Pokemon’s 25th anniversary is a special time. The series took the world by storm with the release of Pokemon Red and Blue in 1998 (in the West, 1996 in Japan.) Thus then, the series has lasted 25 years, with the release of 20 main-franchise games over that timespan. Ranking the Pokemon games is not easy. In fact, it’s a near-impossible task, which is why we’re limiting it to just five entries in the series. While we don’t know what Nintendo has up their sleeves for Pokemon’s 25th anniversary, there are rumors of a Diamond and Pearl released for the Nintendo Switch, though those rumors are unfounded. Regardless, here are the best Pokemon games.
5. Pokemon X and Y
Pokemon X and Y were the third installments in the Pokemon series for the Nintendo 3DS. They were set in the Kalos region, which was based on modern-day Paris. It had memorable Pokemon, excellent starters, and re-invigorated fans after Black and White 2. Black and White and Black and White 2 were good games, but after a sequel, the two entries waned. Pokemon X and Y were a fresh start, and they delivered in stellar fashion. X and Y were a refreshing return to form for the Pokemon franchise and set the foundation for everything yet to come.
4. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl were the first entries in the series for the Nintendo 3DS. They transitioned the series from one generation to the next. Not only that, it had some of the best Pokemon to date and you could even transfer your Pokemon from the GameBoy advance games to Diamond and Pearl. The Sinnoh region is one of the best in the franchise, and the legendary Pokemon in the games are memorable beyond belief. The game’s transition to the more powerful 3DS was seamless, and there is a reason why there are rumors that Diamond and Pearl are being remade for the Nintendo Switch: they are two of the best entries in the franchise.
3. Pokemon Red and Blue
Pokemon Red and Blue is where the franchise began. They created a phenomenon that has never been seen in gaming before, and may never be seen again. Kids would come to school early just to battle their friends and trade Pokemon before classes began (I would know, I was one of them.) The story was simple, yet fun. Team Rocket was, and still is, iconic. Red and Blue set the foundation for the entire series and this cannot be overlooked. The games may not be the best now that technology has advanced so far, but, they still hold up fairly well. The Red versus Blue rivalry is unparalleled in any Pokemon game. There are even a few unexpected plot twists. Pokemon Red and Blue will forever be remembered as the games that started it all, and they are still two of the best entries in the franchise, despite technical limitations.
2. Pokemon Sword and Shield
Pokemon Sword and Shield are the first original 3D entries in the Pokemon franchise for the Nintendo Switch, and they do not disappoint. They introduce a number of new gameplay mechanics and change up the formula of the series after roughly 23 years. This could have been met with a lukewarm reception, but fans embraced it. Gigantmaxing and Dynamaxing were introduced, which allow your Pokemon to grow to an enormous size. The Galar region is rife with exploration, and two DLC add-ons give the game even more content. It is the most revolutionary Pokemon game yet, which is why it’s so high on our list.
1. Pokemon Heart Gold/Soul Silver
Pokemon Gold and Silver are regarded as two of the best Pokemon games. The remake on the DS took this even further and crafted what is the best entry in the series. It spans two regions, both the Johto and Kanto regions. Red, from the original game, even makes a cameo. The original game introduced a slew of new Pokemon, and Heart Gold and Soul Silver maintain this legacy. It’s a faithful recreation of the original Gold and Silver games, and we couldn’t ask for a better remake of what is regarded as the best entry in the series.
Ranking the Pokemon games isn’t easy. We had to leave a lot out because otherwise, this article would be far too bloated. These are our top Pokemon games, ranked. Others may disagree, but there is no doubt that at the very least, each of these games is in the conversation.