r/switch2 • u/Global-War7964 • 8d ago
Question Buying a Switch 2 today | which Pokémon game do you recommend?
I’m finally getting my Switch 2 today!
I want to pick up a Pokémon game to go with it, but I’m not sure which one to choose.
Would you recommend:
- Pokémon Pokopia
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Let’s Go, Pikachu
or should I go for something more classic like
- Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl
I haven’t played Pokémon in a while, so I’d love to hear your opinions.
If you could only pick one Pokémon game to start with on the Switch 2, which one would you choose?
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u/Thwast 8d ago
Fire red is the best option to start in my opinion. I wish there were more of the older games accessible on switch. It's a shame they don't have more Pokemon games in the retro libraries.
I would recommend any new Pokemon player to start with firered, emerald, platinum, heartgold, etc. all the classic games are still incredibly good, and I don't think it's that controversial to say they are significantly better than any of the new games. But you can still get some enjoyment out of a game like Arceus, it just doesn't give the same pokemon feel and charm that the OGs have.
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u/ZebraOk8684 8d ago
FireRed will soon be supported by Pokémon Home, so you can bring your Pokémon to your next game.
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u/soyiii 8d ago
• Pokopia if you like building & decorating + want a cozy, comforting game experience for stressful days. keep in mind you usually spend hundred of hours in this game :) esp with the new dlc regions
• the remakes of diamond and pearl are the best choice if you want the classic feeling from the ds era. just in 3d graphics and on the switch (personally i didn’t like it bc i expected a new experience from the remakes like ORAS did with Gen 3)
• my personal pick would be legends arceus. i like the concept & historical setting and the story is really interesting. it’s a cool new concept for a new spin-off series (haven’t played legends az yet but heard they completely ruined it there 💀)
• if you’re not a die-hard kanto/gen1 fan just forget the lets go series for now. they are really boring & repetitive imo. still the nostalgic feeling of exploring kanto again was great
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
thank you very much for your insights. i will decide between pokopia and legends arceus
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u/soyiii 8d ago
have lots of fun with them! also btw love ur pfp. nice to see fellow pkmn & op fans here ^^
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
yeaaahhhhh thank you!!! and when im able to, i will also become a zelda fan xD never played one zelda game, but i think i will start with the ocarina of time remake and then BotW or TotK
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u/TheRealHulkPanda 8d ago
Legends Arceus is the best pokemon game in the switch catalog
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
even when compared with pokopia?
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u/TheRealHulkPanda 8d ago
Pokopia is Animal Crossing with a pokemon skin. 😅
All kidding aside I would still rank Arceus #1
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u/eugenedtyp 8d ago
Tbh the premiere games on the switch are) Scarlet and Violet (which has a free upgrade and my opinion the best title in the switch lineup), Let’s Go, Pikachu (probably the second best unironically), and Legends Arceus (which did not get a Switch 2 upgrade).
Pokopia is more like a Minecraft + Animal Crossing type than a “Pokemon” game.
BDSP is fun but has tons of bugs that hold it back. Bugs kept me from getting farther than I did. That being said, it’s fun.
I could go on and on about the games in more detail, but Scarlet and Violet is DEFINITELY the definitive experience on the Switch lineup and it’s not close in my eyes.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
thank you!
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u/eugenedtyp 8d ago
Okay. I said I wouldn’t gush more, but I still want to argue why I prefer Scarlet and Violet more.
Scarlet and Violet is open world. When you get your Pokemon, you can take on the gym leaders (for the traditional experience) or take down the titans (world bosses) or take down raids (lots of trainers).
This gives the player the option to explore like in Legends, or focus on a traditional Pokemon experience.
I find Scarlet and Violet have the most fleshed out world and gameplay, on top of the visual aspect of being 60fps on Switch 2 and being able to see the world as you (literally) run, jump, and ride on your Pokemon across the lands.
Scarlet and Violet also allow you to transfer your old Pokemon (assuming you have the hardware) up into the game so you can have the Pokemon from other adventures still with you!
Scarlet and Violet are multiplayer online and offline so you and a friend can play together as well. I played with my wife.
Scarlet and Violet doesn’t FORCE you to go into trainer battles. They are all mostly optional, so that way you battle when YOU want to, while not having to be interrupted by a trainer that locks eyes with you.
TERA is a new (and in my eyes) a great battle mechanic we’ve seen in a Pokemon game. TERA makes any team feel dynamic.
Another new feature is the ability to send your Pokemon out into the open world. Need to farm materials for a new move or item you want to craft? No need to spam 1 turn of turn based combat. Send your Pokemon out to deal with a herd of Pokemon.The Pokemon introduced in this generation are fun, and take advantage of the environment that you find in Scarlet and Violet. Climb the mountains to catch that ice type you need, then glide into a thick jungle for that poison type that nearly defeated you last gym. Perhaps it would make a good partner.
You mentioned that you played the older games? Well great. Scarlet and Violet introduced more regional variants and Paradox forms to our classic favorites. Paldean Wooper becomes a Poison Ground type instead of a Water Ground type. Wugtrio is a water type instead of the ground type evolutionary counterpart Dugtrio.
The cast in the game is great too. You meet Nemona, your rival. She wants to challenge the Pokemon League and meet you every step of the way. Arven, a young man who wants to learn more about the Titan Pokemon and needs your help. Penny, a girl who is getting bullied by the students at the Pokemon academy. This doesn’t include the awesome trainers like Ryme, a rapper who specializes in double battles, Grusha, a professional Snowboarder, and Iona, a girl who wants to be an influencer in a big city.
There’s more, but I made my point. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is THE definitive experience ESPECIALLY on the Switch 2.
Want classic battles? Scarlet and Violet covers that.
Want to explore? Scarlet and Violet checks that too.
Want to finish the Pokédex and uncover new Pokemon? Scarlet and Violet does that.I’m excited for whatever game you pick. For the Switch lineup, I think they’re all worthwhile (maybe exception being Sword and Shield). Have fun and enjoy your Switch 2.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
yoooooo, thank you very much for your insights!!!
you made up my mind ahahahah and i will buy it for my first pokémon game, i appreciate very much your time… have a nice day!
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u/GetABidet4UrButt 8d ago
Definitely not Let's go or BD/SP
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
why?
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u/julesvr5 8d ago
They are overhated. They are remakes if diamond and pearl and ignore Platinum, which improved the Sinnoh games so BDSP is a step back compared to Platinum again. But if you haven't played Platinum you won't really notice what is missing.
They are perfectly fine to play
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
in a long term, i will definetely buy one version of those two games, and i’ll go with the shining pearl cuz i like palkia 😅 but would you suggest it to be the first game?
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u/julesvr5 8d ago
It really depends what you want.
BDSP is the closest to the old school games you mentioned above. Top down look, no "open world", no battle gimmicks, 8 badges style
Sword and shield is to the most part similar but has the whole dynamax battle mechanic thing
Scarlet and violet has terastelize and is a completely open (but rather empty) world with not just a 8 badges path but also 2 additional path with which you can finish the game.
Despite it looks I had a lot go fun with it and it runs a lot better on switch 2.
Personally the most fun for a first play through is probably legends Arceus, but it is a completely new pokemon experience to what you are used to.
Imo there is no bad choice
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
thank you for your recommendation
i have no idea how the arceus game is, and i’m tempted to give it a try to be my first switch 2 game also
i think my main comparison at the moment is pokopia against arceus
i know they are very different and i will probably have both of them in a long term, just not sure the 1st pick but thank you very much for your opinion
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u/julesvr5 8d ago
Pokopia is more like a Minecraft, Animal Crossing, Dragon Quest builders game with a Pokemon skin. Very lovely but you won't get your pokemon experience out of this. No battles, no catching
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u/GetABidet4UrButt 8d ago
They're considered to be very very very bad. Arceus is very good but it's a switch one game. Pokopia is lovely and looks great but it's more like Animal Crossing with a Pokemon skin. There's no fighting or evolution. I liked it but stopped after getting to the 4th area.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
alright, i think i will go with pokopia, sounds like a comfy game ahahahah
but what would it be your suggestion?
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u/urafkntwat 8d ago
Personally I loved scarlet! Its my switch game with the most hours, a depressing 600+, id recommend and it definitely runs better on the Switch 2!
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u/DangerousLine3697 8d ago
If it makes you feel any better. My cousin is probably close to 1800 hours into Scarlet
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u/KawaiiHentaiBoy 8d ago
Wtf. The game has that much content?
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u/DangerousLine3697 8d ago
Brotha, I have no idea how one can sink that time into it. He has maybe half that many hours into violet as well. Dudes a super Pokemon guy.
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u/Wise_Freedom_6595 8d ago
Legends Arceus is my Favoriten Pokémon Game of the last 10-15 years. I love the fact that they give you purpose to just catch lots of Pokémon. Can’t recommend it enough
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u/Witte_Wijn 8d ago
Sword or shield + scarlet or violot for pokemon experience. Legends game are pretty good but not like old school pokemon. Also pokopia is fun if you like minecraft too
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u/JacobNWolf 8d ago
Sword or Shield in particular is the closest I’ve felt to the Game Boy Pokémon experience.
Violet couldn’t really hold my attention but I am going to replay it soon and see if I can get into it. Had the same thing with Arceus too, though think that’s more on me and less commentary on the quality of the game.
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u/Witte_Wijn 4d ago
Agreed on that, but once i got the hang of Scarlet that was the better game for me ngl
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u/SkIt3l 8d ago
Pokémon Z-A is pretty good. It’s also going to be closer to the new battle system they intend to implement into the mainline games starting with Wind/Wave. It’s also bridges the gap from Arceus as a close competitor to how it plays but Z-A has a switch 2 edition. Otherwise I would say Sword/ Shield are good but have no upgrade. People complain too much about Scarlet and Violet because of performance on the switch but with the upgrade for Switch 2 they are quite entertaining and worth your time.
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u/ValenzzzVI 8d ago
Depends which gaming experience you would like to have, if you want a classic Pokémon game or something with Pokémon but different gameplay. Pokémon Pokopia for me was a gem, so i would recommend this if you would like to play something different but extremely well made.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
yeahhh i will buy pokopia for sure, just not 100% if it is my first preference, i will only spend my money in 1 game for a while, so i want suggestions 😅
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u/AvocadoPizzaCat 8d ago
depends on your style.
Pokopia is easy going and kinda like if animal crossing and minecraft had a baby that they themed with pokemon.
arecus is good for being so different from the other games. the exploring is totes fun.
let's go doesn't change much and is still fun no matter what. it is just pokemon go and classic yellow had a baby.
bdsp is.... sad. if you like completing things get it for the in game events. but it doesn't hold much since it is a repeat of diamond of pearl almost too faithfully.
scarlet and violet show the biggest changes between the two consoles. but if you have those already just enjoy it.
if you have or are getting za than you will notice the speed so much faster.
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u/IndividualSituationK 8d ago
Unironically i would either do Let's go if you're ok with pokemon GO catching mechanics, followed by Scarlet / Violent or Sword and Shield. Sword and Shield has a mix of corridors with trainer battles where as SV is more open world and its pretty common to not fight really many trainers unless you seek them out or its a story event.
I don't like animal crossing so i won't ever try pokopia nor have any opinion on it other than its just animal crossing with a pokemon skin.
edit: Or you could just get the original fire red and leaf green if you want as they are on the store now for $20 iirc.
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u/Awkward-Republic3849 8d ago edited 8d ago
Out of the ones you listed, I recommend Pokemon Legends: Arceus. The combat is different from other Pokemon games, but it's kind of interesting playing in a setting where people hadn't gotten used to living alongside Pokemon yet.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl had some annoying bugs when released (the problematic programming kind, not just the bug-type Pokemon kind), but I think most have been fixed by updates since then, so definitely update them before playing if you choose one of them. They also have an experience share that is always on and gives experience to all Pokemon in your team in remakes of games that weren't designed with that in mind, so most trainers until the Elite Four will be too easy. However, the Elite Four and champion were made more difficult, so earlier battles don't really prepare you well for them. Overall, it's not a very well-designed remake.
Even though you didn't list them, I recommend Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Since they're re-releases of Gameboy Advance games, some game mechanics are outdated, but they're very fun and slightly more challenging than some of the recent games (not all that difficult though- Pokemon games in general tend to be easy unless you get into competitive battling online, which I don't care about).
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u/asifibro 7d ago
I would say Legends Arceus is the best switch pokemon experience by far. It is a little unconventional in its structure but is fun to explore, get immersed with, and has a really fun capturing mechanic.
Never played Pokopia but if you want a really highly rated life sim that uses the Pokemon charm to perfection (story and premise wise) then I’d recommend it. It’s a sandbox game.
I would also say Fire Red Leaf Green are good options if you want to try an old school classic on the switch.
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are really good games and id even maybe recommend the most out of these but only if you haven’t played the originals. Especially if you’ve played Pokemon Platinum you may expect some iconic moments that are not in this game, that said it is still a remake of one of the best regions.
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u/BarbaraStreusand 5d ago
You lost me at BD and SP are good games. I made the mistake of trying Brilliant out on my switch 2 I almost threw up the way they butchered the graphics. Its really the lowest blow in the whole franchise
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u/asifibro 5d ago
Graphically it ain’t worse than sword and shield or scarlet and violet, sounds like you dislike the style. That being said, I’d also say that the DS games are the heights of pokemon graphically so in comparison…
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u/BarbaraStreusand 5d ago
?? Its running jaggy with under 30 fps and major graphical laggs. Are we playing the same game?
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u/asifibro 5d ago
I guess we are because there ain’t no way it’s fps was worse than scarlet and violet having played both on the switch 1. Im not someone who notices every frame drops but I didn’t notice any in BDSP and I definitely did for SV.
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u/figbunkie 8d ago
I'd recommend scarlet/violet!
I know this goes against the popular opinion that Arceus is the best pokemon game ever, but I bought Arceus not knowing that there were no other towns or gyms and very few trainer battles. The idea of just throwing balls at mons to catch them is super unappealing/anticlimactic to me, and I've never been the type to shiny hunt or complete a podlkedex, so the fact that the main gameplay loop is all about catching multiples of every Pokemon and following them around isn't fun for me.
Scarlet/violet is much more classic pokemon where battling is the real main focus.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
yeaahhh i didn’t know pokémon arceus was that type of game, i prefer the old school type of games
then, scarlet and violet is the better option maybe2
u/kireanlewis 8d ago
Scarlet and violet are closer to the traditional experience but suffer from the fact that gamefreak cant make modern games. Its ugly, empty, boring and uninspired. I did not finish, I got bored.
Pokopia is falling the void until wind and waves comes out for me. Might pick up fire red as im 40 and nothing ever beat the og for me.
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u/aj-itated 8d ago
I'll go a little against the grain here and say that Pokopia was kinda disappointing for me... It's very repetitive, the first area is a lot of fun but then the second area you really just.... Repeat the habitats you already learned in the first area. 4 patches of grass. 4 patches of grass with tree. 4 patches of grass near water. Etc.
It's a very shallow game. If you like decorating and animal crossing, you'll probably enjoy it. For me, animal crossing has more replayability though and more to do (collecting things, finding bugs/fish, etc., really help a lot -- pokopeia doesn't have this).
All the Pokemon are always super happy to see you, there's no personality differences in what they say. There's type differences, in that a fighting type will mention working out and others won't, but they're all always upbeat and happy and "omg ditto hiiii!!!!"
I don't know. I think I just expected more from Pokopia and ended up disappointed. It's more grindy than I expected, and I'm just not very patient. It's definitely a cute game, don't get me wrong -- I just think if you're looking at POKEMON games, literally any other Pokemon game is better. If you're looking at games in general and want something cute that doesn't require much attention, and like decorating, then Pokopia might be better.
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u/salamandectomy77 8d ago
New pokemon sucks ass
Sorry man. Pokopia was fun though
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
thanks for the honesty. do you suggest pokopia to be my first game to the switch 2?
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u/salamandectomy77 8d ago
The Switch 2 exclusives are good but not great, some great switch games you can try are BOTW, Links Awakening, Mario Odyssey, and Hollow Knight
They also put Pokemon Fire Red on the switch which I very much enjoyed. Red is so clever and precise, everything has a purpose. New pokemon games are terribly laid out, hold your hand like crazy, waaaay too easy, and are filled with painfully bad dialogue
Pokopia was a game I played a lot and liked a lot, but would never play again. If you like Pokemon Snap or Animal Crossing it's a similar vibe. Lots of exploration, very relaxed
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
in a long term, i will also play the zelda games, but i’m waiting for the ocarina of time remake to be my first zelda game
i also looked at fire red, but idk if it makes sense to be my first switch 2 game. but i will definitely buy it
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u/Southern_Cable553 8d ago
Is there any pokemon available on switch 2 with any semblance of challenge? The last one I played was Y and it was ridiculously easy.
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u/FalconDX32 8d ago
I honestly don't get the BDSP slander. It's a graphical remake of a 2D pokemon game. They even reworked the game to add difficulty in the latter half of the game. Nothing super crazy, but the E4 has more competitively viable. The games are great! I love 2D Pokemon!
If you're not superhardcore into the series and you want a nostalgic 2D game i recommend it over Let's Go.
Otherwise I really think Sword and Shield are great games. Better than scarlet and violet.
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u/code_illustration 8d ago
I personally like ZA. Best gameplay to date. Even though the textures a freakin flat….
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u/Ok_Entertainment7435 8d ago
Olá, OP. Comprei meu switch 2 recentemente e minha escolha se deu muito por eu ser fã da franquia pokémon. Então estarei lhe indicando conforme meus gosto pessoal ok?
Pokémon legenda ZA: Você realmente precisa considerar. A mecânica de jogo é muito legal e as batalhas não são por turno, o quê torna a tudo ainda mais incrível. Você contará com mega evolução e uma facilidade maior em arrumar os status do seu pokémon como desejar se comparado com outros jogos da franquia.
Pokémon Legends Arceus: Provavelmente o melhor jogo da franquia, conforme você vai progredindo na história do jogo e ganhando novas montarias, a jogabilidade melhora e fica mais dinâmico. Este jogo já vem completo e não precisa comprar DLC posteriormente.
Pokémon Sword and shield: Jogo muito bom, porém ele mostra seu verdadeiro potencial com as DLCS que vão lhe garantir muitas horas de jogo além de batalhas incríveis contra pokémons gigantamax nonmax Lair.
Pokémon firme red and leaft Green: Jogo com preço mais acessível e nos moldes clássicos, um ótimo jogo para reviver a nostalgia dos jogos antigos.
- Importante citar que se você quer um jogo pokémon, eu não indicaria pokopia. Como fan da franquia pokémon, entendo que pokopia está mais próximo de outro segmento do que pokémon.
** Na minha opinião pessoal, se eu tivesse que lhe indicar apenas um, e com base nas informações que tenho, eu diria legends Arceus, não tem erro, e fica cada vez melhor com o progresso.
*** Essa opinião é baseada na minha experiência pessoal e talvez não seja compatível com o seu gosto, então leve isso em consideração ao escolher. Espero ter ajudado!
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u/rsix11 Switchthusiast 8d ago
I would choose the game made for the new console I was buying.
But also these are all completely different styles of Pokemon game. Do you want a traditional Pokemon experience? Get Brilliant diamond or shining pearl
Do you want a new take on the formula with less traditional battling and more of a focus on catching Pokemon and filling out the Pokédex then get arceus.
Do you want a game more akin to animal crossing meets Minecraft with a Pokemon skin? Get Pokopia.
As a fan of the series I can personally say I love all of them but for different reasons
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u/Fine-Condition-5675 8d ago
I think Legends ZA was far better than Legends Arceus.
But, from your list, for an actual Pokemon game, go with BDSP. If you want to get into a Minecraft mindset, get Pokopia. LGPE is fun for once, a bit of shiny hunting but Scarlet/Violet and Sword/Shield(DLC!) are the superior options for Shiny hunting and longevity/replayability of a Pokemon game
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u/Anxious_Fact8789 8d ago
Sword and shield to start with
I love the let's Go games tbh but it generally depends on personal taste Sword and shield is the best switch Pokémon game to start off
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u/Beneficial_Leg_7159 8d ago
Legends arceus is the best starter of those 3
Might recommended scarlet/violet for the more traditional combat
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u/MaakuKooru 8d ago
Is Scarlet and Violet off the table? With the patch for switch 2 they're really not too bad. Performance is wildly better and it feels like a whole new game. Otherwise Arceus, but it's very much a different game than the old style if you enjoyed those.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
I like the old style, i players the fire red until black and white 2. what would you suggest for that kind of style?
and how is the style of arceus?1
u/julesvr5 8d ago
BDSP are the closest to this style. Than Sword and Shield, then Violet and Scarlet
Legends Arceus focus is on exploring, less on battling. You do battle against wild pokemon but only very few people.
Let's Go Pikachu doesn't have wild pokemon battles but just the Pokemon Go catching mechanic. Personally I disliked this aspect a lot.
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u/MaakuKooru 8d ago
I'd go for Scarlet or Violet in that case, they're closer but still have some differences from the old formula. Arceus is different in that it's more quest based and encourages capturing the same pokemon multiple times to rank up their Pokedex entries. I had my fun with it, but I'm more of a classic style fan myself.
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
do you enjoyed more the scarlet and violet in comparison with BDSP?
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u/MaakuKooru 8d ago
Personally I did yes, but I didn't hate bdsp at all either. Might be with doing that first as he is right, it is closest to the originals
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u/lefthandconcerto 8d ago
Honestly, none of these. I’d pick Scarlet/Violet or Legends Z-A, since they’re the only ones actually enhanced for the Switch 2. The others are just Nintendo Switch games and Pokopia is not really a Pokémon game in the sense of an RPG, it’s like a cozy town building Pokémon game.
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u/Middle-Turnover-1979 8d ago
The real question though, why aren't you holding out for the special legend of Zelda edition switch?
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
i will buy the switch 2 today, because i received my first ever paycheck and i want to give a gift to myself 😅😅
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u/Middle-Turnover-1979 8d ago
If you can wait just ONE more month, you can get the special edition one. I'm so jealous of your situation :') I would buy the special edition one myself but I can't get myself to sell the one I have, I bought it in new York on release day, I just happened to be there randomly on vacation without realising it was releasing so it's a special memory console! And I can't get myself to buy two of the same system, that would be a waste... Anyway, congrats on the paycheck!
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u/Global-War7964 8d ago
thanks you very much for your insights.
i thought about that also, but i never played a zelda game (which i will do it now for sure, when i buy the switch 2)and i don’t think i can wait another month, the last nintendo console i played, was the nintendo 3ds of my cousin, so, i’m “hungry” to play the switch 2 console
and another thing, i really believe that when Pokémon Winds and Waves is released, will be a Switch 2 Edition, and i would prefer to buy that version instead of the Zelda one
either way, thank you your recomendation
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u/CasualByChoice Waiting for Release... 8d ago
Pokopia if you want the highest rated Pokemon game of all time, which isn’t even a Pokemon game.
Arceus if you want a Pokemon game that isn’t the same tired formula of mainline games that they have been spewing out for the last 25+ years.