The best Pokémon games have captured the magic the franchise is known for and embraced its foundation as a turn-based JRPG.

From the franchise’s humble beginnings on the Game Boy to some of today’s open-world adventures, there’s a lot going on in the world of Pokémon.

Our list of the ten best Pokémon games will cover the greatest hits from the past 25-plus years, whether it’s a mainline game or one of its many spin-offs.

Pokémon Sun and Moon

To call Pokémon Sun and Moon risky is an understatement. Game Freak’s attempt to shake up the status quo by removing traditional gyms was a blessing in disguise: the game’s trials were enjoyable!

While gyms are still many people’s preferred method of earning badges, it’s nice to see the developer try something new.

Backed by a great region and enjoyable story, Sun and Moon prove that sometimes it’s worth taking the risk.

New Pokémon Snap

The first spin-off on our list of the best Pokémon games expands upon the enjoyable Nintendo 64 game, which is a rarity for Nintendo these days.

New Pokémon Snap brings more than just updated visuals. There’s an impressive amount of content available, unlockables to discover, and plenty of post-launch updates waiting.

Best of all, no deep time commitment is needed. You can boot up New Pokémon Snap and play it whenever you’d like, making it a perfect choice for a cozy nighttime play session.

Pokémon Arceus: Legends

If Pokémon Sun and Moon were risks, then Pokémon Arceus: Legends is a huge gamble.

While the game shares the Pokémon franchise’s foundation in exploring and catching Pokémon, traditional turn-based combat is absent. Instead, it is an open world waiting for adventure and discovery.

Taking place in the past, before humans and Pokémon were co-existing, you’re tasked with researching to learn more about the mysterious Pokémon that inhabit the world.

The result is a much-needed breath of fresh air, and it’s one of the best Pokémon games in recent memory.

Pokémon Go

If you’re one of the three people who hasn’t played Pokémon Go, let’s talk about the mobile sensation that took the world by storm in 2016.

Its concept is simple: you use your phone to explore the real world, discovering and capturing Pokémon. Whether walking in the park, at the grocery store, or even at work, you can pull out your phone and search for nearby Pokémon.

There’s also trading, gym battles, and the ability to complete your Pokédex. It’s not a perfect recreation of the video game series, but it’s a well translated mobile experience that captures what Pokémon is all about.

Pokémon Conquest

Even though nobody asked for Pokémon Conquest, it’s still one of the best Pokémon games ever made. It turns out that combining Nobunaga’s Ambition strategy franchise with Pokémon is a match made in heaven.

Pokémon Conquest is a surprisingly deep, tactical strategy experience that delivers seamless integration with core Pokémon mechanics.

Whereas most Pokémon spin-offs feel barren or minimal, Pokémon Conquest doesn’t hold anything back. It’s a shame we never saw a sequel.

Pokémon Red and Blue

The Pokémon game that started it all. Whether talking about the original Red and Blue on the Game Boy or the Fire Red and Leaf Green remakes for GameBoy Advance, Pokémon Red and Blue will always share a soft spot in our hearts.

While the franchise greatly expanded and improved upon the original in subsequent releases, it’s impressive how well the game still holds up today.

Some of the more recent releases in the series can be, at times, intimidating with the amount of Pokémon available. Red and Blue‘s original 151 Pokémon keeps things simple and accessible.

Pokémon Emerald

Pokémon games are often released in groups of three. The first two entries are available first, followed by a third entry that acts like an expansion.

Traditionally, these “expansions” include new features, endgame content, and the ability to fix issues from the original game’s release.

Pokémon Emerald is an excellent way to wrap up the franchise’s third generation. Emerald adds the incredibly popular Battle Frontier, allowing players to engage in challenging Pokémon battles. It also improves the overall experience of the Hoenn region, making it the definitive release compared to Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.

Pokémon Platinum

As great as Pokémon Emerald is, it can’t hold a candle to Pokémon Platinum.

Diamond and Pearl kickstarted the fourth generation of Pokémon games but did so with a bit of a whimper. Platinum represents an overhaul from the base Diamond and Pearl games.

The Battle Frontier returns, and the game’s story has been dramatically improved. The much needed quality-of-life updates also make the game experience more enjoyable.

Pokémon Platinum is a definitive experience and one of the best Pokémon games ever made. Nintendo, if you’re listening, we’d love to return to Sinnoh soon.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

As great as these Pokémon “expansions” are, they’re limited by having to stay true to the base game.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is a sequel, a rarity in the Pokémon world. As a result, it has the proper room to learn lessons from its predecessor. Plus, The result is an overhauled experience that, while arguably lacking innovation, delivers a refined result.

The original Black and White games were already great, but with the sequel, Game Freak delivers a game so good that you wonder why we don’t see more direct Pokémon sequels. An improved region and excellent endgame content, headlined by the Pokémon World Tour, make this a Pokémon game for the ages.

Pokémon Gold and Silver

Whether talking about the original Gold and Silver or the Heart Gold and Soul Silver remakes, these are the best Pokémon games ever.

Expanding the world of Pokémon to the new Jhoto region while including a nostalgic return to Kanto delivers one of the meatiest Pokémon campaigns ever made. Yes, the story falls flat compared to some more recent entries, but this is our journey. We’re the star of the show.

There’s something magical about how the first Pokémon games made the story about you, a young trainer looking to make a name for themselves. It wasn’t all about villains, nefarious plots, or mystical Pokémon. It was about you. Maybe that’s why these games remain so beloved and relatable.