Best Pokémon games: every generation ranked
The best Pokémon games allow you to become the very best
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What’s the bestPokémongame? The beloved monster-catching role-playing game franchise spans over nine generations of games and is still growing, meaning that deciding which one is the very best constantly becomes a harder and harder task.
While each of the main games has the recurring concept of catching and raising Pokémon to fight in battles, every generation has introduced plenty of features to spice up the experience, along with even more creatures to collect and areas to wander. Over the years, the series has experimented with new mechanics such as Mega Evolutions, Z-Moves, and Dynamaxing - all of which brought fresh tactics to introduce to battles.
However, since every newPokémongeneration is so different, the newer ones aren’t necessarily better. The latest main entries,ScarletandViolet, are packed with excellent quality-of-life improvements, but continue to face criticism for their performance, with issues such as lag and graphical glitches still present over a year on from their launch.
With that in mind, it’s important to consider the pros and cons of every entry in the series.For example, the sixth generation gamesXandYwere the first 3D titles in the series which was a monumental shift, and the fifth generation gamesBlack, Whiteand their sequels tell main series' best narrative to date. On the other hand though, some players were critical ofXandYsince they’re generally considered to be easier games than some of the series' earlier entries, while many ofBlackandWhite’s Unova regionPokémondesigns aren’t exactly universally adored.
Here at TechRadar Gaming, we’ve weighed up all of these factors for you, making selecting your nextPokémonadventure easier than ever. This is our guide to the bestPokémongenerations, complete with everything you need to know before choosing to play them.
Best Pokémon games
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9. Generation 7 – Sun and Moon / Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon / Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee
This was our first introduction into the beloved Alola region.Ultra SunandMoonis very streamlined and managed to fix multiple issues that players previously had about the series.
No list of the bestPokémongames is complete withoutSunandMoon, which introduced the Alola region. Alola offered a definite departure from the series' earlier environments, complete with region-specific Pokémon forms and challenges. Gone were gyms – replaced instead by island trials, and Totem Pokémon and themed challenges surrounding them. Even HMs disappeared. The novelty was certainly refreshing.
However,SunandMoon’s innovations were somewhat limited in many respects. This generation took Generation 5’s attempt to craft a more involving story and Generation 6’s attempt to be more of a traditional RPG, and brought them together in a way that brought the series forward, but not quite enough to givePokémonthe rejuvenation it sorely needed at the time.
Ultra SunandUltra Mooncontinued whatSunandMoonstarted, but rather than simply rehashing the same story in the kind of director’s cut, they were more of an attempt to recreate the sequel structure we first saw with Generation 5’sBlackandWhite 2. There was a brand new story involving dimensional wormholes, brand new legendary Pokemon, and an attempt to continue the tale ofSunandMoon’srather than re-tell it.
ButSunandMoonweren’t the onlyPokémongames in Generation 7,Pokémon Let’s GoPikachuandEeveefall under the same generation.Pokémon Let’s Gois a hybrid that blends the best of the franchise’s hit mobile game,Pokémon Go, with game mechanics fromSunandMoon. The resulting mix elicited different responses from different gamers. Some were put off by the lack of competitiveness of the entry, while others enjoyed the simplicity of the new direction.
The idea behind the games was to streamline everything and reduce the parts of the game that frustrated audiences. Personally, we hated using a valuable move slot for a worthless HM like Cut or Flash. InPokémon Let’s Go, HMs no longer existed. We hated walking through caves just to be bombarded by Zubats. Again, that just wasn’t a problem inPokémon Let’s Go,as random encounters were gone, and you could see where the Pokémon were on the map. Sure, that took away some of the joy of running into a rare Pokémon like Pinsir out in theSafariZone, but it also means less of the tedious grinding that wasted precious hours of our lives in the ’90s.
Generation 7 certainly tried something new.SunandMoonwere the biggest departure for Pokémon games in years, but didn’t stick the landing in quite the same way asPokémon SwordandShield, nor did they match the lofty ambitions ofPokémon ScarletandViolet.
8. Generation 9 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Our expert review:
Despite a shaky launch a lot of time and effort has gone into improvingScarletandViolet, and it definitely shows. It has a rich open world to explore while staying true to the pocket monster fantasy.
Pokémon ScarletandViolet’s releasewas a double-edged sword, brimming with ambition in its attempt to rehabilitatePokémonas an open-world game. The title enjoys three main storylines which players can complete at their own pace while exploring the expansive world of Paldea.
Battles occur in the open world, and Pokémon exhibit animalistic behaviors in the wild. On paper, it’s aPokémonfan’s dream. However, the game was held back by shoddy execution. A wide range of bugs keeps the game from realizing its lofty goals, constantly reminding you of the foibles and limitations of theNintendo Switch.
That said, the games aren’t without their charms. The cast of characters is memorable and endearing, offering stories sufficiently stirring that they brought a tear to my eye on more than one occasion.
However, the games feel half-finished, indicative, perhaps, of whatPokémoncould be if it were given enough room to grow.
7. Generation 8 - Pokémon Sword and Shield / Legends Arceus / Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
There was a lot of experimentation in this title, but that wasn’t a bad thing.SwordandShieldadded loads of immersive new features and topped it all off with a great region that was full of surprises.
Pokémon SwordandShieldwere the first mainlinePokémongames to be released on the Nintendo Switch. Expectations were high from the initial announcement. But, despite the furor, the eighth generation seemed to weather the storm and both titles have gone on to have great critical and commercial success.Pokémon SwordandShield’s Galar region, inspired by the United Kingdom, is charming and generally well-liked, and its wild areas added a much-requested open-world feature to the series.
There are a few issues that keepSwordandShieldfrom being the very best, however. As withScarletandVioletthe lack of voice acting is especially conspicuous in the current generation. The plot does little to excite, remaining in traditionalPokémonterritory. That said, the graphics and quality-of-life changes introduced in Generation 8 were a welcome addition, making the game an enjoyable ride overall.
Pokémon Legends Arceuslater expanded uponSword and Shield, freeing players in search of a simpler experience and offering arguably the best storytelling of the series to date. It was a breath of fresh air and we were glad to see Game Freak experimenting with its long-running series, particularly in how it reimagined how we battle and capture Pokémon – it was this experimentation that earned it its place on ourbest Nintendo Switch gameslist. But, for some,Arceuswas held back by theNintendo Switch’s aging hardware.
Generation 8 also includedPokémon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl, remakes of Generation 4’sDiamondandPearlfor Nintendo Switch. Now, these remakes aren’t the work of Game Freak (they’re by the studio ILCA) but they’re pretty damn faithful. They’re not the most ambitious remakes in thePokémonseries but a lot of affection for the originals clearly went into them and that does wonders for the nostalgia factor.
Generation 8 certainly broughtPokémoninto the modern era with experimental features and gameplay but not all of them were executed as effectively as would have been ideal.
6. Generation 6 - Pokémon X and Y / Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
XandYprovided players with a visual revolution for Pokémon games. It doesn’t only look fantastic but it played really well. It’s also a great gateway into the series.
Pokémon XandYwere a visual revolution for thePokémonfranchise, being the first games to be released on the 3DS console with truly 3D graphics.
Graphics inXandYwere absolutely gorgeous, and we think we’ll always remember our first-ever time in Lumiose City. Additionally, we got a new type (Fairy), Mega Evolution, Pokémon-Amie, and new character customization settings to go along with them.
However, it’s the release ofOmega RubyandAlpha Sapphire, remakes of Generation 3’sRubyandSapphirethat were the real standout entries of this generation. These remakes were great, not because they drastically changed the story, but because they graciously added new features and quality of life improvements to the mix, introduced as they were inXandY. Plus, seeing the Hoenn region in 3D was inspiring. When you play these remakes, you get a better sense of whyRuby, Sapphire,andEmeraldwere such indispensable additions to the series back in the day.
5. Generation 5 - Pokémon Black and White / Black 2 and White 2
Pokémon BlackandWhite arefar more accessible than previous-generation games. Their simplified and intuitive in-game fights, abilities, and features make them easy and fun to pick up.
Generation 5 brought a bolder sort of storytelling toPokémon, having the characters inBlackandWhitequestion the very premise of the game.
ThePokémongames aren’t exactly known for their storytelling, butBlackandWhiteand their sequels did a laudable job of offering something novel and exciting.
In this generation, we surpassed 600 total Pokémon, and as a result, some of the new additions here were pretty perplexing in terms of design. These games also made the controversial change of making it possible to use TMs more than once. This was a change that, while not universally unwelcome, did cause some consternation amongst more hardcore fans.
BlackandWhite 2took the time to follow on from its predecessors, offering a kind of sequential worldbuilding that we hadn’t seen sincePokémon GoldandSilver.
4. Generation 3 – Ruby and Sapphire / Emerald / FireRed and LeafGreen
The double battles, contests, and secret bases found inRubyandSapphireare fantastic. It was also the first gen that introduced sprinting, so that’s an automatic win.
Continuing fromGold, Silver, andCrystal, RubyandSapphiregave us better animations, double battles, contests, secret bases, and (to the relief of everyone) the ability to run.
Generation 3 marked the first time thatPokémonreleased for the Game Boy Advance, which was a far more impressive machine than its predecessor, allowing for meaningful graphical improvements.RubyandSapphirewere full of vibrant colors which gave the game a vivacity of which its predecessors could only dream.
While Generation 3 did have its issues, it brought usPokémon FireRedandLeafGreen,remakes ofPokémon RedandBluethat added new features and improved visuals – though they’re not the easiest games to get your hands on for a decent price in 2023.Pokémon FireRedandLeafGreenare the definitive versions of the originalPokémonexperience and would likely rank higher on our list if they were more accessible.
3. Generation 1 - Pokémon Red / Blue / Yellow / Green
Possibly the most memorable gen, with some brilliant Pokémon, characters, and settings. It also holds a special place in fans hearts thanks to the great anime and merchandise.
Generation 1 invented thePokémonformula, providing a generation of childhoods with hours of fond memories of adventure, mystery and friendship. While there will always be an element of nostalgia involved when it comes to the firstPokémongeneration, there’s a lot to be said forRedandBlue’s simple and intuitive systems, not to mention the iconic design of the original 151 Pokémon.
Pokémon RedandBluearrived in the US and Australia in 1998 before making its way to Europe in 1999. In an era beforeonline games, the Game Boy’s Link Cable allowed for the next best thing.Pokémon RedandBluewere as cemented in trading and community as they were in single-player fun. The intersection of different people’sPokémonexperiences allowed for the games to take on a life of their own, feeling bigger than any one player.
In essence, this is the magic ofPokémon. It’s whyPokémon Goenjoyed its own surge of popularity in 2016 and why the franchise remains so popular to this day.
ThoughPokémon RedandBlueare sparse, bare-bones affairs by modern standards, they establishedPokémon’s identity, both in terms of their narrative and mechanical elements, but also when it came to their emphasis on community building. In many respects,Pokémonis a multiplayer game, and it wasRedandBluethat first allowedPokémonto transcend the limits of RPGs, laying the foundations for what would one day be a global community.
2. Generation 4 - Diamond and Pearl / Platinum / HeartGold and SoulSilver
Gen 4 is the refined version of Gen 3, thanks to its improved features and iconic designs. It also has some of the best remakes in the series in the form ofBrilliant DiamondandShinning Pearl.
Pokémon Diamond, PearlandPlatinumwere subtle but rewarding affairs, gently iterating onRubyandSapphire’s improvements to the series without departing too far from what makesPokémongreat.
Gen 4 also included some great designs. Piplup, Chimchar, and Turtwig rank among some of the most adorable starters inPokémonhistory. The games also doubled down on the series' flirtations with mythology, adding Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus as new legendaries.
However, the greatest feather in Gen 4’s cap was remakingPokémonGoldandSilver,introducing us toHeartGoldandSoulSilver. These took the greatest games in the series and gave them a welcome lick of paint, alongside quality of life improvements. This also came beforePokémon’sambitious, but somewhat awkward move to 3D. Lavish, colorful sprites populatedHeartGoldandSoulSilver’s iconic locations, imbuing them with all the zest and flair of Gen 3 and Gen 4.
For many,HeartGoldandSoulSilverare the definitivePokémonexperience, but, as you’ll see below, it was their original incarnations that brought out the very best in the series.
1. Generation 2 – Pokémon Gold and Silver / Crystal
Gen 2 is a well-rounded and expertly crafted addition to this long-running franchise. It builds upon Gen 1’s story and Pokémon, resulting in the best and most well-rounded Gen.
Pokémon Gold, Silver,andCrystalset the benchmark for what can be achieved in aPokémonadventure. Rather than abandoning the previous game as many of its sequels elected to do,Gold, Silver,andCrystalmeaningfully built on Gen 1, attaching the Johto region to Kanto and allowing the player to adventure through both.
Gold, Silver,andCrystal’s new Pokémon served to compliment the original 151, offering new evolutions for existing creatures as well as brand new evolutionary lines which mirrored the originals.
In contrast to modernPokémon,Gold, Silver,andCrystaldidn’t sweep previous versions under the rug, instead embracing them and using them to tie together a coherentPokémonuniverse. Koga’s daughter takes over Fuchsia City’s gym, while her dad steps up to the Elite Four. Lance, Pokémon champion, returns too, taking an active role in the story which serves to make the climactic battle against him all the more meaningful.
To top it all off, the game’s final battle takes place against Red, the protagonist of the originalRedandBlue, tying together both stories in a beautiful culmination.
Pokémonworks best when it presents us with an immersive world, in which we can get lost.Gold, Silver,andCrystaldoubled down on this immersion, by building on their existing setting, fleshing out the world ofPokémonin a way that resonated with fans. IfRedandBluebuilt thePokemoncommunity, it wasGold, Silver,andCrystalthat gave this community a sense of permanency and shared narrative – an achievement upon which thePokémonfranchise trades to this day.
Best Pokémon games: FAQs
What’s the best Pokémon game for Switch?
The bestPokémongame for Switch is easilyPokémon ScarletandViolet. Though occasionally stymied by performance issues,ScarletandVioletdoes justice to thePokémonfantasy, offering a charming open-world, and three main stories which, in contrast to many other titles in the series, offer a range of memorable characters and moving moments.
It’s the bestPokémongame in years and, though we criticized it in our review for its shoddy performance,Pokémon ScarletandVioletoffers an adventure you won’t soon forget.
What’s the best Pokémon game to nuzlocke?
The bestPokémongame to nuzlocke isPokémon HeartGoldandSoulSilver.For those not in the know, a “nuzlocke run” is when you release any Pokémon in your party that faints, adding a brutally satisfying permadeath element to the game.Pokémon HeartGoldandSoulSilverhas a gentler difficulty curve, allowing you to come to terms with the difficulties of a nuzlocke run. The sheer length of the game serves to keep things fresh, ensuring that a new challenge is just around the corner.
How we made our Best Pokémon games guide
Any ranking of the bestPokémongames is going to be divisive, so rather than attempt to assess which of the series' generations might be “the best”, we instead focused on their contribution to thePokémonsaga and their ability to capture the fantasy and childlike wonder at the heart of the entire franchise.
Pokémon Gold, Silver,andCrystalare at the top of our list because they meaningfully built on the world ofPokémon, without taking down what came before them. This approach allowed thePokémonfantasy to grow and mature, while simultaneously staying true to its roots – a difficult line to walk, and a challenge that Game Freak struggles to address to this day.
If you want to explore more of what Nintendo’s most esteemed franchises have to offer, you might want to check out thebest Zelda games, or thebest GBA gamesfor a more nostalgic feel.
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An editor and freelance journalist, Cat Bussell has been writing about video games for more than four years and, frankly, she’s developed a taste for it. As seen on TechRadar, Technopedia, The Gamer, Wargamer, and SUPERJUMP, Cat’s reviews, features, and guides are lovingly curated for your reading pleasure.
A Cambridge graduate, recovering bartender, and Cloud Strife enjoyer, Cat’s foremost mission is to bring you the best coverage she can, whether that’s through helpful guides, even-handed reviews, or thought-provoking features. She’s interviewed indie darlings, triple-A greats, and legendary voice actors, all to help you get closer to the action. When she’s not writing, Cat can be found sticking her neck into a fresh RPG or running yet another Dungeons & Dragons game.
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