For more than 25 years, Pokémon games have captured the hearts of millions of players around the world. From the simplicity of the original Game Boy titles to the breathtaking open worlds on the Nintendo Switch, every generation has brought something unique.
But one big question remains: what is the best Pokémon game of all time?
The truth is, it depends on what you’re looking for. Some games shine through nostalgia, others through innovative gameplay, and the newest ones with stunning graphics and open-world freedom.
In this guide, we’ll explore:
- The most iconic classic Pokémon games
- The modern Switch titles with open-world mechanics
- How to play every single Pokémon game from Game Boy to Switch in one place
- And why PokeMMO is the ultimate Pokémon MMORPG
The classics: nostalgia that never fades
No list of the best Pokémon games would be complete without the originals:
- Pokémon Red, Blue & Yellow (Game Boy) – the beginning of the journey, with Pikachu and the original 151 Pokémon.
- Pokémon Gold, Silver & Crystal (Game Boy Color) – introducing Johto, the day/night cycle, and two full regions to explore.
- Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald (Game Boy Advance) – a fan-favorite with Hoenn’s tropical charm and epic soundtrack.
- Pokémon Diamond, Pearl & Platinum (Nintendo DS) – a bigger Pokédex and the first online battles and trades.
These titles hold a special place in the hearts of fans. They represent the pure, simple joy that made Pokémon a global phenomenon.
The modern Switch era: deeper gameplay & open worlds
On the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon evolved into something entirely new:
- Pokémon Sword & Shield – the first mainline Pokémon games on a hybrid console, with the Wild Area and online raids.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus – a groundbreaking semi-open-world adventure with real-time catching mechanics.
- Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – the first true open-world Pokémon experience, with impressive visuals and total freedom of exploration.
These modern titles deliver a more immersive experience, appealing to both longtime fans and new players.
One solution for every Pokémon game: Game Boy to Switch 📦
Why limit yourself to just one game when you can have all of them in one pack?
At RetroXMania, we’ve built the ultimate solution:
This pack lets you play every generation of Pokémon, from the Game Boy classics all the way up to the latest Switch adventures.
- Works on PC, Android, and iOS
- Comes with step-by-step installation instructions
- Safe and virus-free
- Plug-and-play: just install and enjoy
It’s the easiest way to relive your favorite memories and discover the newest Pokémon games.
PokeMMO: the best Pokémon MMORPG 🌐
Want to share your adventure with players around the globe? That’s exactly what PokeMMO offers. This fan-made MMORPG combines several Pokémon regions (Kanto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova) into one massive multiplayer experience.
With PokeMMO, you can:
- Catch and train Pokémon with friends
- Battle other trainers online in real time
- Explore multiple regions in one game
- Join tournaments and community events
👉 To make things easy, we’ve created a Complete PokeMMO Guide + ROMs so you can set it up quickly and start playing without hassle.
Conclusion: the best Pokémon game depends on you
- Looking for nostalgia? Go back to Red, Blue, or Gold/Silver.
- Want a modern, immersive experience? Scarlet, Violet, or Legends: Arceus are perfect.
- Want all generations in one place? RetroXMania’s Pokémon Ultimate Pack is your answer.
👉 Explore our RetroXMania Pokémon packs and experience the entire Pokémon universe, from retro classics to the latest open-world adventures.