Mario has been a consistent money-maker for Nintendo, but Pokemon stands as one of its most prominent franchises, spanning across consoles, handhelds, and even mobile devices, along with a vast array of merchandise and anime adaptations. The roots of this iconic turn-based RPG series can be traced back to 1996 in Japan, with the release of Pocket Monsters Red/Green on the Game Boy, followed by Pokemon Red/Blue two years later in the West. Since then, Pokemon has left its mark on every Nintendo console. Let's delve into the top Pokemon games on each console, ranging from mainline favorites to engaging spinoffs.
9 Game Boy: Pokemon Gold/Silver
Metacritic Score: N/A
Pokemon Gold/Silver not only shine as the best entries on the Game Boy and Game Boy Color but also rank among the finest in the entire series. These games, although best experienced through their DS remakes, boast rich content that includes an expanded roster of Pokemon, day and night cycles, breeding mechanics, a communication system, and a surprise post-game feature involving the Kanto region.
8 Game Boy Advance – Pokemon Pinball: Ruby And Sapphire
Metacritic Score: 81
Surprisingly, the standout title on the Game Boy Advance was the spinoff game Pokemon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire, surpassing the mainline entries of the third generation. With enhanced catching mechanics, multiple boards, and engaging bonus rounds, this game improved on its predecessor from the Game Boy Color era, albeit marking the end of the Pokemon Pinball series.
7 N64: Pokemon Snap
Metacritic Score: 77
While Pokemon Stadium on the N64 offered entertaining turn-based battles, it lacked the exploration aspect found in the mainline games. This void was filled by Pokemon Snap, which allowed players to observe Pokemon in their natural habitats through a unique photography-based gameplay experience. The recent release of New Pokemon Snap on the Switch revived this concept, delighting fans once again.
6 GameCube – Pokemon XD: Gale Of Darkness
Metacritic Score: 64
Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness represented a refined version of the gameplay seen in Pokemon Stadium and Pokemon Coliseum on the GameCube. While primarily a turn-based battle game, it introduced a compelling storyline, considered by many fans as one of the best in the series. The game's narrative depth has earned it a top spot on the wish list of GameCube exclusives that fans hope to see on future Nintendo consoles.
5 DS: Pokemon Conquest
Metacritic Score: 80
Pokemon Conquest, a tactical crossover between the Pokemon universe and the Nobunaga's Ambition series, offered a unique strategic gameplay experience. Players commanded Pokemon to conquer feudal Japan in turn-based battles, a surprising yet successful fusion of two distinct gaming worlds. The success of this collaboration hints at the potential for future joint ventures between Nintendo, Game Freak, and Koei Tecmo.