Best Pokémon Games to Play Today

Relive the magic before the Switch.
Whether you grew up with a Game Boy under your pillow or jumped into the series later: Pokémon before the HD era is pure comfort food. From 8-bit Kanto nostalgia to the moment Unova truly pulls you into a story—this is the period when Pokémon came to life on the go, on the couch, and in short sessions. That's why we've listed ALL European releases up to 3DS & Wii U, including a handful of spinoffs that deserve to be (re)discovered.

We'll keep it practical. For each game, we'll tell you in one sentence why it is or isn't worth your time, and at the bottom, we'll suggest the best "one-and-done" choice for each generation. This way, you can confidently pick up Emerald without FOMO about Ruby/Sapphire, or go straight for Platinum if you want to experience Sinnoh as it was meant to be. And, as always: the choice is yours—you play however you enjoy it most. Grab your handheld, blow the dust off your UMD/Cartridge, and let's go: time to build your ultimate pre-Switch Poké-library.

MUST-HAVE — “the essence, timeless, full of content”

• Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver (DS) — The definitive Johto remake with Pokéwalker charm and extensive post-game.
• Pokémon Black 2 & White 2 (DS) — A rare direct sequel that deepens Unova and completes competitive systems.
• Pokémon Platinum (DS) — Diamond/Pearl but faster, more complete, and with Distortion World magic.
• Pokémon Emerald (GBA) — Hoenn at its best thanks to the Battle Frontier and clever balance changes.
• Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon (3DS) — The richest Alola edition with more pace, features, and endgame.
• Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen (GBA) — Kanto revisited but modern and complete; perfect entry point or nostalgic reset.
• Pokémon Conquest (DS) — Turn-based strategy + Pokémon proves to be a golden combination with surprising depth.
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky (DS) — The "definitive edition" with extra episodes and the beloved, emotional story.
• Pokémon Colosseum (GC) — Unique console RPG with "snag & purify" mechanic and a cool Orre flair.
• Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness (GC) — Perfects Colosseum's formula with Shadow Lugia and a full-fledged campaign.
• Pokkén Tournament (Wii U) — Tight, deep fighter that still plays great immediately—fantastic on the couch.
• Pokémon Puzzle League (N64) — Panel de Pon puzzle perfection with Kanto atmosphere; timelessly addictive.
• Pokémon Trading Card Game (GBC) — Addictive card RPG that still plays wonderfully.
• Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire (GBA) — Pick-up-and-play pinball fun with a delightful catch-and-score loop.

EXCELLENT — “almost top, sometimes with a small ‘but’”

• Pokémon Black & White (DS) — Fresh, narrative reboot for Unova with tight fundamentals.
• Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire (3DS) — Modern Hoenn; you only miss the classic Battle Frontier.
• Pokémon X & Y (3DS) — The 3D leap with Kalos charm and Mega Evolutions; a bit light on post-game.
• Pokémon Sun & Moon (3DS) — Alola's story focus and trials feel different and fresh.
• Pokémon Stadium 2 (N64) — The best Stadium: 251 Pokémon, minigames, and Transfer Pak magic.
• Pokémon Stadium (N64) — Then: your GB team in 3D; now mostly nostalgia, but still fun with friends.
• Pokémon Snap (N64) — Relaxing, creative, and iconic photography, perfect for short sessions.
• Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time/Darkness (DS) — The foundation Sky builds upon; fine if you want to complete the trilogy.
• Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia (DS) — The best Ranger flow before Guardian Signs; charming and fast-paced.
• Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs (DS) — Co-op missions and extras elevate the Ranger concept.
• PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure (Wii) — Accessible, cheerful adventure with mini-games; great kids' entry.
• PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond (Wii) — More variety and Unova Pokémon; a sympathetic follow-up trip.
• Pokémon Rumble (WiiWare) — Toy Pokémon, instant action, and couch co-op—the ultimate snack.
• Super Pokémon Rumble / Rumble Blast (3DS) — The portable Rumble with more content and a long checklist.
• Pokémon Art Academy (3DS) — Surprisingly good drawing lessons with Pokémon models; creative and zen.

RECOMMENDED — “solid fun or nice detours”

• Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (DS) — Important step into Gen 4; choose Platinum if you only get one Sinnoh.
• Pokémon Gold/Silver/Crystal (GBC) — The blueprint for "more of everything"—two regions and a delightful flow.
• Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow (GB) — History in your hand; vintage pace, eternal charm.
• Pokémon Battle Revolution (Wii) — DS connect and 3D shows; thin without your own team, strong with it.
• Pokémon Rumble World (3DS) — F2P origin, but retail version is complete and relaxed collecting.
• Pokémon Shuffle (3DS) — Decent match-3 with events; free-to-start and good pick-up-and-play.
• Pokémon Picross (3DS) — Nonogram puzzles with clever Pokémon skills, ideal for short sessions.
• Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure (DS) — Fun typing game with Bluetooth keyboard in the box; delightfully niche.
• Pokémon Dream Radar (3DS) — Handy BW2 companion with Hidden Abilities and AR catching.
• Pokédex 3D Pro (3DS) — Complete (at the time) Pokédex in 3D; ideal as a reference during your run.
• Pokémon Channel (GC) — Cozy curio with an EU-exclusive Jirachi bonus; fun for collectors.
• Pokémon Box: Ruby & Sapphire (GC, bundles) — Utility classic; ideal if you want to store many monsters.

FAN-NICHE / CURIO — “love for the peculiar”

• Pokémon Dash (DS) — Early DS gimmick with stylus racing; mostly fun as a curio.
• Pokémon Rumble U (Wii U) — NFC toys + short arenas; neat if you're in the Rumble flow.

Best choices per generation — one game (or duo) to skip the rest

• Gen 1 (Kanto): FireRed/LeafGreen (GBA) – modern comfort + Kanto nostalgia in one go.
• Gen 2 (Johto): HeartGold/SoulSilver (DS) – the most complete Johto experience, period.
• Gen 3 (Hoenn): Emerald (GBA) – Battle Frontier and balance; the Gen 3 choice.
• Gen 4 (Sinnoh): Platinum (DS) – faster, fuller, better than Diamond/Pearl.
• Gen 5 (Unova): Black 2/White 2 (DS) – more content and systems than the original.
• Gen 6 (Kalos/Hoenn remakes): Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (3DS) – rich in QoL and content as a "one-stop-shop".
• Gen 7 (Alola): Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon (3DS) – the best, most packed Alola version.

Bonus spinoffs for variety (optional additions):
Explorers of Sky (DS) for story; Conquest (DS) for tactics; Puzzle League (N64) for puzzle fun; Colosseum/XD (GC) for console RPG variety.

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