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Best Pokemon Games of All Time: A Complete Guide
Explore the best Pokemon games of all time, from fan-favorite classics to Switch releases. Discover top emulators and learn how to create your own Pokemon blog with Wegic.
Ever stare at your game shelf or scroll endlessly through the eShop, wondering which best Pokemon games are actually worth your time? That’s right, the same. With more than 25 years of titles on all kinds of consoles, picking the most popular Pokemon game isn’t as simple as choosing the one with the cutest starters.
Every player has his or her own set of responses. There's been a lot of discussion on the forums, with threads going on about the best Pokemon game poll. And let's be honest, several of the classics haven't been as popular as we remember them. Do you want to recapture the old Pokemon feel, try out new Switch Pokemon games, or find the best Pokemon emulator to relive the classics? The choices can get overwhelming.
That's why it's time to write this guide. This ranking has listed the best Pokemon games, adopted the opinions of the player community, and used Wegic, a website creation tool to comprehensively write the entire article. Wegic is a tool specifically designed to help creators turn Pokemon adventures into reality.
Pokemon Game At a Glance（By Generations）
If you're diving into the world of the best Pokemon games, it helps to know a little bit about how the series has evolved. From the initial simple pixel graphics to the later comprehensive 3D Switch Pokemon games, each era has brought new gameplay and unforgettable creatures. Whether you're replaying the game with an old-school cartridge or using an emulator, understanding the gaming achievements of each era allows you to gain a deeper appreciation for the journey.
Here’s a quick generational classification:
| Generation | Release Years | Game Titles | Key Features | Mechanics & Fan Keywords |
| Gen 1 | 1996–1999 | Red and Green / Blue / Yellow / Red and Blue | The beginning of the journey, 151 Pokemon | Pixel style, nostalgia, classic start |
| Gen 2 | 1999–2001 | Gold and Silver / Crystal | Day-night cycle, Pokemon breeding introduced | Dual region, best Pokemon game poll favorite |
| Gen 3 | 2002–2006 | Ruby and Sapphire / Emerald / FireRed and LeafGreen | Natures and EVs added, first remakes | Hoenn region, wireless link, GBA era |
| Gen 4 | 2006–2009 | Diamond and Pearl / Platinum / HeartGold and SoulSilver | Wi-Fi battles, deep underground features | DS graphics, Johto revival, strategy boost |
| Gen 5 | 2010–2012 | Black and White / Black 2 and White 2 | Original storyline, no old Pokemon until postgame | Animated sprites, strong writing, most popular Pokemon game contender |
| Gen 6 | 2013–2015 | X and Y / Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | First full 3D models, Mega Evolutions | Simpler difficulty, pre-Nintendo Switch peak |
| Gen 7 | 2016–2018 | Sun and Moon / Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | No gyms, story-focused campaign | Alola forms, regional variants, narrative-driven |
| Gen 8 | 2018–2021 | Let’s Go Pikachu! / Let's Go, Eevee! / Sword and Shield / Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Accessible for newcomers, main console debut | Wild Area, DLC system, rise of Switch Pokemon games |
| Gen 9 | 2022–2024 | Scarlet and Violet / Legends: Arceus / The Teal Mask (DLC) / The Indigo Disk (DLC) | Fully open-world, free exploration | Performance issues but massive scope, emulator games trending, debated best Pokemon games material |
Are you looking for the best Pokemon games? Sometimes, it hides in unexpected generations. If you are somebody like me, you might also want to use Wegic to build a blog with AI, such as this one, to relive that journey. After all, its ranking is worth showing off.
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Top-Rated Pokemon Games by Fans and Critics
Pokemon Legends: Arceus (2022, Nintendo Switch, Action RPG)
IGN Rating: 7.0/10
Metacritic Score: 83
In many lists of best Pokemon games, Pokemon Legends: Arceus stands out for its bold gameplay innovations. The way players interacted with Pokemon changed significantly. This game is one of the most searched Nintendo Switch games by players. It ranked at the top in the recent Best Pokemon Game poll.
Image from Pokemon Legends: Arceus' official site
- Exploration-focused gameplay
Players wander around the old Hisui area. It has no gyms and no traditional routes. This game focuses on exploration and freedom. It plays like an open-world adventure. It is now considered one of the most distinctive Switch Pokemon games.
- Real-time catching mechanics
In actual gameplay, it allows players to sneak forward, aim at a target, and then throw a Poké Ball. This has made it a hot topic in emulator games.
- New forms and rideable Pokemon
In the Hisuian forms, classic Pokemon such as Zorua and Growlithe have been changed to make them more playable and diverse. Rideable allies allow you to glide, dive, and quickly traverse vast terrains.
- Noble Pokemon boss fights
It requires players to constantly dodge and use items in fast-paced combat.
Reddit users thought this change was particularly fresh and interesting. It is now one of the popular pastimes for Pokemon enthusiasts who like to try new things.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (2021, Nintendo Switch, RPG)
Metacritic Score: 85
These faithful remakes of Gen 4 classics recreate the Sinnoh region with modern graphics and smooth gameplay. Among the most talked about Switch Pokemon games, they have consistently maintained a popular position in various best Pokemon game poll results.
Image from Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl Double Pack's official Nintendo site
- Grand Underground exploration
Players dig in and out of a huge underground maze, building secret bases and discovering various Pokemon. This adds depth to traditional exploration and ties into collectible treasures.
- Pokétch apps and contests
The Pokétch interface is back, and it also brings several apps that are convenient for players, like Area Search. In addition to fighting, coordinated contests also add other interesting ways to participate.
- Enhanced multiplayer and trading
Online features allow seamless trades and battling with friends, which attracts players who enjoy competition.
Fans on Reddit praise the games as not only capturing the nostalgia of the originals but also bringing convenience and modern enhancements to gameplay. Many consider them to be among the best Pokemon games of all time, as they capture the essence of Gen 4 while incorporating elements of modern games.
Pokemon Platinum (2008, Nintendo DS, RPG)
IGN Rating: 8.8/10
Metacritic Score: 85
Known as the definitive Gen 4 experience, Pokemon Platinum refines and expands Diamond and Pearl, and is considered by many players to be one of the best Pokemon games. It regularly tops every major best Pokemon game poll.
Image from Pokemon Platinum's official Nintendo site
- Distortion World and Giratina storyline
The game hints at a mysterious new frontier for Giratina. It places special emphasis on gravitational puzzles and bizarre imagery never before seen in the series.
- Battle Frontier returns
This game mode is equipped with multiple playing facilities, which bring many complex switches at the end of the game. Many people also use emulator games for the challenge.
- Improved pacing and updated sprites
The battles between trainers are more lively and interesting, and their updated character images are more personalized. Gym Leaders and the Elite Four teams have become stronger, making replaying the game more appealing.
Critics praised it as "the epitome of fourth-generation gaming." Fans on Reddit often recommend it as a must-play for Nintendo Switch owners using emulation, calling it one of the best Pokemon games of the DS era.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet (2022, Nintendo Switch, Open World RPG)
Metacritic Score: 70
Despite mixed technical reception, Scarlet and Violet mark a turning point in franchise design. They are among the most controversial titles in the current discussion of best Pokemon games, and they top the rankings of Switch Pokemon games.
Image from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet's official Nintendo site
- Fully open-world exploration
They can follow whichever storyline they want, in whatever order. This freedom makes all the difference in progression and appeals to those who enjoy open worlds right now.
- Terastal mechanic
This new battle mechanism allows Pokemon to change their type during battle, adding layers of strategy. It sparked a lively discussion of theories in the most popular Pokemon game community.
- Online Tera Raids
Multiplayer team raids allow players to work together to fight monsters, and they can also gain good equipment and rare appearances. These aspects highlight the game’s ongoing appeal.
While the performance was criticized, with many players calling it "bold but not sophisticated", it remains one of the most downloaded games by using the best Pokemon emulator platforms, attracting fans who crave the freedom of adventure.
Pokemon X & Y (2013, Nintendo 3DS, RPG)
IGN Rating: 9.0/10
Metacritic Score: 87, 88
Pokemon X & Y introduced full 3D visuals, bringing the series into a new era. As the first mainline 3DS titles, these online gamesare often mentioned as among the best Pokemon games, and they've been a popular choice in many of the best Pokemon game poll threads.
Image from Pokémon Y's official Nintendo site
- Mega Evolution mechanic
This ability allows the selected Pokemon to switch its form during battle, boosting stats and changing abilities. It was praised as a fresh strategic layer, but it is still something that everyone is looking forward to in the recent version.
- Kalos region and stylish world
This area is deeply influenced by French culture. Its characteristics are those of vertical cities, and there are shops and cafes everywhere, which are full of exotic atmospheres. It brings a cultural and fashionable touch to the style and makes the adventure feel more socially rich.
- Online connectivity and Wonder Trade
Online trading with global features has made barter transactions both easy and unpredictable. This makes X & Y very popular among players of emulator games.
Image from Pokémon X's official Nintendo site
Fans on Reddit call them "beautiful but easy," yet agree they’re essential for understanding modern Pokemon mechanics. For many Nintendo Switch users exploring older generations, X and Y remain one of the most popular Pokemon games to emulate and revisit.
Best Pokemon Emulator Recommendations (PC & Mobile)
Not every classic Pokemon game is available on modern hardware. This is where emulators come in handy. If configured properly, it might allow you to play many of the best Pokemon games again on your desktop or mobile phone. Without violating the law or morality, you can back up your own game cartridges and files. The best Pokemon game of all time is worth your extra effort and advanced software.
Here are the top picks by platform:
- DeSmuME (PC/Mac, Nintendo DS)
It is the solution that everyone likes to use the most in Gen 4 and Gen 5. Not only is it super easy to use, but it also works great with the best Pokemon emulators for PCs.
- mGBA (PC/Mac, Game Boy Advance)
For third-generation games such as Emerald and FireRed, it was pretty awesome. It's light, stable, and very precise.
- Citra (PC/Mac, Nintendo 3DS)
It works fine for X and Y, and Sun & Moon, and the rest. Almost all players mention it when chatting about the top Pokemon emulators online.
- Yuzu (PC/Mac, Nintendo Switch)
It's used in Pokemon games on Switch, such as Sword & Shield and Legends: Arceus. It takes a decent device to work, but it runs really smoothly.
- DraStic / Delta / RetroArch (Android/iOS)
There are fewer iOS Pokemon emulators to choose from now, but Delta is really good to use on the iPhone. DraStic, the DS game emulator, has always been the best one on the Android platform.
To play more comfortably, you can use a controller or rearrange the buttons on the touch screen. The emulator configuration helps recreate that original feeling.
Build Your Own Pokemon Blog with Wegic
Want to rank your best Pokemon games or share your Gen-by-Gen journey? If you want to create a blog but don't want to write any programming code, then Wegic is the right choice for you.
To put it simply, Wegic is a visual site builderdesigned for enthusiasts, creators, and collectors who want to demonstrate things quickly, neatly, and beautifully—and they don’t need to know any technology at all.
Ready to share the best Pokemon game of all time? Try Wegic for free and build your dream Pokemon site today.👇
Here’s what makes Wegic perfect for Pokemon fans:
- Game Timeline Component
Each Pokemon era can be easily drawn, and specific release times, systems, and images can be added. It particularly reflects how the series evolved.
- Rating & Ranking Modules
You can freely post a ranked list or review panel to highlight your choices for the best Pokemon emulator or Switch Pokemon games. To achieve that, you only need a chat with our AI assistant Kimmy.
- Comments + Save Buttons
Wegic also lets you embed your Discord or its alternative community link. Turn your blog into a small, vibrant community. Let others vote, comment, and save your handbook or collection. Your site is now more than just a physical thing. It has become an important core.
Wegic gives your passion structure. For those who want to transform from ordinary enthusiasts to professional publishers, establishing a vintage repository or publishing current reviews on Wegic are the most convenient and effective ways.
Conclusion — Become the Very Best (and Start Creating!)
The best Pokemon games, from the pixelated charm of Red & Blue to the daring breakthrough of Legends: Arceus, have continued to evolve with each era. Whether you're a nostalgic fan replaying Gen 3 on an emulator or discovering open-world design in Switch Pokemon games, this manual can help you find your next favorite thing. Are you interested in sharing rankings or opinions with everyone? Use Wegic to write a Pokemon-themed blog about your adventures. With powerful tools such as timelines, ranking panels, and comment modules, your platform can become as engaging as the best Pokemon games.
Écrit par
Kimmy
Publié le
Aug 15, 2025
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