New Pokémon Games For Nintendo Switch In 2023 & Beyond
Hey Pokémon fans! Are you guys as excited as I am about the potential new Pokémon games coming to the Nintendo Switch? 2023 has been a fantastic year for Pokémon, and it looks like the future is even brighter. Let's dive into what we know, what we can speculate, and what we're all hoping for in the world of new Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch and beyond.
Current Pokémon Titles on Nintendo Switch
Before we jump into the future, let’s take a quick look at the amazing Pokémon games we already have on the Nintendo Switch. From the core series titles to the spin-offs, there's something for every trainer out there:
- Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Gen 8 adventure that introduced us to the Galar region, complete with Dynamaxing and the Wild Area.
 - Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!: A nostalgic trip back to Kanto with simplified mechanics and Pokémon Go integration.
 - Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: Faithful remakes of the Gen 4 classics, bringing Sinnoh to the Switch.
 - Pokémon Legends: Arceus: A revolutionary take on the series, blending open-world exploration with traditional gameplay in the ancient Hisui region.
 - Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The latest main series entries, set in the Paldea region, introducing Terastallizing and a truly open-world experience. These games, while ambitious, have had their fair share of performance issues, but the core gameplay and the Pokémon themselves are undeniably captivating. The open-world design was a bold step, and the addition of Terastallizing adds a new layer of strategy to battles. The stories, especially in Scarlet and Violet, have resonated with many players, making them emotional and memorable experiences. All these games set the stage for what's next, and the possibilities are thrilling. Let's look at what might be coming our way in the near future. With the success of these titles, the anticipation for new Pokémon adventures is higher than ever.
 
Pokémon in 2023: A Review
2023 has been a busy year for Pokémon fans. We've seen updates to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, new events, and even some exciting announcements. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Scarlet and Violet has been a major highlight, adding new areas to explore, new Pokémon to catch, and new stories to experience. This DLC has helped to keep the game fresh and engaging, addressing some of the concerns players had about the base game's post-launch content. The two-part DLC, The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, brings us back to Paldea and beyond, offering more of what we love: exploration, battles, and Pokémon collecting. We’ve also had various in-game events and distributions, keeping the community active and engaged. These events provide opportunities to catch rare Pokémon, participate in special battles, and earn unique items. The consistent updates and events show that Game Freak is committed to supporting Scarlet and Violet, even with the challenges the game faced at launch. Looking back at 2023, it’s clear that the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve and adapt. The successes and lessons learned this year will undoubtedly influence the direction of future games. We can't wait to see what the future holds for the Pokémon series and how it will continue to surprise and delight us. As we move forward, the lessons learned from the past year will be crucial in shaping the future of the franchise.
What's Next? Potential New Pokémon Games
Okay, guys, let's get to the juicy part – what new Pokémon games might be on the horizon? There are a few main possibilities we can consider:
Gen 10: The Next Core Series Game
It's inevitable – we're going to get a Gen 10 game eventually. The question is, when? Given the typical release pattern, we might expect an announcement in late 2024 or early 2025, with a release later that year or in 2026. What could Gen 10 bring? The possibilities are endless. A new region, new Pokémon, and new gameplay mechanics are all but guaranteed. Will we see a continuation of the open-world format introduced in Scarlet and Violet? Will there be a new battle gimmick to replace Terastallizing? These are the questions that keep us up at night! One thing many fans are hoping for is a refinement of the open-world concept. While Scarlet and Violet were ambitious, they weren't without their technical issues. A smoother, more polished open-world experience in Gen 10 would be a dream come true. And, of course, we're all eager to see the new Pokémon designs. Each generation brings its own unique creatures, and the anticipation for the Gen 10 Pokémon is already building. From adorable starters to powerful legendaries, the possibilities are endless. As we look forward to the future, the excitement for the next generation is palpable.
Pokémon Legends: A New Entry?
Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a breath of fresh air for the series, and many fans are clamoring for a follow-up. A new Legends game could explore a different region in the Pokémon world's past, perhaps even delving into the history of a region we already know. Imagine a Pokémon Legends game set in the Johto or Hoenn region, exploring the myths and legends of those areas. This format allows for a deeper dive into the lore of the Pokémon world, and it opens up exciting possibilities for gameplay and storytelling. The Pokémon Legends format allows for a unique blend of exploration, battling, and catching, and it would be thrilling to see this applied to other regions. A new Pokémon Legends game could be a fantastic way to keep the series fresh and exciting.
Remakes: Gen 5, Anyone?
The Pokémon community loves remakes, and the next logical step is a remake of the Gen 5 games, Pokémon Black and White. These games are beloved for their story, characters, and Pokémon, and a modern remake would be a treat. The Gen 5 games hold a special place in many fans' hearts, and a remake would be a perfect way to introduce them to a new generation of players. Imagine exploring the Unova region with updated graphics, improved gameplay, and maybe even some new features. There's been a lot of speculation about what form a Gen 5 remake might take. Will it follow the style of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or will it take a more ambitious approach, similar to Pokémon Legends: Arceus? Only time will tell, but the anticipation is definitely there.
Spin-offs and Side Games
Don't forget about spin-offs! We could see anything from a new Pokémon Mystery Dungeon game to a sequel to New Pokémon Snap. These games offer a different perspective on the Pokémon world, and they can be just as engaging as the core series titles. The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, with its focus on storytelling and roguelike gameplay, has a dedicated fanbase. A new entry in this series would be a welcome addition to the Switch library. And who wouldn't love to see more of the beautiful Pokémon photography from New Pokémon Snap? A sequel could introduce new areas to explore, new Pokémon to photograph, and new features to enhance the experience. Spin-offs offer a chance to experiment with different genres and gameplay styles, and they can be a great way to expand the Pokémon universe.
Nintendo Switch 2: What Does It Mean for Pokémon?
There's been a lot of talk about a potential Nintendo Switch 2, and this could have a significant impact on future Pokémon games. A more powerful console could allow for more ambitious open-world designs, improved graphics, and better performance. Imagine a Pokémon game with the visual fidelity of a modern AAA title, running smoothly on a powerful console. The possibilities are incredibly exciting. A new console could also open up new avenues for gameplay. Perhaps we could see more seamless transitions between exploration and battles, or even more dynamic environments. The Nintendo Switch 2 could be a game-changer for the Pokémon franchise, allowing developers to realize their visions in ways that weren't possible before.
What I'm Hoping For
Personally, guys, I'm hoping for a Gen 10 game that builds on the foundation of Scarlet and Violet but with improved performance and a more polished experience. I'd also love to see another Pokémon Legends game, maybe one that explores the history of the Johto region and the Legendary Beasts. And, of course, a Gen 5 remake would be amazing! But, above all, I'm hoping for games that are fun, engaging, and true to the spirit of Pokémon.
Final Thoughts
The future of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch looks incredibly bright. With the success of recent titles and the potential for new hardware on the horizon, there's so much to be excited about. Whether we get a new core series game, a Legends title, remakes, or spin-offs, one thing is for sure: the world of Pokémon will continue to evolve and captivate us for years to come. What are you guys hoping to see in the future of Pokémon? Let's chat in the comments below!