Summary
Nintendo Switch Onlineis a phenomenal subscription service that gets you access to online multiplayer, cloud saves, and even more benefits for either a monthly or annual fee. One of the best parts about being a member is that you can play classic games from the NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, and Game Boy Advance libraries.
Though none of the mainline Pokemon games like Red or Blue are available on Nintendo Switch Online, a handful of spin-offs have been added to scratch the Pocket Monster itch. If you missed out on these titles when they originally launched or need something new to play while you wait for the next installment, these are the best Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch Online.
Pokemon Stadium was massive when it launched on the N64 in early 2000. It was thefirst video game that allowed you to see 3D models of Pokemon, and even better, you could import your own creatures from Pokemon Blue, Red, and Yellow to watch them come to life and participate in epic battles.
Unfortunately, the Nintendo Switch version of Pokemon Stadium is missing some of its greatest features, like importing Pokemon or even playing the Game Boy games on the TV screen with the Transfer Pak. Still, it’s fun to compete against friends or attempt the gym challenge with a custom party of whoever you like, and the mini-games are still as fun to play today as they were over two decades ago.
Pokemon Stadium 2 launched on the N64 only one year after the first game, and the sequel does an excellent job of improving nearly every aspect of its predecessor. It includes all the Pokemon from the first two generations, the mini-games are arguably even better, and there’s an improved Gym Leader Castle.
However, Pokemon Stadium 2 on Nintendo Switch Online suffers from the same issues as the original. Part of the charm of the game was being able to import your own Pokemon from Gold, Silver, or Crystal, and that’s certainly not an option with this version. Regardless, if you have nostalgia for Kanto and Johto and want to live in a world where Hoenn and beyond never existed, Pokemon Stadium 2 is a fun time capsule worth reopening every few years.
The N64 was home to some ambitious spin-offs and crossovers, including Pokemon Puzzle League. Using the aesthetics and characters from Pokemon (specifically the anime) and the gameplay from the Puzzle League games, this title is perfect for younger audiences who might find other puzzle games like Tetris too bland.
The game opens with an original cutscene with the same visual style and voice acting as the Indigo League anime series. Ash and friends are tasked with visiting Puzzle League Valley to contend against the best to see who will become champion. Thegameplay is a fun twist on the match-three formula, but seeing characters like Tracy and Ritchie is the true highlight of Pokemon Puzzle League.
Todd Snap is a Pokemon photographer who debuted in the anime, appearing in three episodes alongside Ash, Misty, and Brock before heading out on his own again. His short stint made a huge impact, as Todd would become the star of a unique and endlessly entertaining spin-off for the N64 known as Pokemon Snap.
In the game, Todd is summoned by Professor Oak and sent on a mission to catch ‘em all on film as he travels through distinct locations to take the best photos of Pokemon that he can. It’s technically a rail-shooter, so you won’t have the freedom to walk around or explore, but there is a surprising amount of depth and secrets waiting for you in each location. Certain items will make Pokemon behave differently, allowing you to take rare shots of them, and discovering shortcuts to new levels is a guaranteed blast.
Pokemon is the most well-known franchise in the world, and during the peak of its popularity, you couldn’t go anywhere without hearing someone talk about the video games, the anime, or the trading card game. While the games and other adaptations feel more hit or miss these days, it’s hard to deny that the cards have been the most consistent in the zeitgeist since they first launched in 1996.
The Pokemon Trading Card Games takesmost of the cards from the initial expansion(Base Set, Jungle, and Fossil) and uses them to create an adventure that requires you to face the eight club masters to have a chance to challenge the four Grand Masters. It’s surprising how much this game follows the traditional Pokemon formula, but uses cards instead of creatures to create an excellent deck-builder that’s still fun to play to this day.
The Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games are roguelike dungeon-crawlers that let you finally play as a Pokemon instead of a trainer. Red Rescue Team isthe first entry in the series(alongside Blue Rescue Team, which launched on the DS the same day) and includes a captivating narrative, playful soundtrack, and dozens of hours of strategic and satisfying gameplay.
The adventure begins with a personality assessment that determines which Pokemon you begin the game as. After choosing your partner, you’ll start an epic journey that can take anywhere from 20 to 50 hours to complete. Many of the other Pokemon games available through Nintendo Switch Online can be completed in a sitting or two, but Mystery Dungeon is the game that keeps on giving until you’ve finally defeated the last boss and recruited every Pokemon - including legendaries like Moltres and Celebi - to your team.
