The Nintendo Switch 2 is already proving to be one of the most successful launches in gaming history. With enhanced internals, a larger LCD screen, improved Joy-Cons, stronger haptics, and a more flexible kickstand that doesn’t fall over like a confused Krookodile, the Switch 2 feels tailor-made for a new era of Pokemon gaming revisitation.
While many fans are excited for the new titles, it also gives a brilliant second life to the beloved Pokemon games from the original Switch, and now is the perfect time to jump back in.
What Are the Best Pokemon Games to Play On the Switch 2?
Well, for starters, Pokemon Legends: Arceus feels smoother than ever thanks to the upgraded frame rate and controls. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet received a Switch 2-dedicated patch that completely changed the game’s performance. And if you're in the mood for lighthearted adventure, Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee are a cozy return to the Kanto region.
Keep reading, because this list has everything from photography to fighting game madness.
Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee
These Pokemon games were already adorable when they first released, but the Nintendo Switch 2 makes them feel fresh again. The improved and bigger Joy-Cons make the motion-based catching mechanics feel far more intuitive and comfortable.
The upgraded haptics give you a satisfying feeling with every ball toss, and the stronger kickstand means you can catch ‘em all during tabletop gameplay without having to worry about the tablet toppling over. With the bigger LCD, Kanto’s nostalgic vibes, combined with the watercolor-ish visuals, look more beautiful than ever.
New Pokemon Snap
The Switch 2 may not use OLED, but its new and bigger 7.9-inch LCD display makes every photo safari feel more immersive. The improved clarity helps you spot even the sneakiest Pokemon hiding in the background.
With refined joycon responsiveness and better gyro mechanics, you’ll actually enjoy holding the Switch 2 for hours while you wait for that perfect shot of the elusive glowing Meganium. If you ever wanted to experience the Pokemon world through a Poke-camera lens with New Pokemon Snap, this is now the definitive way to do it.
Pokken Tournament DX
The original Switch had awkward controls in split Joy-Con mode, especially when trying to do split-screen matches on tabletop. But the Nintendo Switch 2’s larger screen and improved SR and LR buttons make co-op multiplayer actually playable now.
Every Pokemon punch, special move, and synergy burst looks and feels more impactful. Pokken Tournament on the Switch 2 feels more like a console-quality fighting game than ever before.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus
This Pokemon game is a bold reinvention of the franchise that feels even better with the Switch 2’s upgraded horsepower. Frame rate drops are now much rarer, making the action-packed dodges, aiming captures, and open-area battles feel fluid.
The bigger joysticks offer more precise control, so you’re less likely to accidentally leap into a wild Alpha Snorlax, and aiming will make you feel like a pro. Now, you can truly lose yourself in the ancient lore of the Hisui region without worrying about technical hiccups or bad aiming.
Pokemon Unite
This Pokemon game benefits tremendously from the new system's stronger power. This fast-paced MOBA has always been fun but suffered from occasional lag and clunky flow on the first Switch. Not anymore. On the Switch 2, the menus feel snappier, team fights are more dynamic, and it’s much easier to track and predict enemy movement.
Victories just feel more rewarding, and with a screen this clear and responsive controls, going pro might not be too impossible after all.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
These were the first Pokemon games to receive a dedicated performance patch for the Switch 2, and the results are stunning. Frame rates are steadier at 50 to 60 FPS, draw distances are improved, and the overworld finally feels alive. The notorious windmills now turn smoothly in Cortondo while the ocean shimmers with depth, and grassy fields sway realistically.
You’ll notice more Pokemon appear at once, so shiny hunting's not only easier but also more exciting. Online raid battles now feel like real-time strategy events rather than slow slideshow presentations. This is the version Scarlet and Violet always should have been.
Honorable Mention: Pokemon Legends Z-A
Although it hasn't been released yet, it’s already building a Giga Impact-level hype. Set to release in October 2025, this new installment is expected to push the Switch 2’s power to the limit.
The new battle system looks like it will shake things up yet again, both casually and competitively. The urban setting of Lumiose City hints at a completely different vibe, and given the hardware upgrades and what we’ve seen in trailers so far, there’s no doubt the Switch 2 version will be the best way to experience what might be the next evolution of the Pokemon franchise.
Here’s hoping that more Pokemon titles receive the same free performance-boosting love that Scarlet and Violet did. With the Switch 2 setting a new standard for portable gaming, it’s time for the Pokemon Company to power up the rest of the Pokedex. After all, in this new console generation, no Pokemon game should go unchecked.
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