Pokemon Games Ranked in 2025: Which Pokemon Game Is Truly the Greatest?
Pokemon is one of the most iconic franchises in gaming. Now, it has become the biggest and highest-grossing media franchise on the planet, outpacing Mickey Mouse and Call of Duty. Throughout its 29-year history, the Pokemon series has produced over 20 main series games and countless spinoffs, all of which are fantastic in their own right. But what are the best Pokemon games? Each of us has our favorite Pokemon games, and while all of them are fantastic in their own way, some are simply better than others. So, here are all Pokemon games ranked from worst to best.
Unraveling the Legacy of a Gaming Icon
Since its humble beginnings in 1996, the Pokemon franchise has evolved from a simple Game Boy RPG to a global multimedia empire. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the original titles — Pokemon Red and Green- introduced players to the dream of catching and battling fantastical creatures. Pokemon’s success quickly expanded into anime, trading card games, movies, merchandise, and mobile apps like Pokemon Go, which revolutionized mobile gaming in 2016. For millions, Pokemon games are more than just entertainment–they’re formative experiences tied to childhood, friendship, and personal growth. Ranking of Pokemon mainline titles sparks passionate discussions because each generation represents gameplay advancements and emotional milestones for players.
19 Pokemon Games Ranked from Worst to Best
Whether you’re new to Pokemon or have been playing since Red and Blue on the Game Boy, this ranking of Pokemon will help you discover which games stand out as the best — and which ones fall short:
19 Pokémon Red/Blue (1996, Game Boy)
Going back to where it all began, Pokemon Red and Blue set us on the path to being the best like no one ever was, and we haven’t looked back since. The world of Kanto still feels just as magical as ever, and the original 151 Pokemon are the most memorable in the franchise’s history for their wonderful design.
Pros
- ✔Core mechanics of catching, training, and battling Pokemon.
- ✔150 Original Pokemon.
- ✔Multiplayer feature.
Cons
- ✘Minimal quality-of-life-features.
18 Pokémon Yellow (1998, Game Boy)
The next title to make our Pokemon ranking list is Pokemon Yellow. It was designed as a special edition inspired by the success of the Pokemon anime. It added a few charming touches—most notably, Pikachu following the player around—and updated sprite designs for many Pokemon.
Pros
- ✔First game where Pikachu follows the players.
- ✔Option to obtain all three original starters.
- ✔Improved graphics compared to Red and Blue.
Cons
- ✘Bugs and glitches within the game.
- ✘Suffer issues like sound quality and slow gameplay.
17 Pokémon Sword/Shield (2019, Nintendo Switch)
Pokemon Sword and Shield bring the “mainline “games onto the Nintendo Switch with a dollop of charm, a real sense of fun, and some much-needed gameplay optimizations. This game introduces players to the new Galar region.
Pros
- ✔Fantastic Pokemon designs.
- ✔Immersive new region
- ✔Considered and effective gameplay improvements.
Cons
- ✘Not as graphically accomplished as other Switch titles.
- ✘Suffer issues like sound quality and slow gameplay.
16 Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl (2021, Nintendo Switch)
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are faithful remakes of the beloved Generation IV titles, bringing the Sinnoh region to the Nintendo Switch with updated graphics and quality-of-life improvements.
Pros
- ✔Cute and charming aesthetic.
- ✔Lots of things to do, especially after rolling credits.
- ✔Technical performance is sound.
Cons
- ✘Main game is still really easy, especially with Experience Share.
15 Pokémon Gold/Silver (1999, Game Boy Color)
Pokemon Gold and Silver were a leap forward for the franchise, building on the success of Red and Blue with a wealth of new features. Generation II introduced 100 new Pokemon, real-time day/night cycles, breeding mechanics, and the beloved Johto region.
Pros
- ✔Easy, simple gameplay.
- ✔Massive post-game content.
- ✔New variety of Pokemon, moves, and types.
Cons
- ✘Some TMs aren’t available.
14 Pokémon Crystal (2000, Game Boy Color)
Pokemon Crystal is an enhanced edition of the 1999 titles Pokemon Gold and Silver. It is the final entry in the second generation of the Pokemon game series. The game introduced several new features, including additional story elements, a Battle Tower area, the option to play as a female protagonist, and various minor improvements.
Pros
- ✔First playable female protagonist.
- ✔Enhanced story elements.
- ✔Animated sprites.
Cons
- ✘Minor upgrades over Gold/Silver
13 Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire (2002, Game Boy Advance)
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire ushered in the third generation, introducing the vibrant Hoenn region and significant gameplay changes. With new battle mechanics like double battles and Pokémon natures, these titles refreshed the series while maintaining its core charm.
Pros
- ✔Introduced double battles.
- ✔Pokémon natures added depth.
- ✔Hail as a new weather condition.
Cons
- ✘Outdated graphics.
12 Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen (2004, Game Boy Advance)
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are polished remakes of the original Red and Blue, bringing the Kanto region to the Game Boy Advance with enhanced visuals and new content like the Sevii Islands, making them a nostalgic yet fresh experience.
Pros
- ✔Preserved Kanto’s nostalgia.
- ✔Added Sevii Islands.
- ✔Improved graphics.
Cons
- ✘Same storyline as originals.
11 Pokémon Emerald (2004, Game Boy Advance)
Pokémon Emerald enhances Ruby and Sapphire with the iconic Battle Frontier and a refined Hoenn storyline, making it the definitive Generation III experience with vibrant visuals and extensive post-game content.
Pros
- ✔Strong visual style.
- ✔Great audio design.
- ✔Hundreds of Pokémon to catch.
Cons
- ✘Rehash of Ruby/Sapphire.
10 Pokémon Diamond/Pearl (2006, Nintendo DS)
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl introduced the Sinnoh region on the Nintendo DS, bringing technical advancements like online trading and battling, along with the innovative Physical/Special move split.
Pros
- ✔Physical/Special move split.
- ✔Introduced Sinnoh region.
- ✔Rich, diverse environments.
Cons
- ✘Imbalanced battles.
9 Pokémon Platinum (2008, Nintendo DS)
Pokémon Platinum refines Diamond and Pearl with a richer storyline featuring the Distortion World, faster gameplay, and the Battle Frontier, cementing it as the ultimate Sinnoh adventure.
Pros
- ✔New aesthetic features.
- ✔Wi-Fi Plaza adds fun.
Cons
- ✘Limited new content.
8 Pokémon X/Y (2013, Nintendo 3DS)
Pokémon X and Y brought the series into full 3D on the Nintendo 3DS, introducing the Kalos region, Mega Evolutions, and customizable trainers, delivering a visually stunning and innovative experience.
Pros
- ✔3D polygonal graphics.
- ✔New starter Pokémon.
- ✔Customizable trainer appearance.
Cons
- ✘Repetitive storyline.
7 Pokémon Sun/Moon (2016, Nintendo 3DS)
Pokémon Sun and Moon revolutionized the series with the tropical Alola region, replacing Gyms with Island Trials and introducing regional variants, offering a fresh and engaging adventure.
Pros
- ✔Island Trials replace Gyms.
- ✔Regional Pokémon variants.
Cons
- ✘Low difficulty level.
6 Pokémon Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon (2017, Nintendo 3DS)
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon expand on Sun and Moon with new story elements, Ultra Wormholes, and a larger Pokémon roster, delivering a richer Alola experience.
Pros
- ✔Ultra Wormholes add excitement.
- ✔Huge Pokémon roster.
Cons
- ✘No traditional Gyms.
5 Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire (2014, Nintendo 3DS)
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire modernize Ruby and Sapphire with 3D visuals, Mega Evolutions, and an updated Hoenn region, blending nostalgia with fresh mechanics.
Pros
- ✔Stunning 3D environments.
- ✔Mega Evolution enhances battles.
Cons
- ✘Easier difficulty.
4 Pokémon Scarlet/Violet (2022, Nintendo Switch)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced the open-world Paldea region, three unique storylines, and co-op multiplayer, offering unprecedented freedom despite some technical hiccups.
Pros
- ✔Open-world exploration.
- ✔Three engaging storylines.
- ✔Co-op multiplayer.
Cons
- ✘Technical issues.
3 Pokémon Black/White (2010, Nintendo DS)
Pokémon Black and White revitalized the series with the Unova region and a fresh Pokémon roster, introducing triple battles and a compelling story that resonated with fans.
Pros
- ✔Unova region feels fresh.
- ✔Triple battles add variety.
Cons
- ✘Graphic issues.
2 Pokémon Black 2/White 2 (2012, Nintendo DS)
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, set two years after Black and White, expand the Unova region with new locations, Gym Leaders, and refined mechanics, making them standout sequels.
Pros
- ✔New locations in Unova.
- ✔Fresh Gym Leaders.
- ✔Improved gameplay mechanics.
Cons
- ✘Same difficulty level.
1 Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver (2009, Nintendo DS)
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are the pinnacle of the series, remaking Gold and Silver with stunning visuals, the ability to walk with Pokémon, and extensive post-game content, earning them the top spot.
Pros
- ✔Retains original charm.
- ✔Walk with Pokémon feature.
- ✔Quality-of-life improvements.
Cons
- ✘Inconsistent DS hardware use.
Beyond Pokemon Games Ranked: Spin-Offs Every Fan Should Play
Pokemon franchise also offers a wide variety of spin-off games that offer different experiences for fans. Here is the list of top Pokémon spin-offs every fan should play.
- ♥ Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Series
- ♥ Pokemon Snap
- ♥ Pokemon Ranger Series
- ♥ Legends: Arcues
- ♥ Pokemon TCG Online
What Makes a Great Pokemon Game?
A great Pokémon game incorporates a few key elements that enhance both the gameplay and the overall experience. Here are some key factors that make a great Pokémon game:
- ★ Story Depth: A great Pokemon game often introduces a compelling story, allowing players to enjoy the game for hours.
- ★ Region Design: Region plays a huge role in the game. A great game often features a region that feels alive and interconnected.
- ★ Region Design: Region plays a huge role in the game. A great game often features a region that feels alive and interconnected.
- ★ Pokemon Variety: A great Pokemon game offers a balanced and diverse roster of creatures with unique characteristics and abilities.
- ★ Post-Game Content: Once the story is ended, great games offer post-game content, allowing players to enjoy the end game.
Elevate Your Pokémon Journey – Extra Tip for Maximum Fun and XP
Looking to elevate your Pokémon Journey? Look no further! MocPOGO is one of the best tools that allows users to enhance their Pokémon experience by leveling up faster, catching rare Pokémon, and hatching eggs from the comfort of home. It allows users to alter their location and teleport to different parts of the world in Pokémon without getting detected. MocPOGO offers amazing features such as a cooldown timer, joystick controls, an easy-to-use interface, and more.
Here is how to use this tool:
168,282 people have downloaded it.
- Change GPS location on iOS/Android device without jailbreak or root.
- Simulate GPS movement with customized speeds.
- Change the location of all location-based games/apps, including Pokemon Go, MHN, WhatsApp, Snapchat, Tinder, etc.
- Support GPS joystick to play AR game on PC.
- POGO error 12 fixed.
- Support the latest iOS 18/Android 15.
Step 1. Launch MocPOGO on your PC and connect your Android or iOS device using the USB cable.
Step 2. Enable the Developer Mode or USB debugging and choose the mode according to your requirements.
Step 3. Select the “Teleport Mode” and enter the target destination. Hit the “Search” button.
Step 4. Finally, click the “Go” button to teleport the the desired location.
