
The Pokemon Company- Release date: November 18, 2022
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
What is it? Pokemon Scarlet and Violet delivered the series’ first true open-world adventure, letting players explore the vast Paldea region freely and tackle three storylines in any order. Alongside new mechanics like Terastalization, which changes a Pokemon’s type mid-battle, the games introduced seamless co-op play for up to four players – a first for the franchise.
Why we like it: Scarlet and Violet shook up the series’ familiar structure with a level of freedom and creativity fans had never seen before. The emotional finale tied its three stories together brilliantly, and the post-game offered plenty to uncover, from hunting Paradox Pokemon in the mysterious Area Zero to testing your skills in the Academy Ace Tournament. Scarlet and Violet stand out as some of the most feature-rich – if technically questionable – games from Pokemon’s modern era, although Switch 2 optimization has gone a long way toward improving things.
6. Pokemon Platinum
The Pokemon Company- Release date: March 22, 2008
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo DS
What is it? Pokemon Platinum returned players to the Sinnoh region, expanding on Diamond and Pearl with new storylines, characters, and areas to explore. The most striking addition was the Distortion World, a twisted, gravity-defying realm tied to the Legendary Pokemon Giratina. Beyond that, Platinum refined almost every part of the original games, from faster battles and a more balanced Pokedex to better online connectivity and a revamped post-game Battle Frontier.
Why we like it: The third games in Pokemon generations have a bit of a spotty record, but Platinum is one of the best in that category. It fixed Diamond and Pearl’s slow battles, made team building more interesting by adding new Pokemon earlier, and gave Gym Leaders smarter tactics that made victories feel more satisfying. The new Battle Frontier offered proper post-game tests of skill, while the eerie Distortion World remains one of the series’ most creative areas. If you’re looking to head back to Gen 4, this is the best way to do it. Plus, Origin Giratina might be the GOAT when it comes to cover art.
5. Pokemon GO
DEXERTO- Release date: July 6, 2016
- Developer: Niantic
- Format: iOS/Android
What is it? Pokemon Go took the world by storm in 2016, turning city streets and local parks into real-world hunting grounds through augmented reality. Developed by Niantic, the mobile game let millions of players catch, battle, and trade Pokemon in their everyday surroundings, blending the series’ classic catch-and-battle formula with a social, outdoor experience.
Why we like it: Pokemon Go wasn’t just a hit but a cultural event. It got players outside, built real communities through raids and special events, and proved the franchise could work beyond its RPG roots. Nearly a decade later, it’s still thriving thanks to regular updates, region tours, and seasonal events that keep fans coming back for more.
4. Pokemon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
- Release date: November 21, 2014
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo 3DS
What is it? Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire rebuilt the Hoenn region in full 3D, reimagining the classic Game Boy Advance adventures for a new generation. Players once again faced off against Team Magma or Team Aqua while exploring forests, underwater routes, and volcanic peaks. The games introduced Primal Reversion – a temporary transformation that let Groudon and Kyogre return to their ancient forms with boosted abilities – alongside the DexNav tool for tracking Pokemon and the Delta Episode, a new storyline featuring Rayquaza and Deoxys inspired by Pokemon Emerald.
Why we like it: Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire captured everything fans loved about the original Hoenn games while adding features that made exploring feel new again. Flying freely across the region on Latios or Latias was a genuine thrill, and the DexNav turned catching Pokemon into a proper hunt rather than random chance. The Delta Episode wrapped up the adventure with a dramatic showdown that tied together Hoenn’s legends in style. Faithful, colourful, and full of charm, these remakes remain the best way to revisit one of Pokemon’s most loved regions.
3. Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen
- Release date: September 9, 2004
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Game Boy Advance
What it’s about: FireRed and LeafGreen revisited the original Kanto region from Red and Blue, reimagined for the Game Boy Advance. These Gen 3 remakes followed the same journey to become Champion but added modern mechanics like abilities, natures, and double battles. They also introduced new areas such as the Sevii Islands, where players could catch Johto Pokemon and take on fresh challenges after completing the main story.
Why we like it: Take the original, near-perfect Pokemon Red and Blue, rebuild them with updated visuals and smarter gameplay, and you’ve got FireRed and LeafGreen. They improved the Kanto experience in every way – from running shoes that finally let you move at a decent speed to the VS Seeker, which made training and earning rewards far less tedious. The Sevii Islands added new areas to explore and connected Kanto to Johto for the first time, giving the world a sense of continuity. Faithful without feeling dated, these are still the definitive versions of the games that started it all.
2. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The Pokemon Company- Release date: January 22, 2022
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo Switch
What is it? Pokemon Legends: Arceus reimagined the series as a true open-world adventure set in Sinnoh’s ancient past, when humans still feared Pokemon. Playing as one of the first trainers, you explore the Hisui region, complete the earliest Pokedex, and uncover how people learned to live alongside Pokemon. Instead of traditional random battles, players can throw Poke Balls freely to catch creatures or engage them in real-time combat. Some wild Pokemon will even attack you directly, adding real danger to exploration.
Why we like it: Legends: Arceus broke away from the old formula and made every part of the experience hands-on. Catching Pokemon relied on skill and timing rather than luck, as you crept through the grass, aimed your throw, and struck at just the right moment. The new battle styles added another layer of choice: Agile moves let you act faster at the cost of power, while Strong moves hit harder but delayed your next turn. Crafting your own tools, collecting materials, and swapping between mounts to climb, fly, or swim made exploration genuinely exciting and full of surprises. It felt fresh, unpredictable, and unlike anything the series had done before – the boldest step Pokemon has ever taken.
1. Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver
Game Freak- Release date: March 14, 2010
- Developer: Game Freak
- Format: Nintendo DS
What is it? HeartGold and SoulSilver brought the beloved Gold and Silver adventures to the Nintendo DS, letting players relive the journey through both Johto and Kanto with updated visuals and refined mechanics. These remakes added features like the Pokewalker, a pedometer that let you catch and train Pokemon in real life, and reintroduced the Battle Frontier, a post-game hub offering a range of challenging battle formats. Your lead Pokemon could also follow you outside its ball, a small detail that made the adventure feel more personal than ever.
Why we like it: HeartGold and SoulSilver capture everything that makes Pokemon special. They combine two full regions, hundreds of Pokemon to discover, and a world packed with secrets and side stories. The Pokewalker was ahead of its time, blending real-world activity with the game long before Pokemon GO, while the Battle Frontier gave experienced players a reason to keep training after the credits. Most of all, these remakes perfectly rekindled the spirit of the originals — a celebration of exploration, connection, and nostalgia. If Legends: Arceus shows where the series can go next, HeartGold and SoulSilver remind us why we fell in love with it in the first place.
That’s it. Now see where Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver ranks in our best 100 games of all time.