Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11As of August 11, 2026, 29 Pokémon games are available through an official Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch 2 release, a free download, or a Nintendo Switch Online classic-game library. That total includes 18 standalone retail or digital games, four free-to-start games, and seven currently available classic titles. Pokémon Colosseum is listed separately as an upcoming Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics release and is not included in the available total.
This guide is focused on the U.S. Nintendo ecosystem. Product listings, language editions, prices, Nintendo Switch Online libraries, and release dates can differ by country. Paired versions are listed separately because they are separate purchases, while DLC, bundles, language SKUs, and Pokémon HOME are not counted as additional games.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Minecraft - Nintendo Switch | $29.83 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
Mario Kart™ World (Nintendo Switch 2) | $79.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Quick list: Pokémon games available on Switch and Switch 2
| Category | Available games | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Standalone retail and digital games | 18 | Purchase individually, physically or digitally where offered |
| Free-to-start and free-download games | 4 | Download from the Nintendo eShop; optional purchases may apply |
| Nintendo Switch Online classics | 7 | Included with the relevant Nintendo Switch Online membership |
| Upcoming classic | 1 | Pokémon Colosseum; listed separately until launch status is confirmed |
Nintendo Switch 2 can run compatible physical and digital Nintendo Switch games, but Nintendo warns that some Switch software may not be supported or may not be fully compatible. A Switch 2 Edition or enhancement is therefore identified separately below; an ordinary Switch release should not automatically be treated as a dedicated Switch 2 version.
Recommended Free Tools
Standalone Pokémon games for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2
These are complete games rather than DLC, companion services, or classic-library entries. Some are sold physically, some digitally, and some through both channels depending on the market.
#1 Best Overall
- Minecraft is a game about placing blocks and going on adventures
- Explore randomly generated worlds and build amazing things from the simplest of homes to the grandest of castles
- Play in creative mode with unlimited resources or mine deep into the world in survival mode, crafting weapons and armor to fend off the dangerous mobs
- Play on the go in handheld or tabletop modes
- Includes Super Mario Mash-Up, Natural Texture Pack, Biome Settlers Skin Pack, Battle & Beasts Skin Pack, Campfire Tales Skin Pack; Compatible with Nintendo Switch only
Mainline adventures and role-playing games
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! — A Kanto adventure with a simplified catching system inspired by Pokémon GO. It is a separate purchasable version with version-exclusive Pokémon and remains playable on Switch 2 as compatible Switch software.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! — The companion version to Let’s Go, Pikachu!, with its own product listing and version-exclusive Pokémon. It is a native Switch game that is compatible with Switch 2 under Nintendo’s compatibility framework.
- Pokémon Sword — One half of the eighth-generation pair set in the Galar region. Sword and Shield are separate purchases, and their version differences matter when choosing a copy.
- Pokémon Shield — The companion eighth-generation release to Pokémon Sword. The Sword and Shield Expansion Pass is optional DLC for these games, not a separate Pokémon game.
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond — A Nintendo Switch remake of the Sinnoh adventure. It is sold separately from Shining Pearl and has version-specific Pokémon and trading considerations.
- Pokémon Shining Pearl — The paired Sinnoh remake to Brilliant Diamond. It is a separate game and product listing rather than an alternate edition of the same purchase.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus — A single-player-focused action RPG set in an earlier version of the Hisui region. It is a full Switch release and is compatible with Switch 2 under Nintendo’s general compatible-software framework.
- Pokémon Scarlet — One of the ninth-generation core RPGs. Scarlet and Violet are separate versions, and the version choice affects available Pokémon and trading.
- Pokémon Violet — The companion ninth-generation RPG to Scarlet. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is paid DLC for Scarlet and Violet and does not count as another game.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A — A full Pokémon Legends release available in a Nintendo Switch version and a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. The Switch 2 Edition provides improved performance, higher resolution, and smoother frame rates. The paid Switch 2 upgrade pack and the Mega Dimension DLC are add-ons, not separate games.
- Pokémon FireRed Version — A digital Nintendo Switch release of the 2004 Game Boy Advance remake. Nintendo released English, French, and Spanish versions on February 27, 2026. The language listings are separate product SKUs, but they represent one game for counting purposes. The Switch release supports local wireless trading and battling rather than online play. Players looking for the reissue can compare Pokémon FireRed Version Nintendo Switch.
- Pokémon LeafGreen Version — The paired Switch release to FireRed Version, also based on the 2004 Game Boy Advance remake. It is a second game, not an additional language SKU, and is separate from the Game Boy Advance Nintendo Classics library. A separate product search is available for Pokémon LeafGreen Version Nintendo Switch.
Full-length spin-offs and other standalone releases
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX — A remake of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team. It is a complete Switch dungeon-crawling game with single-player play and online-enabled features where applicable; some online features require Nintendo Switch Online.
- New Pokémon Snap — A photography-focused adventure in which players observe Pokémon in natural environments and photograph them. It is a full modern Switch release rather than a Nintendo 64 classic-library listing.
- Detective Pikachu Returns — A story-driven adventure starring the talking Detective Pikachu. It is a full Nintendo Switch game and should not be confused with the earlier Detective Pikachu game released for Nintendo 3DS.
- Pokkén Tournament DX — A Pokémon fighting game released for Nintendo Switch. It is a standalone game in the physical and digital Switch catalog, distinct from the RPGs, photography games, and classic Pokémon Stadium titles.
- Pokémon Friends — A digital puzzle game built around short puzzle sets, collectible virtual Pokémon plush, friend quests, and room decoration. Nintendo offers a basic pack and separately sold Puzzle On! DLC packs. The base game is playable on Switch 2 with behavior listed as consistent with Nintendo Switch.
- Pokémon Pokopia — A cozy life-simulation game in which players build a life with Pokémon. It released on March 5, 2026, and is a native Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Nintendo supports GameShare in certain circumstances, but GameShare should not be confused with owning a normal Nintendo Switch version. For Switch 2 owners, see Pokémon Pokopia for Nintendo Switch 2.
Which standalone games are paired versions?
For shopping purposes, count each boxed or digital version separately:
- Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
- Sword and Shield
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
- Scarlet and Violet
- FireRed Version and LeafGreen Version
Buying one version does not normally give you the other version. Version-exclusive Pokémon and trading requirements are the practical reason to check the pairing before purchasing.
Free-to-start and free-download Pokémon games
These games can be downloaded through the Nintendo eShop without buying a conventional full-price game. Optional in-game purchases, internet access, or online-service requirements may still apply.
- Pokémon Champions — A free-download battle game released on April 8, 2026. It supports ranked and casual battles and is designed as a competitive battle platform, including use for the 2026 Pokémon World Championships. Nintendo lists a free Switch 2 graphics update, so it remains a Switch game with a Switch 2 enhancement rather than a separate game.
- Pokémon UNITE — A free-to-start team-based multiplayer battle game for Nintendo Switch. It is also available on mobile, but the Switch release belongs in this guide. Online play requires an internet connection, and Nintendo Switch Online may be required for online features.
- Pokémon Quest — A free-to-start exploration and adventure game featuring block-style Pokémon designs. The Switch version is a digital Nintendo Switch game and should be distinguished from its mobile versions.
- Pokémon Café ReMix — A free-to-start puzzle game centered on running a Pokémon café. It is available on Switch and mobile devices and offers optional in-game purchases.
Free-to-start does not mean every feature is offline or permanently free. Check the eShop listing for the current online, account, and purchase requirements in your region.
Classic Pokémon games included with Nintendo Switch Online
Classic games are accessed through Nintendo Switch Online’s console-specific Nintendo Classics applications. They are generally not purchased as individual modern ports. The membership requirement depends on the original platform.
Game Boy — any Nintendo Switch Online membership
- Pokémon Trading Card Game — Available through the Game Boy – Nintendo Classics library with any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
Game Boy Advance — Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team — Available through Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics. It requires Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
This is separate from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, the full Switch remake. The two games should not be merged into one entry.
Nintendo 64 — Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Pokémon Snap
- Pokémon Puzzle League
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pokémon Stadium 2
All four are part of the Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics library and require Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Pokémon Snap is the Nintendo 64 classic; New Pokémon Snap is the separate modern Switch photography game.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Nintendo GameCube on Switch 2 — Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack
- Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness — Available through Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics on Nintendo Switch 2. The GameCube library is exclusive to Switch 2, and access requires Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. Nintendo’s support material records a software update addressing an issue in April 2026.
- Pokémon Colosseum — Listed by Nintendo as an upcoming Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics title. Because its launch status can change, it is not included in the 29-game available total in this guide. Recheck the Nintendo GameCube library immediately before publication or purchase to confirm whether it has launched.
The GameCube Nintendo Classics library is not available on the original Nintendo Switch. A regular Switch owner cannot access the GameCube entries simply by having Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack.
Switch 2-only and Switch 2-enhanced Pokémon games
| Game or version | What Switch 2 changes | Can an original Switch run it? |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Pokopia | Native Switch 2 game; designed as a cozy Pokémon life simulation. | Not as an ordinary Switch release. GameShare may work in supported circumstances, but that is not standard ownership. |
| Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition | Improved performance, higher resolution, and smoother frame rates compared with the original Switch version. | The original Switch version is available separately. The Switch 2 Edition or paid upgrade pack is not a second game. |
| Pokémon Champions | Free Switch 2 graphics update. | Yes, through the Switch version. |
| Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness | Available through the Switch 2-only GameCube Nintendo Classics library. | No. The GameCube library is exclusive to Switch 2. |
| Other Nintendo Switch Pokémon games | No dedicated Switch 2 Edition is identified in this guide. | A Switch 2 can run compatible physical and digital Switch software, but Nintendo’s compatibility warnings still apply. |
If your priority is the current enhanced Pokémon RPG, the relevant purchase is Pokémon Legends: Z-A Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. Do not pay for a purported second game when the listing is actually the Switch 2 upgrade pack or DLC.
Pokémon HOME is useful, but it is not a game
Pokémon HOME is a cloud storage-and-transfer service, not a Pokémon game. It should not be added to the game count even though it may appear alongside games in Nintendo’s Pokémon software listings.
Nintendo’s compatibility documentation identifies HOME support for:
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!
- Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!
- Pokémon Sword
- Pokémon Shield
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
- Pokémon Shining Pearl
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Scarlet
- Pokémon Violet
Support for the 2026 Switch releases of Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version was announced as coming soon. That does not change the games’ local wireless trading and battling setup, and it does not make HOME a game.
What does not count as another Pokémon game?
- Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass — DLC for Sword and Shield.
- The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero — DLC for Scarlet and Violet.
- Mega Dimension — Expansion content for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
- Puzzle On! packs — Separately sold DLC for Pokémon Friends.
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 upgrade pack — A paid upgrade for the existing game, not a second Pokémon title.
- Retail bundles — A bundle may package hardware, a game, or DLC, but it does not increase the number of games.
- FireRed and LeafGreen language listings — English, French, and Spanish product listings are editions or SKUs of two games, not six distinct games.
- Pokémon HOME — A companion storage and transfer service.
Buying advice for Switch and Switch 2 owners
1. Decide whether you need a native Switch 2 game
If you own the original Switch, the main compatibility issue is Pokémon Pokopia: it is a Switch 2-native exclusive, with GameShare exceptions that should not be treated as normal Switch ownership. Switch 2 owners can also choose the enhanced version of Pokémon Legends: Z-A or access the GameCube Nintendo Classics library.
For the rest of the catalog, distinguish a normal Switch release from a Switch 2 Edition. A Switch 2 can play compatible Switch cartridges and digital purchases, but Nintendo cautions that compatibility is not universal or necessarily complete for every Switch title.
2. Choose the correct paired version
Do not buy based only on a game family name. Let’s Go, Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Scarlet and Violet, and FireRed and LeafGreen are separate products. Version-exclusive Pokémon and trading are the main reasons to compare the two listings before checkout.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Race from one course to another through interconnected paths that span the world
- Traverse mountains, forests, cities, and more—with shifting weather patterns and a day/night cycle
- Ride on rails, jump off walls, skim across water, and more as you race for the finish line
- Take on the adrenaline-packed Knockout Tour—a fierce 24-driver elimination mode
- Explore courses at your own pace and wander the world to discover fun surprises in Free Roam
If you are choosing a traditional modern RPG, compare Pokémon Scarlet Nintendo Switch with the more exploration-focused Pokémon Legends: Arceus Nintendo Switch. They are different structures rather than two versions of the same game: Scarlet is a ninth-generation core RPG, while Arceus is a single-player-focused action RPG set in historical Hisui.
3. Pick physical or digital based on how you play
- Physical: Useful if you share cartridges, collect games, or want a boxed copy. A Switch 2 still requires the specific Switch software to be compatible.
- Digital: Convenient for switching between games without changing cartridges. FireRed and LeafGreen are Switch releases rather than games added to the GBA Nintendo Classics library, and their availability may be represented by separate language or product listings.
- Free-to-start: Pokémon UNITE, Pokémon Quest, Pokémon Café ReMix, and Pokémon Champions can be downloaded without buying a conventional retail copy, but online access and optional purchases vary.
- Classic-library access: Pokémon Trading Card Game, Red Rescue Team, the four Nintendo 64 titles, and XD: Gale of Darkness are tied to Nintendo Switch Online membership tiers rather than ordinary individual purchases.
Digital buyers planning a large Switch 2 library may also want to compare a Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express card. It is an optional storage accessory, not a Pokémon requirement, and no particular capacity is necessary for every player.
4. Check online requirements before buying for multiplayer
- Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack: Required for the GBA, Nintendo 64, and GameCube classic libraries listed above.
- Standard Nintendo Switch Online: Pokémon Trading Card Game is available through the Game Boy – Nintendo Classics library with any Nintendo Switch Online membership.
- Pokémon UNITE: Requires an internet connection, and Nintendo Switch Online may be required for online features.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX: Includes online-enabled features where applicable; Nintendo Switch Online is required for those online features.
- FireRed and LeafGreen Switch releases: Support local wireless trading and battling, not online play.
Nintendo Switch Online access is a subscription benefit and the classic titles can leave or change availability as Nintendo updates its libraries. Confirm the current library and membership tier in the U.S. Nintendo eShop before subscribing.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently asked questions
Are the old Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and GameCube Pokémon games included on Switch?
Some are. Pokémon Trading Card Game is in Game Boy – Nintendo Classics. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is in Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics. Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, and Pokémon Stadium 2 are in Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is in the Nintendo GameCube library on Switch 2. Pokémon Colosseum is listed as upcoming in the availability snapshot used for this guide.
Does Pokémon HOME count as a Pokémon game?
No. HOME is a cloud storage and transfer service that connects supported Pokémon games. It is useful for moving or storing Pokémon, but it is not a standalone game and is excluded from the count.
Does Pokémon DLC count as another game?
No. The Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, Scarlet and Violet’s Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC, Pokémon Friends’ Puzzle On! packs, and the Legends: Z-A Switch 2 upgrade pack are add-ons or upgrades. They do not increase the game count.
Which Pokémon games require Nintendo Switch 2?
Pokémon Pokopia is the native Switch 2-exclusive game in the standalone catalog. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness requires Switch 2 because the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library is exclusive to that console. Pokémon Legends: Z-A has a Switch version as well as a Switch 2 Edition, while Pokémon Champions has a free Switch 2 graphics update. Other Switch releases depend on Nintendo’s title-specific compatibility support.
Can I play Nintendo Switch Pokémon games on Switch 2?
Switch 2 supports compatible physical and digital Switch games, but Nintendo warns that some software may not be supported or fully compatible. Treat the native release and the Switch 2 enhancement as separate facts: a game can be a Switch title that runs on Switch 2 without having a dedicated Switch 2 Edition.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Are FireRed and LeafGreen six games because they have three language listings each?
No. Nintendo released English, French, and Spanish listings for each 2026 Switch release, but those are language editions or product SKUs. For a game guide and shopping comparison, count them as two games: FireRed Version and LeafGreen Version.
Rank #4
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Bottom line
The 2026 Nintendo catalog contains 18 standalone Pokémon games, four free-to-start downloads, and seven available classic-library games, for 29 currently available game entries under the scope used here. Pokémon HOME, DLC, upgrades, bundles, and language SKUs are not extra games. The two major Switch 2 distinctions are Pokémon Pokopia, which is native to Switch 2, and enhanced or expanded access such as the Pokémon Legends: Z-A Switch 2 Edition and the Switch 2-only GameCube classics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the old Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64, and GameCube Pokémon games included on Switch?
Some are. Pokémon Trading Card Game is in Game Boy – Nintendo Classics; Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team is in Game Boy Advance – Nintendo Classics; Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, and Pokémon Stadium 2 are in Nintendo 64 – Nintendo Classics; and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness is in the Nintendo GameCube library on Switch 2. Pokémon Colosseum is listed separately as upcoming in the August 11, 2026 availability snapshot.
Does Pokémon HOME count as a Pokémon game?
No. Pokémon HOME is a cloud storage and transfer service for supported games, not a standalone game.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDoes Pokémon DLC count as another game?
No. The Sword and Shield Expansion Pass, Scarlet and Violet’s Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, Legends: Z-A’s Mega Dimension DLC, Pokémon Friends’ Puzzle On! packs, and the Legends: Z-A Switch 2 upgrade pack are add-ons or upgrades.
Which Pokémon games require Nintendo Switch 2?
Pokémon Pokopia is the native Switch 2-exclusive standalone game. Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness requires Switch 2 because the Nintendo GameCube – Nintendo Classics library is exclusive to that system. Legends: Z-A also has a Switch 2 Edition, but its original Switch version remains available.
Are FireRed and LeafGreen six games because they have three language listings each?
No. The English, French, and Spanish listings are language editions or product SKUs. They count as two games: Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version.
The Bottom Line
In short: 29 Pokémon games are currently available on Switch or Switch 2 under this guide’s definition, with Pokémon Colosseum listed separately as upcoming. Count paired versions as separate purchases, keep DLC and Pokémon HOME out of the total, and check Switch 2 compatibility before assuming that an original Switch game has a dedicated enhanced edition.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
