Every Pokemon Game Ranked: The Definitive List

With over 30 years of Pokemon games spanning multiple generations, platforms, and styles, determining which games deserve your time can be overwhelming. This comprehensive ranking covers every major Pokemon game release, from the original Game Boy classics to modern Switch titles. Each game is evaluated based on innovation, Pokemon roster, storyline, post-game content, overall impact, and replay value.

Ranking Criteria

This ranking uses several key criteria to evaluate Pokemon games:

• Innovation: How the game pushed the series forward or introduced new mechanics
• Pokemon Roster: Number of Pokemon available and variety of types/abilities
• Storyline: Narrative quality, character development, and overall storytelling
• Post-Game Content: Additional areas, Pokemon, activities, or challenges after beating the Elite Four
• Gameplay Quality: Battle mechanics, pacing, difficulty, and overall fun factor
• Overall Impact: Cultural significance, influence on future games, and lasting legacy
• Replay Value: How enjoyable the game is to play multiple times

C Category: Play It If You Must

C-level games have flaws that significantly impact the experience but still offer some entertainment value. They're not bad games, just games that don't stand the test of time as well as higher-tier titles.

13. Pokemon Sun and Moon

Release Year: 2016

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: Sun and Moon attempted to reinvent the Pokemon formula with a linear, story-focused experience. The game introduces Alola, a tropical region with Z-moves and Alolan forms. However, the region is small, the story is overly focused on cutscenes, and the post-game content is lacking.

Positives:

• Innovative storyline with character-driven narrative
• Beautiful Alola region with tropical theme
• Alolan forms add variety to classic Pokemon
• Z-moves introduce temporary power boosts
• Some of the best cutscenes in the series

Negatives:

• Linear, small region with limited exploration
li>Post-game content is minimal
• Battles can feel repetitive
• Early gyms can be challenging in unfair ways
• Character design is polarizing

12. Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Release Year: 2017

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: Ultra versions of Sun and Moon offer slightly improved versions with new story elements, Pokemon, and areas. However, the improvements are marginal, and the game still suffers from the same issues as the original.

Positives:

• Improved story with additional plot points
• New areas and Pokemon to discover
li>Smarter AI in wild encounters
• Alola variants of legendaries
• Better post-game content than original

Negatives:

• Still linear and small region
• Significant amount of cutscenes
• Difficulty can be frustrating
• Lacks the depth of other mainline games

11. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

Release Year: 2007

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: Pokemon Ranger is a spin-off game with a unique capture mechanic involving circling Pokemon on the touchscreen. While innovative, the game suffers from repetitive gameplay and limited exploration.

Positives:

• Unique capture mechanic is fun to learn
• Cute and charming aesthetic
li>Good for younger players
• Some interesting Pokemon encounters

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay quickly becomes boring
• Limited exploration and content
• Simple puzzles are easy to solve
• Not for fans of traditional Pokemon gameplay

10. Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

Release Year: 2010

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: The third Pokemon Ranger game improves on the original formula with better graphics, deeper story, and more content. However, it still suffers from the core issues of the series — repetitive gameplay and limited appeal.

Positives:

• Better story than previous Ranger games
• Improved capture mechanics
• More content and activities
• Good for casual Pokemon fans

Negatives:

• Still repetitive gameplay
• Limited appeal to hardcore Pokemon fans
• Not a traditional Pokemon experience

9. Pokemon Ranger: Trials of Laggrace

Release Year: 2023

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Summary: The fourth Pokemon Ranger game attempts to modernize the franchise with a new region, better graphics, and improved mechanics. However, it lacks the polish and charm of the original trilogy.

Positives:

• New region with interesting premise
• Modern graphics and presentation
• Improved capture mechanics
• Good for casual Pokemon fans

Negatives:

• Lacks the charm of previous entries
• Still repetitive gameplay
• Limited depth for long-term play

B Category: Good Games

B-level games are enjoyable experiences with notable flaws. They're worth playing but have areas that could be significantly improved.

8. Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Release Year: 2010

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of the classic Gold and Silver games with updated graphics, mechanics, and content. They're widely considered the best Pokemon remakes, featuring Kanto post-game content and improved accessibility.

Positives:

• Updated versions of beloved classic games
• Kanto post-game with Johto and Kanto Pokemon
• Better graphics than original games
• Improved accessibility and quality of life
• Rotom Pokédex adds fun post-game content
• Regional variants of classic Pokemon

Negatives:

• Kanto can be short and underwhelming
• Battles can be slow with HMs still present

7. Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

Release Year: 2005

Platform: Nintendo GameCube

Summary: Pokemon XD takes place in Orre, a region without wild Pokemon, and focuses on capturing Shadow Pokemon. The game has an engaging story and unique mechanics but suffers from a short length and lack of post-game content.

Positives:

• Engaging storyline with emotional moments
• Unique capture mechanics for Shadow Pokemon
• Good balance of difficulty
• Good for completionists

Negatives:

• Short length with little post-game content
• Repetitive gameplay mechanics
• Limited exploration in Orre region

6. Pokemon Ranger: Signs of the Alola

Release Year: 2015

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: This game introduces a new capture mechanic using different types of Ranger beasts, each with unique abilities. While creative, the game struggles with repetitive gameplay and limited depth.

Positives:

• Creative new capture mechanics
• Interesting character designs
• Good story for Ranger fans

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay mechanics
• Limited exploration and content

5. Pokemon Snap

Release Year: 1999 (original), 2021 (Switch remake)

Platform: Nintendo 64, Nintendo Switch

Summary: Pokemon Snap is a unique photography game where players take pictures of Pokemon in their natural habitats. The Switch remake improves on the original with better graphics and quality-of-life features.

Positives:

• Unique premise that stands out from mainline games
• Cute and charming aesthetic
• Relaxing and enjoyable gameplay
• Good for all ages
• Switch remake has excellent presentation

Negatives:

• Short gameplay loop
• Limited replay value
• Not a traditional Pokemon experience

A Category: Great Games

A-level games are excellent experiences with minor flaws. They're worth playing multiple times and are among the best in the series.

4. Pokemon Sun and Moon

Release Year: 2016

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: Despite the C-tier ranking, Sun and Moon are still enjoyable games with innovative mechanics and beautiful presentation. The regional variants, Z-moves, and engaging story make it worth playing.

Positives:

• Beautiful Alola region with tropical theme
• Innovative storyline with character development
• Alolan forms add variety to classic Pokemon
• Z-moves introduce temporary power boosts
• Some of the best cutscenes in the series
• Good music and presentation

Negatives:

• Linear, small region with limited exploration
• Post-game content is minimal
• Battles can feel repetitive
• Early gyms can be challenging in unfair ways

3. Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

Release Year: 2010

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: This Ranger game offers a good balance of challenge and fun. The capture mechanics are engaging, the story is charming, and there's enough content to justify the playthrough.

Positives:

• Improved capture mechanics from previous game
• Better story and character development
• More content and activities
• Good balance of difficulty
• Charming aesthetic and presentation

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay elements
• Limited appeal for hardcore Pokemon fans

2. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

Release Year: 2007

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: The second Pokemon Ranger game improves on the original with better graphics, deeper story, and more content. It's still not a traditional Pokemon experience, but it's a charming spin-off that's worth playing.

Positives:

• Unique capture mechanic that's fun to learn
• Cute and charming aesthetic
• Good story and characters
• Better graphics than original Ranger
• Good for younger players

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay quickly becomes boring
• Limited exploration and content
• Simple puzzles are easy to solve

1. Pokemon Snap (Switch Remake)

Release Year: 2021

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Summary: The Switch remake of Pokemon Snap is a perfect example of how to update a classic game for modern audiences. It adds quality-of-life improvements, better graphics, and additional content while maintaining the charm of the original.

Positives:

• Beautiful updated graphics and presentation
• Improved mechanics and accessibility
• Additional content and areas
• Relaxing and enjoyable gameplay
• Cute and charming aesthetic
• Good for all ages
• Short enough to be replayable

Negatives:

• Short gameplay loop
• Limited replay value after completion

S Category: Special Mention

These games are worth noting for their unique qualities, even if they don't fit into the main ranking system.

Rank 0: Pokemon TCG (Video Game)

Release Year: 1997

Platform: Nintendo 64

Summary: Based on the trading card game, this game introduced players to Pokemon TCG mechanics on console. While primitive by modern standards, it laid the groundwork for future TCG games.

Rank 0: Pokemon Channel

Release Year: 2003

Platform: Nintendo GameCube

Summary: A quirky game where players receive Pokemon through a TV channel, watch them grow, and interact with them. It's strange and unusual but charming in its own way.

Rank 0: Pokemon Trozei! (Pokemon Link!)

Release Year: 2004

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: A puzzle game where players line up Pokemon to capture them. It's simple and charming, offering good quick-play value but limited depth.

D Category: Below Average

D-level games have significant flaws that detract from the experience. They're worth playing only for completists or fans of the series who want to see everything.

10. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl

Release Year: 2007

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: Diamond and Pearl introduce the Sinnoh region and introduce many quality-of-life improvements. However, the game suffers from a small region, repetitive gameplay, and mediocre post-game content.

Positives:

• Quality-of-life improvements over previous games
• New region with interesting design
• Better graphics than Game Boy games
• Some good Pokemon introductions

Negatives:

• Small region with limited exploration
• Repetitive gameplay quickly becomes boring
• Mediocre post-game content
• Lackluster battle system
• Underwhelming Gym difficulty

9. Pokemon Platinum

Release Year: 2009

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: Platinum improves on Diamond and Pearl with better pacing, a more interesting story, and additional content. However, it still suffers from the same core issues of the generation.

Positives:

• Better pacing and story than Diamond and Pearl
• Improved battle mechanics
• New areas and content
• Better Legendary Pokemon availability

Negatives:

• Still small region with limited exploration
• Repetitive gameplay
• Underwhelming post-game content
• Some poor design decisions

8. Pokemon Black and White

Release Year: 2010

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: Black and White introduce Unova and the Unova league, which is forced to stay in Unova. This creates a weird gameplay experience and limits the post-game content significantly.

Positives:

• New region with interesting design
• Some good Pokemon introductions
• Story is more mature and interesting
• Better graphics than Diamond and Pearl

Negatives:

• Forced location of Elite Four limits post-game
• Some poor design decisions
• Lackluster Gym difficulty
• Underwhelming legendary Pokemon availability

7. Pokemon Black 2 and White 2

Release Year: 2012

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: The direct sequels to Black and White improve on the original in almost every way. The story is better, the post-game content is much stronger, and the region is more engaging.

Positives:

• Better story and character development
• Strong post-game content
• Better pacing and exploration
• New areas and content
• More balanced difficulty

Negatives:

• Still similar to previous games in some ways

6. Pokemon Ranger: Signs of the Alola

Release Year: 2015

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: This game introduces a new capture mechanic using different types of Ranger beasts. While creative, it lacks the charm and polish of previous entries.

Positives:

• Creative new capture mechanics
• Interesting character designs
• Good story for Ranger fans

Negatives:

• Lacks the charm of previous entries
• Still repetitive gameplay

E Category: Poor

E-level games have fundamental flaws that make them frustrating or disappointing experiences. They're not worth playing unless you're a completist.

7. Pokemon Ranger: Trials of Laggrace

Release Year: 2023

Platform: Nintendo Switch

Summary: This modern Pokemon Ranger game lacks the charm and polish of previous entries. The mechanics feel outdated, the story is forgettable, and the overall experience is underwhelming.

Positives:

• Modern graphics and presentation
• Good for casual Pokemon fans

Negatives:

• Lacks the charm of previous entries
• Still repetitive gameplay
• Limited depth for long-term play
• Forgettable story

6. Pokemon Ranger: Signs of the Alola

Release Year: 2015

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: This game suffers from repetitive gameplay, limited content, and underwhelming mechanics. It's not worth playing unless you're a completionist.

Positives:

• Good for casual Pokemon fans

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay
• Limited content and depth
• Underwhelming mechanics

5. Pokemon Channel

Release Year: 2003

Platform: Nintendo GameCube

Summary: Pokemon Channel is a strange and unusual game that's difficult to recommend. It's barely a game and feels more like a tech demo for the GameCube's online capabilities.

Positives:

• Charming concept

Negatives:

• Not really a game
• Limited gameplay
• Boring and repetitive

4. Pokemon Trozei! (Pokemon Link!)

Release Year: 2004

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: While not terrible, Pokemon Trozei is too simple and lacks depth. It's a quick puzzle game that's fine for 5-10 minutes of play but not worth a full playthrough.

Positives:

• Good for quick play sessions
• Simple and easy to understand

Negatives:

• Limited gameplay depth
• Boring after a short time
• Not worth a full playthrough

3. Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs

Release Year: 2010

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: This game is repetitive and lacks the charm of previous Ranger games. The capture mechanics quickly become boring, and the story is forgettable.

Positives:

• Okay for younger players

Negatives:

• Repetitive gameplay
• Lacks charm of previous games
• Forgettable story

2. Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia

Release Year: 2007

Platform: Nintendo DS

Summary: The second Pokemon Ranger game is worse than the original. The capture mechanics are clunky, the gameplay is repetitive, and the game is too short.

Positives:

• Okay for younger players

Negatives:

• Worse than original Ranger
• Clunky capture mechanics
• Repetitive gameplay
• Short and underwhelming

1. Pokemon Ranger: Signs of the Alola

Release Year: 2015

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Summary: This game is the worst Pokemon Ranger game. The mechanics are clunky, the gameplay is boring, and the overall experience is underwhelming.

Positives:

• None significant

Negatives:

• Worst capture mechanics in the series
• Boring and repetitive gameplay
• Underwhelming story
• Not worth playing

Conclusion: Finding Your Next Pokemon Adventure

This ranking covers the major Pokemon games across all platforms. While subjective, it reflects years of gameplay experience and community consensus. The top games offer unique experiences that stand the test of time, while lower-tier games have flaws that limit their appeal.

Top Picks for Different Players

For Traditional Pokemon Fans:

• HeartGold/SoulSilver
• Scarlet/Violet
• Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl

For Story-Driven Players:

• Sun/Moon
• Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
• Scarlet/Violet

For Competitive Players:

• Scarlet/Violet
• Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl
• Scarlet/Violet

For Casual Players:

• Pokemon Snap (Switch)
• Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs
• Pokemon Sun/Moon

Final Thoughts

Each Pokemon game has its strengths and weaknesses. The top games offer unique experiences that stand the test of time, while lower-tier games have flaws that limit their appeal. The ranking system helps guide players to the best experiences while acknowledging that individual preferences play a role.

Whether you're a completist wanting to experience every Pokemon game or just looking for your next adventure, this ranking provides a guide to finding the games that best match your preferences and playstyle.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the highest-rated Pokemon game?Based on this ranking, Pokemon Snap (Switch) is the highest-rated Pokemon game, followed closely by the Pokemon Ranger series and Sun/Moon. However, individual preferences vary, and many players enjoy different games for different reasons.

Are there Pokemon games on all Nintendo consoles?

p>No. While Pokemon has appeared on virtually every Nintendo system from Game Boy to Switch, there are some exceptions. Pokemon has never been released for Nintendo 64, Nintendo GameCube, or Wii/Wii U home consoles (except for some spin-offs and on virtual console).

Why are there so many Pokemon games with similar names?Pokemon games often have similar names to indicate they're related. The naming convention typically follows this pattern: Generation number + Pokemon name + (Ultra, Legend, etc.) + region name + remake indicator. This helps players understand how games are related.

What order should I play Pokemon games in?

p>For a first-time player, it's recommended to play in generation order starting with Gen 1, or play remakes in chronological order (Red/Blue → FireRed/LeafGreen → HeartGold/SoulSilver → Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl). For veterans, playing in any order works since each game is self-contained.

Are the Pokemon Ranger games worth playing?The Pokemon Ranger games are worth playing if you enjoy unique gameplay mechanics and charming spin-offs. The first two games are particularly good, while the 2023 Switch game is less impressive. They're not traditional Pokemon experiences but offer something different from the mainline games.

What's the difference between Pokemon Sun/Moon and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon?

p>Ultra versions are enhanced versions of the original games with new story elements, Pokemon, and areas. They typically include new legendary Pokemon, additional story content, and some quality-of-life improvements. Ultra versions are worth playing if you enjoyed the original games.

Should I play Pokemon Snap on N64 or Switch?The Switch remake is generally preferred due to improved graphics, controls, and additional content. The original N64 game is charming but shows its age. Most players recommend the Switch remake for the best experience.

What's the best post-game content in Pokemon games?HeartGold/SoulSilver are widely considered to have some of the best post-game content, including the Kanto region. Pokemon Black/White 2 also has excellent post-game content, and some later games like Scarlet/Violet offer good post-game activities.

Are there any Pokemon games I should avoid?Most Pokemon games are worth playing, but some are more forgettable than others. The lowest-ranking games like Pokemon Channel and Pokemon Trozei are niche experiences that may not appeal to most players. These games are worth trying if you're curious but don't expect to enjoy them.

What's the best Pokemon game for beginners?

p>For beginners, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl, Pokemon Sword/Shield, or Pokemon Scarlet/Violet are excellent choices. They have good tutorials, reasonable difficulty, and engaging storylines. The remakes of Gen 4 also offer a good balance of classic gameplay with modern quality-of-life improvements.