Yes, while the Nintendo Switch primarily features the latest Pokémon adventures, it also offers modern remakes of several beloved classic Pokémon games, allowing players to experience content from older generations on the current console.
Pokémon on Nintendo Switch: A Diverse Library
The Nintendo Switch boasts a substantial collection of Pokémon titles, with a total of 12 Pokémon games released for the platform. This expansive library includes the mainline entries for the 8th and 9th Pokémon generations, such as Pokémon Sword and Shield, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, alongside a variety of popular spinoffs like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Unite.
However, for fans eager to revisit the early days of Pokémon, the Switch provides excellent modern recreations of foundational titles. These games, while new releases, are faithful adaptations of original adventures, offering updated graphics, refined gameplay, and sometimes new features, all while retaining the charm of the "old" stories and regions.
Classic Regions Reimagined on Switch
The following table highlights the key "old" Pokémon games available on the Nintendo Switch, which are modern remakes of earlier generation titles:
| Pokémon Game on Switch | Original Generation | Original Release Year | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! | Generation 1 (Kanto Region) | 1998 (Pokémon Yellow) | These titles reimagine the very first Pokémon journey through the Kanto region, based on Pokémon Yellow. They incorporate gameplay elements from Pokémon GO for a fresh experience. |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond / Shining Pearl | Generation 4 (Sinnoh Region) | 2006 (Pokémon Diamond/Pearl) | Faithful remakes of the popular Nintendo DS games, these titles return players to the Sinnoh region with enhanced graphics, similar gameplay mechanics, and new quality-of-life improvements. |
These remakes provide a nostalgic trip for long-time fans and an opportunity for new players to discover the origins of the Pokémon world with a contemporary feel. While direct ports of classic Game Boy or DS titles are not available through a Virtual Console service on the Switch, these remakes serve as the primary way to enjoy earlier generation content.
In addition to these mainline remakes, several spinoffs may also feature Pokémon or themes from earlier generations, further enriching the experience for those looking for a touch of nostalgia.
