What was the first Pokémon game on the Switch?
The Switch era of Pokémon games kicked off with a bang when Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! were released in November 2018. However, many fans of the series might be wondering when the first traditional Pokémon role-playing game (RPG) arrived on the console. In this article, we’ll explore the early days of Pokémon on the Switch and answer the question of what was the first Pokémon game on the console.
The Early Years of Pokémon on Switch
Before diving into the world of traditional Pokémon RPGs on the Switch, let’s take a look at the initial games that sparked the franchise’s popularity. The first Pokémon games were released on the Game Boy in 1996 – Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue. These classic titles set the stage for the franchise’s global phenomenon and have since been released on various platforms, including the Nintendo 3DS and Virtual Console.
In November 2018, Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! brought the Pokémon world to the Nintendo Switch for the first time. While not traditional RPGs, these games were designed for a more casual audience, focusing on catching and training Pokémon rather than battling against opponents.
The Traditional Pokémon RPGs Arrive
Fast-forward to 2019, when two new games, Pokémon Sword and Shield, were announced for the Nintendo Switch. Sword and Shield marked the first traditional Pokémon RPGs on the Switch. These games boasted stunning visuals, new characters, and a revamped storyline. Pokémon Sword and Shield received critical acclaim and introduced new features, such as Dynamaxing and Wild Area.
The Expansion of Pokémon on Switch
The success of Sword and Shield led to the creation of more Pokémon games for the Switch. In February 2020, two more games, Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Mystery Dungeons Rescue Team DX, were released, allowing players to trade and transfer Pokémon between their games and other platforms. In September 2021, the highly anticipated Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl was released, offering a refreshed experience of the classic Generation IV games.
Upcoming Pokémon Games on Switch
Looking ahead, it seems that the Switch era of Pokémon games is still just getting started. Upcoming titles, such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, promise new adventures, battling systems, and even augmented reality features. The Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription, which includes Game Boy Advance games, hints at even more classic titles to be released on the console.
Conclusion
To answer the question, the first Pokémon game on the Switch was Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! which marked the franchise’s return to home consoles. The subsequent releases of Pokémon Sword and Shield, and upcoming games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, have cemented the Switch as a core platform for the Pokémon series. With the continued development of the franchise, there’s no doubt that fans will have plenty of Pokémon-filled adventures to look forward to on the Nintendo Switch.
Table: A Brief Overview of Pokémon Games on Switch
| Release Year | Game | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Let’s Go, Pikachu! | First Pokémon game on Switch |
| 2018 | Let’s Go, Eevee! | |
| 2019 | Sword and Shield | First traditional RPG on Switch |
| 2020 | HOME | Transfer and trade Pokémon across platforms |
| 2020 | Mystery Dungeons Rescue Team DX | |
| 2021 | Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | Refreshed Generation IV experience |
| (Upcoming) | Scarlet and Violet | New battles and augmented reality features |