Nintendo has detailed the complete line-up of Pokémon games available on Switch and Switch 2, including new releases, remakes, and upcoming titles, with key updates for players planning their next adventure in the series
Nintendo has confirmed the full catalogue of Pokémon games available on both the original Switch and the new Switch 2 as of 2026, outlining which titles are playable now, which have received updates, and what players can expect from the next wave of releases. The announcement follows a series of reveals during Pokémon Day, providing clarity on the franchise's current and future presence across Nintendo's hybrid platforms.
Current Pokémon Games on Switch
As of 2026, there are 16 main Pokémon releases on Nintendo Switch, covering both core entries and a range of spin-offs. This figure counts dual-version mainline games as a single release and excludes titles only accessible via Nintendo Switch Online. The line-up includes Pokkén Tournament DX, Pokémon Quest, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Sword & Shield, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX, Pokémon Café ReMix, New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Detective Pikachu Returns, Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2026 re-release), Pokémon Pokopia (Switch 2 exclusive), and Pokémon Champions.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, which introduced Generation 9, have now completed their DLC cycle with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Nintendo has confirmed that these titles will receive free updates to improve playability on Switch 2, ensuring compatibility and performance enhancements for players upgrading to the new hardware.
Upcoming and Recent Releases
Pokémon Legends: Z-A launched on both Switch and Switch 2 on 16 October 2025, shifting the series' focus to a dense, urban environment in Lumiose City. The game introduces new Mega Evolutions for starters like Tepig, Chikorita, and Totodile, and features a reworked combat system with more real-time action elements. Early reviews have highlighted the game's departure from the open-world structure of Scarlet & Violet, instead favouring a more compact but detailed setting.
2026 has also seen the return of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, originally remakes for Game Boy Advance, now re-released for Switch platforms. Pokémon Pokopia, a Switch 2 exclusive, offers a life-simulation spin-off where players take on the role of a Ditto in human form, building habitats and interacting with Pokémon in a style reminiscent of Animal Crossing. Pokémon Champions, another recent addition, is a free-to-play battle game designed to serve as the new standard for competitive Pokémon VGC events, with integration for Pokémon Home and specific roster limitations.
Pokémon on Nintendo Switch Online
Beyond the main releases, Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscribers have access to a selection of classic Pokémon titles from previous generations. These include Pokémon Trading Card Game (Game Boy Color), Pokémon Mystery Dungeon - Red Rescue Team (Game Boy Advance), Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Puzzle League, Pokémon Stadium, Pokémon Stadium 2 (all N64), and GameCube entries Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. These games are available as part of the subscription's retro library, offering additional ways to revisit the franchise's history.
For those interested in how other major franchises are expanding their presence on Nintendo platforms, the Overdrive season for Fortnite recently introduced a 32-bit themed update and a Sonic the Hedgehog crossover, as covered in our recent feature on Fortnite's latest season.
What's Next for Pokémon
The Pokémon Company has officially announced the next mainline entries, Pokémon Winds and Waves, scheduled for release on Switch 2 in 2027. The initial teaser suggests a significant graphical update and introduces new starters: Pombon, Gecqua, and Browt. This marks the longest gap between mainline generations, with a full five years separating Generation 9 and the upcoming Generation 10. No further details on gameplay structure or regional inspiration have been confirmed at this stage.
Players can expect continued support for existing titles, with updates and compatibility patches for Switch 2, as well as a growing library of spin-offs and remakes. The current line-up demonstrates Nintendo's commitment to maintaining a robust Pokémon presence across both generations of its hybrid hardware.
When discussing remakes and re-releases, it's important to distinguish between a remaster and a full remake. A remake typically involves rebuilding the game from the ground up, often with new assets, mechanics, and sometimes expanded content, while a remaster usually focuses on improved visuals and minor enhancements. For Pokémon, remakes like FireRed and LeafGreen or Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl have historically introduced updated graphics and features, but the extent of changes can vary significantly between projects. Understanding these differences helps players set expectations for both nostalgia-driven releases and new entries in the series.
