I’m not a big gamer, the last game I played was Pokemon Emerald on GBA, but I’m considering picking up a switch 2 to catch up on the Pokemon video game series. From what I’ve read, many of the newer games are kind of polarizing so I’m hesitant to purchase an entire system just to try them.
I’m assuming the switch 2 is backwards compatible with many (if not all) older game releases?
If so what games would you suggest I start with? Or would you just avoid them all together and put the money toward cards?
Alot of the older games up to like sun/moon can be emulated for free if you dont wanna spend a ton of money. I would otherwise buy a switch and get all of the titles you can get your hands on to play. I like them all, so a recommendation for one is going to prove difficult for me.
Hello! I’ve played every game and can answer any questions. First off no, the systems are not backwards compatible. You can play the switch games (SwSh, PLA, BDSP, SV) on the switch 2, but cannot play DS and 3Ds games on the switch (and there are no direct ports). You can move Pokémon up through a series of one way transfers
I personally love SwSh and SV. Bdsp is not a good game imo.
I am assuming you have every console. If that’s true, here are the games I would play:
GBA - emerald, FRLG
DS - platinum, HGSS, BW, BW2
3DS - XY ORAS USUM
Switch - everything but bdsp unless you just really like sinnoh
Ah thanks for the info. That’s a bummer they aren’t backwards compatible. All I have is GBA and was HOPING the switch 2 would cover the games from 3DS and DS also.
If you’re open to playing with your pc, tablet or even smartphone, games from GB to 3ds can be emulated for free. This is a great option imho.
Otherwise a nintendo DS with a R4 (or even an aliexpress handheld console) are really an inexpensive investment and you’ll get access to emulated gb/gbc, gba and nds games.
You can stick with your GBA console but the flash cards for that are pricey, and the experience not great by today standards.
It really depends considering your preferences or budget!
The vintage games I suggest to play are:
-Yellow or FRLG for Kanto
-Emerald for Hoenn
-Crystal or HGSS for Johto
-Platinum for Sinnoh
-BW2 for unova
Yellow and Crystal have both a very charming graphic and are definitely worthy if you’re nostalgic for that era!
I think every gen is “fun” in its own way. Scarlet and Violet were fun for me, putting in dozens of hours on them. With the switch 2, the games actually run better, so that would make the experience better as well. I think legends arceus is a solid game too, though it has a slightly different formula to the main gens. The new games are easily accessible as well and dont require any kind of sketchy downloads and piracy that previous gens have.
Ah ok got it. Yeah Nintendo overall but Pokémon in particular is pretty restrictive console wise. You could get away with playing all the DS, 3DS, and virtual console RBYGSC games on a single 3ds were you to have had one
As for the latest games, I would start with SwSh and SV. Ignore the opinions and judge them for yourself! I found both very fun. Move to pla if you want a completely different experience. Play bdsp if you’ve never played gen 4, but I recommend it be the first switch game you play bc I found it very not fun after experiencing swsh
One of the reasons I bought a Switch was to play Pokemon, and I had a lot of fun with Pokemon Sword and Let’s Go Eevee. Next on my list is New Pokemon Snap and I’m holding out for Legends Z-A.
If you have a library near you that has video games for borrowing, try out a few from there, otherwise I’d recommend watching reviews on Youtube and picking a game that appeals to you the most before buying.
I’d recommend jumping into HeartGold or SoulSilver. They’re arguably the best-crafted games in the series, packed to the brim with content compared to the original G/S/C. I’d recommend playing Crystal too if you haven’t. The old music and sprites are really charming. It’s fun to have played Crystal before HGSS to compare them, but it’s not necessary. I have immense nostalgia for 8-bit Johto, so I’m a bit biased.
If you liked Emerald/Hoenn, I’d recommend Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
If you want to go the least fussy path possible for doing things with %100 legit hardware here is the consoles you’d consider depending on which games to get.
Nintendo 3DS family consoles
-Gen 4
-Gen 5
-Gen 6
-Gen 7
My suggestions for games
-Heart gold/Soul silver
-Platinum
-Black 2
-Omega Ruby/Alpha sapphire
-Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon
All the switch games are terrible.
Can I go into insane detail? Yes but these really are the absolute core essence I’d suggest playing without details or fluff. I could also explain other ways to play, but thats a rabbit hole. I could assist you but its a raboot hole. If you want to go the OG hardware route send me a PM. If you want me to expand on why, I can. And I can suggest a more expanded list if you want. But 5 games is a lot and will last you a while.
I like Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl for a nostalgia kick.
I’m not a huge fan of the modern games. I’ve tried to start Scarlet and Violet, but can’t get into the game.
I’m currently doing a second replay of Sword, and must admit that the game has grown on me. I purchased the Expansion pass, which is actually a lot of fun. Just a warning: your rival, Hop, is really annoying.
I also recently discovered Pokemon Home, which lets you transfer Pokemon in-between the games and your Pokemon Go app. I highly recommend getting it. It helps with breeding Pokemon with desired traits.
Thanks for all the input! I bought a switch 2 and a copy of Scarlet. It’s fun not knowing anything about the Pokemon. Had to pick Fuecoco. I can just tell my dude is going to pwn
Alright finished up Pokemon Scarlet. Final team was Skeledirge, Garchomp, Glaceon, Jolteon, Gardevoir, and Golduck. Jolteon was the only Pokemon I’ve used in the past. Took me 4 tries to beat the elite 4.
Overall I thought the game was OK. Not a fan of the Terracrown thing. The game felt very ‘point a to point b’ which I wasn’t a huge fan of either. It was really cool seeing Pokemon in 3d for the first time though. Kinda wild they haven’t used voice actors yet .
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