9 Best Pokemon Games 2025 in the United States

Pokemon Shining Pearl for the Nintendo Switch is a remake of the classic Pokémon Pearl game, allowing players to revisit the Sinnoh region. The game is designed to appeal to both classic Pokémon fans and new players. It features updated graphics and art style that bring a fresh look to the familiar world. The storyline remains engaging, focusing on your journey to become the Champion of the Pokémon League.

With added features like the Grand Underground, players can dig up items, find Pokémon Fossils, and even build a Secret Base, adding depth to the gameplay. The Super Contest Show lets players test their style and rhythm, offering a fun and varied experience. The game is rated 'Everyone,' making it suitable for all ages.

Fans of the original might find the gameplay somewhat repetitive if they were hoping for more significant changes or new content. The game is specifically for the Nintendo Switch platform, so a Switch console is required. If you enjoy RPGs and the Pokémon series, this game is a solid choice, especially if you have nostalgic ties to the original version.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus for the Nintendo Switch is a refreshing take on the traditional Pokemon formula. Set in a historical version of the Sinnoh region, the game blends classic Pokemon elements with new action and RPG mechanics. Players can expect to catch, survey, and research wild Pokemon in a vast, open-world environment, aiming to create the region's first Pokédex.

The game allows you to observe Pokemon behaviors, stealthily approach them, and engage in seamless battles by throwing Poké Balls containing your ally Pokemon. Starting the adventure with one of three partners – Rowlet, Cyndaquil, or Oshawott – adds a layer of nostalgia and strategy as you work with the Pokemon Professor who found them during his travels.

The graphics are a mixed bag, offering an appealing art style that captures the wild, untamed nature of the region but may fall short in terms of technical sophistication compared to other modern games. The storyline, set long before the existence of Pokemon Trainers and Leagues, provides a fresh narrative that long-time fans and newcomers will enjoy. Some players might find the shift in gameplay and the open-world mechanics a bit daunting or different from the traditional Pokemon experience they are used to. Many players appreciate this new direction for the franchise, even if it comes with a few trade-offs in graphical fidelity and familiar gameplay elements.

The '3DS Pokemon Omega Ruby -- World Edition' is a Nintendo 3DS game that falls under the RPG (Role-Playing Game) genre, focusing on capturing, training, and battling Pokemon, a concept that has proven extremely popular over the years. This game stays true to that formula while introducing new features and enhancements that keep it fresh and engaging for both new and returning players. It includes updated graphics and an improved art style compared to older entries, giving it a more vibrant and modern look on the 3DS platform.

The storyline remains consistent with the Pokemon tradition, offering a rich and engaging narrative centered around becoming a Pokemon Master while thwarting the plans of the evil Team Magma. One potential drawback is that for players without access to a 3DS, this game is inaccessible unless they purchase the console. Additionally, while the game brings new features, it may still feel familiar to those who have played previous versions, offering limited novelty in terms of core gameplay mechanics. Fans of the series and newcomers alike will likely appreciate the blend of nostalgia and new content.

The game is lightweight and compact, indicated by its minimal item weight and package dimensions. It is rated 'Everyone,' making it a suitable choice for all age groups. 'Pokemon Omega Ruby' offers a fulfilling adventure for any Pokemon enthusiast, although it may require access to specific gaming hardware.