38. Pokémon Unite (Switch eShop)

Free-to-start MOBA (multiplayer online battle arena) Pokémon Unite is difficult to recommend to casual 'free' players who aren't already Pokémon fans, but series stalwarts will more likely stick with it for the long haul. The gameplay is engaging, with a large roster of Pokémon that can be tried out in offline modes, but owning iconic Pokémon such as Lucario or Garchomp to play in Ranked will require an immense amount of Aeos Coins or paid-for Aeos Gems. A lot of joy is to be found in Quick Matches due to daily map rotations, but ultimately Unite is too geared toward grabbing people’s purses to win games rather than providing an even and engaging playing field. Still, if you don't mind the F2P aspects and you're into MOBAs, this one is surprisingly solid.

Subscribe to Nintendo Life on YouTube766k
Watch on YouTube

37. Pokémon Link: Battle! (3DS eShop)

Pokémon Link: Battle deserves to find a large audience. The Match 3 puzzle action is well done, and the emphasis on building combo attacks makes it feel significantly different from other examples of this genre. There's also the appeal of collecting all 718 Pokémon in the game, and while the lack of online multiplayer feels like a missed opportunity, local co-op matches with friends fill the void to an extent. Like so many puzzle titles, repetition does become an issue over prolonged periods, but the portable nature of the host platform makes this ideal short-burst entertainment.

36. Pokémon Rumble World (3DS eShop)

Pokémon Rumble World takes the basic beatdown gameplay the spin-off series is known for and combines it with fun connectivity features that give it a uniquely social feel. It's not a particularly deep experience, but the blend of button mashing and creature collecting makes for satisfyingly straightforward fun. The toy Pokémon are adorable, the simple combat is accessible and enjoyable, and the level progression system is perfect for playing in short bursts - add in a genuinely generous free-play model, and there's no reason not to give it a go.

35. Pokémon Battle Revolution (Wii)

Pokémon Battle Revolution feels more like a stripped-down version of Pokémon Stadium (released almost a decade ago). The gameplay feels very repetitive, and the dependence the game has upon its Nintendo DS siblings makes it unsuitable for those without those handheld games. It's at least cool to see some of those Gen IV Pokémon in full 3D, but given that the games we got years ago have more features than this, unless you just want a simple Pokémon battling game, Pokémon Battle Revolution is one game you’re probably going to want to avoid.

34. Pokémon Trozei! (DS)

Genius Sonority combines Tetris and Yoshi's Cookie with Pokémon to create the highly addictive and fun Pokémon Trozei! There are multiple different modes to play through, lots of challenging stages to beat, and an entire Pokédex to fill out. Visually fun (featuring James Turner's art) and with tons of replayability, Pokémon Trozei! is a delight.

33. Pokémon Picross (3DS eShop)

Ultimately, Pokémon Picross is a very satisfying experience, but it can come at a great cost. The introduction of missions, skills, and achievements greatly expands upon the base of number puzzles, but the stingy free-to-play aspects do hold it back from its full potential. If you're looking for a game that you can play casually without paying, look elsewhere. If you're willing to pay up, this is the best entry in the Picross e sub-series yet.

32. Pokémon Rumble (WiiWare)

Pokémon Rumble does everything quite well, and one can really only take issue with the things the game doesn't do. The gameplay might be limited, but it's a solid and fun experience, and what it lacks in depth it makes up for in accessibility, frantic action, and an excellent multiplayer mode. As one of the longer, more replayable titles on the WiiWare service, Pokémon Rumble comes recommended — it's a shame it's now been lost to time thanks to the closure of the Wii Shop Channel.

31. Pokémon Shuffle (3DS eShop)

Pokémon Shuffle is a fantastic match-three puzzle game marred by a sleazy suite of microtransactions, and your ability to enjoy the former will hinge directly on how well you can ignore the latter. As a game you can pick up and play a few times each day, Shuffle is a blast - the methodical, move-based matching action, fun implementation of Pokémon powers, and appealing presentation all make for a top-notch puzzler. If you need something you can play for hours at a time, however, your best bet is to ignore the in-game shop altogether; take the money you'd spend on an afternoon's worth of Jewels, put it towards Pokémon Battle Trozei instead, and let the endless supply of Poké-puzzles tide you over between Shuffles.

30. Pokémon Rumble Blast (3DS)

Pokémon Rumble Blast is a good game, but it's also one we've all played before. The 3DS gave Nintendo a wider palette to work with, but it seems like it was content to leave well enough alone. Because of that, and the fact the Wii Shop is no longer accessible, we feel comfortable recommending it, but if you happen to have that WiiWare title, then there's no reason for you to add this one to your library.

29. Detective Pikachu (3DS)

Detective Pikachu might well be a spin-off, but the visual and narrative direction the game has taken is an incredibly welcome one. The gameplay can be a little too easy and repetitive at times, and we were surprised to see the ending appear so abruptly, but everything is presented within a very solid package that will have kids and adults alike hooked. The game’s art, storytelling, and genuinely likeable cast show the world of Pokémon in a great new light, and we’d urge anyone interested to give this one a go.

28. Pokémon GO (Mobile)

What can we say about Pokémon GO's wild success that hasn't already been said? Even back when it first launched, we had some truly amazing experiences with this app, such as the thrill of capturing a rare Pokémon in an unexpected place and meeting up at a Pokéstop with like-minded players to create new (and admittedly fleeting) friendships. And while the game has fallen foul of many fans in recent years due to changes to the Raid system, Pokémo GO is easily the most successful mobile games from a Nintendo franchise.

27. PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure (Wii)

Whatever you're expecting from PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, we have a feeling that you'll be disappointed. It might be worth picking up if you are thinking of starting your own Pokémon museum, or if you have youngsters at home who want wholesome yet unsurprising ways to kill thirteen or so hours. Creatures Inc. has made far better spin-offs than this, and even for younger audiences, there are far better choices out there.

26. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity (3DS)

For players open to some innocent, longwinded storytelling with their dungeon crawl, however, Gates to Infinity is the complete Poké-package. This is a fun, charming roguelike with beautiful presentation, accessible mechanics, and the warm, fuzzy feeling that can only come from playing as Pokémon. And with a never-ending supply of Magnagate dungeons, there's more than enough here to tide Pokémaniacs over while we wait for a new PMD.