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Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet are the safest next games after Sword and Shield. They keep the mainline loop of catching, training and battling, then move it to Paldea with three story routes. Choose Pokémon Legends: Arceus for the biggest change in pace and exploration, Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl for a traditional badge quest, Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! for the gentlest introduction, Pokémon Legends: Z-A for the newest action-focused format, or FireRed/LeafGreen for a classic Kanto journey on the Nintendo Switch family.
Quick recommendations
There is no official universal ranking for the best game after Sword and Shield. The right choice depends on which part of those games you want to keep: the familiar mainline structure, a linear Gym challenge, free-form exploration, a beginner-friendly pace, or a nostalgic region. Use this shortlist before looking at the detailed differences.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokemon Shining Pearl - Nintendo Switch Shining Pearl Edition | $52.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon Violet - US Version | $51.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! - Nintendo Switch | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
![Pokémon FireRed Version Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/413QNFueWML._SL160_.jpg)
|
Pokémon FireRed Version Standard - Nintendo Switch [Digital Code] | $19.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| If you want… | Start with… | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The closest modern follow-up | Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet | They retain catching, training and battling while adding Paldea and three story routes. |
| The most exploration and experimentation | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | An action RPG in ancient Sinnoh, called Hisui, built around researching Pokémon and creating the region’s first Pokédex. |
| A classic, linear badge quest | Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl | They are the Diamond/Pearl adventure reborn on Nintendo Switch. |
| The easiest entry for a newcomer | Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee! | The official presentation is aimed at longtime fans and newcomers, with a distinct catching approach. |
| The newest action-oriented release | Pokémon Legends: Z-A | It is an action RPG set in Lumiose City, available on Switch and Switch 2. |
| A compact Kanto nostalgia trip | FireRed or LeafGreen | The Kanto route from Pallet Town to the Pokémon League is available on the Nintendo Switch family from February 27, 2026. |
What makes a game “like Sword and Shield”?
Sword and Shield sit in the conventional mainline Pokémon role: you catch Pokémon, train a team and battle through a structured adventure. “Similar” can therefore mean several different things. Some players want another current-region RPG with the same basic loop. Others want the familiar Gym-and-League rhythm, even if the setting is older. A third group wants to keep collecting Pokémon but replace the route-by-route structure with more exploration.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsThe recommendations below separate those preferences instead of treating every Pokémon release as interchangeable. They also account for platform: every game discussed is available somewhere in the Nintendo Switch family, while Legends: Z-A additionally has a Switch 2 edition. Availability, downloadable content and Pokémon HOME behavior can differ by title and edition, so check the current product listing and transfer rules before buying multiple games.
#1 Best Overall
- Revisit the Sinnoh region from the original Pokémon Pearl Version game and set off to try and become the Champion of the Pokémon League
- The Pokémon Shining Pearl game brings new life to this remade classic with added features
- Explore the Grand Underground to dig up items and Pokémon Fossils, build a Secret Base, and more.
- Test your style and rhythm in a Super Contest Show
- A reimagined adventure, now for the Nintendo Switch system
1. Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet: the closest conventional follow-up
Why it is the default recommendation
Scarlet and Violet preserve the central mainline loop that most Sword/Shield players are asking for: catch Pokémon, train them and battle with them. The adventure moves to the Paldea region and divides progression across three story routes. That makes these games the most direct answer to “What Pokémon game is most similar to Sword and Shield?”
The three-route structure is the important distinction. Instead of presenting one single sequence as the only way forward, Paldea lets you approach its story strands as separate goals. If you liked the feeling of building a team for a long mainline journey but want a different regional setting and a more flexible order of objectives, this is the strongest fit.
Who should choose Scarlet or Violet
- Players who want a current, standard Pokémon RPG rather than a remake or a spin-off structure.
- Anyone who wants the smallest adjustment from the Sword/Shield formula.
- Players who prefer several connected story goals to one strictly linear route.
Who may prefer another game
Choose another title if your priority is a deliberately old-fashioned badge sequence, a research-first expedition, or a simplified catching experience. Scarlet and Violet are the safe default because of their mainline continuity, not because they replace every other style.
2. Pokémon Legends: Arceus: the biggest change in pace
How the structure differs
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is an action RPG set in ancient Sinnoh, known in the game as Hisui. Its central task is researching Pokémon and building the region’s first Pokédex. That research objective changes what you do between battles: observation, fieldwork and completing Pokédex entries become the organizing purpose of the adventure.
This is the recommendation for the reader who says, “Which Pokémon Switch game has the best exploration?” It is also the clearest choice if Sword and Shield felt too conventional and you want a different rhythm rather than another version of the same journey.
Why it appeals after Sword and Shield
- Exploration first: the ancient Hisui setting gives the adventure a sense of investigating an unsettled region.
- Research as progression: the Pokédex is not merely a checklist at the end; researching Pokémon is the stated purpose of the journey.
- Action-RPG identity: the format is intentionally different from a conventional route-and-badge campaign.
Choose it when you want a different game, not just a new region
Buy Legends: Arceus when experimentation and discovery matter more than reproducing the exact Sword/Shield structure. If you want the closest follow-up with minimal adjustment, pick Scarlet or Violet instead.
Rank #2
- Embark on a new Pokémon adventure
- Catch, battle, and train Pokémon in the Paldea Region, a vast land filled with lakes, towering peaks, wastelands, small towns, and sprawling cities.
- Choose either Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, to be your first partner Pokémon before setting off on your journey through Paldea.
- Embark on an independent study called the Treasure Hunt to gain new experiences, meet new people, and find your very own treasure.
3. Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl: the traditional badge quest
What these remakes provide
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl are the Diamond/Pearl adventure reborn on Nintendo Switch. They are the best fit for a reader who says, “I want a classic Pokémon game after Sword and Shield,” and means a recognizable, linear Gym-and-League progression.
Their value is familiarity. Rather than emphasizing a research assignment or an action-RPG structure, they present the classic adventure format that many players associate with Pokémon: travel through a region, develop a team and work through its badge challenge toward the Pokémon League.
Why choose one
- Select Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl if a remake of the Diamond/Pearl journey is more appealing than a brand-new regional story.
- Choose this pair when predictable, linear progression is more important than free-form exploration.
- They are the second-closest recommendation to Sword/Shield on the comparison axis of conventional progression, after Scarlet/Violet.
Trade-off against Scarlet and Violet
Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl provide the classic structure, while Scarlet and Violet provide the newer mainline setting and three-route format. Pick based on whether “similar” means a familiar badge quest or a current mainline release.
4. Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: the most approachable option
Why newcomers may prefer them
The official presentation of Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! explicitly includes both longtime fans and newcomers. That makes the pair a strong recommendation for a first Pokémon game, a family member learning the series, or a returning player who wants a gentler Kanto trip.
These games use a distinct catching approach, so they should not be treated as interchangeable with the standard Sword/Shield formula. The setting is Kanto, and the appeal is accessibility and familiarity rather than reproducing every system of a modern mainline adventure.
Important online requirement
Online features require a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. That requirement applies to the online functions described for these games; the single-player Kanto journey is a separate consideration when deciding whether the subscription matters to you.
Rank #3
- Don the role of a Pokémon Trainer as you travel through Kanto
- Discover a new species of Pokémon with the Pokémon Lets Go series
- Catch Pokémon in the wild using a gentle throwing motion with either a Joy-Con controller or a Poké Ball Plus accessory, which will light up, vibrate, and make sounds to bring your adventure to life
- See the world in style by customizing Pikachu and your Trainer with a selection of outfits
- Connect to Pokémon GO* to transfer caught Kanto-region Pokémon, including Alolan and Shiny forms, as well as the newly discovered Pokémon, Meltan, from that game to this one
Best use case
- For a newcomer: choose one of the Let’s Go titles when a welcoming introduction matters more than system depth.
- For Kanto nostalgia: choose them when you want an approachable return to the region rather than the more traditional remake route of FireRed/LeafGreen.
- For a strict Sword/Shield match: look at Scarlet/Violet first, because Let’s Go deliberately uses a different catching approach.
5. Pokémon Legends: Z-A: the current action-focused release
Release and platform details
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an action RPG set in Lumiose City. It released on October 16, 2025 for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2, making it the newest action-oriented choice in this guide as of October 19, 2026.
A September 30, 2026 official notice says the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition plus Mega Dimension bundle releases October 29, 2026. That bundle includes both the game and its downloadable content on one game card. If you own a Switch 2 and are deciding whether to buy immediately or wait for the bundle, the date and the inclusion of the DLC are the practical facts to weigh.
Who should choose Z-A
- Players who want an action-RPG direction rather than a conventional badge-focused campaign.
- Players interested in a Lumiose City setting instead of Paldea, Hisui, Sinnoh or Kanto.
- Switch 2 owners who value the upcoming bundled edition and its physical game card.
How it compares with Legends: Arceus
Both games belong to the action-oriented Legends line, so they are natural alternatives for players seeking a different pace. Legends: Arceus is explicitly centered on researching Pokémon and creating Hisui’s first Pokédex. Legends: Z-A is the newer Lumiose City release and has the additional Switch 2 edition and Mega Dimension bundle consideration. Choose Arceus for the research-focused ancient setting; choose Z-A for the newest action RPG and current hardware options.
6. FireRed and LeafGreen: classic Kanto on the Switch family
What is available
FireRed and LeafGreen became available on the Nintendo Switch family on February 27, 2026. They preserve the Kanto journey: choose Bulbasaur, Charmander or Squirtle, challenge the Gym Leaders and travel from Pallet Town toward the Pokémon League.
This is the strongest nostalgia recommendation when you want the classic journey itself rather than a modernized Kanto presentation. The structure is intentionally traditional and linear, so it sits alongside Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl on the “classic badge quest” axis.
Pokémon HOME qualification
An official announcement says Pokémon HOME transfer support is planned or available according to the linked update. Because the status and rules can change, verify the live Pokémon HOME compatibility and transfer directions before promising that a particular Pokémon can move into or out of FireRed or LeafGreen.
Rank #4
- Set off on a grand adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion—now on Nintendo Switch!
- Celebrate 30 years of Pokémon with this Nintendo Switch version* of the Pokémon FireRed Version game originally released on the Game Boy Advance system!
- Additional games and systems required for multiplayer mode. Sold separately. 2004 Pokémon. 1995-2004 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc. Pokémon and Nintendo Switch are trademarks of Nintendo.
How the games compare
| Game or pair | Primary structure | Setting | Best match for a Sword/Shield player who wants… | Key qualification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scarlet/Violet | Modern mainline RPG with three story routes | Paldea | The closest conventional follow-up | Choose this first for the familiar catch, train and battle loop. |
| Legends: Arceus | Action RPG and Pokémon research | Ancient Sinnoh (Hisui) | Exploration and experimentation | Its structure differs most from the standard mainline route. |
| Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl | Linear remake adventure and badge quest | Sinnoh | A classic format in a modern Switch release | It is the Diamond/Pearl adventure reborn. |
| Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Let’s Go, Eevee! | Approachable Kanto adventure with a distinct catching approach | Kanto | An easy entry for newcomers | Online features require paid Nintendo Switch Online membership. |
| Legends: Z-A | Action RPG | Lumiose City | The newest action-focused release | Released October 16, 2025; Switch 2/Mega Dimension bundle releases October 29, 2026. |
| FireRed/LeafGreen | Traditional linear badge journey | Kanto | Classic nostalgia | Available on the Switch family from February 27, 2026; verify current HOME rules. |
Which game should you buy first?
Use this decision path
- Do you want another conventional mainline RPG? Buy Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet.
- Do you want exploration to replace the usual route structure? Buy Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
- Do you specifically want a linear Gym-and-League adventure? Choose Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl for a modern remake or FireRed/LeafGreen for Kanto nostalgia.
- Are you introducing someone to Pokémon? Choose Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Let’s Go, Eevee!, and account for the paid Nintendo Switch Online requirement if online features matter.
- Do you want the newest action RPG? Choose Pokémon Legends: Z-A; Switch 2 owners should compare the October 29, 2026 bundle with the edition already available.
Buying two games without duplicating the experience
If you plan to play more than one, pair games with different structures instead of buying two versions that answer the same preference.
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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware match| First purchase | Good second purchase | Why the pair works |
|---|---|---|
| Scarlet/Violet | Legends: Arceus | Modern mainline progression followed by a research-focused action RPG. |
| Scarlet/Violet | Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl | Current three-route adventure followed by a deliberately linear remake. |
| Legends: Arceus | Legends: Z-A | Two action-oriented games with different settings; Z-A adds Switch 2 and bundle choices. |
| Let’s Go | FireRed/LeafGreen | Two Kanto experiences that contrast approachable catching with a traditional classic journey. |
Buying both versions in a pair is mainly a preference or collecting decision. The evidence available here does not establish a universal gameplay ranking between Scarlet and Violet, between Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, or between the two Let’s Go editions. Select the version whose title, Pokémon roster or personal preference appeals to you, and check the current product details for version-specific differences.
Pokémon HOME and moving a team between games
What HOME does and does not guarantee
Pokémon HOME supports the major Nintendo Switch Pokémon titles listed by Nintendo, but compatibility is not identical for every game. Transfers can be one-way, and some species may be limited by the destination game. Treat HOME as a connection between games, not as a promise that every Pokémon can travel freely in both directions.
Safe transfer checklist
- Check the current Pokémon HOME compatibility list for both the source and destination games.
- Confirm whether the planned move is one-way before removing a Pokémon from its original game.
- Verify species restrictions for the destination title.
- For FireRed/LeafGreen, confirm the live transfer status and rules before relying on the announced support.
These checks matter if your reason for buying a second game is to continue using a team from Sword or Shield. A compatible title can expand where a Pokémon is stored without guaranteeing that the same Pokémon can return to its original game.
Final recommendation by player type
- Most Sword/Shield players: start with Scarlet or Violet.
- Explorers and experimenters: choose Legends: Arceus.
- Traditionalists: choose Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.
- Newcomers and families: choose Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Let’s Go, Eevee!.
- Action-RPG fans seeking the newest release: choose Legends: Z-A, checking the Switch 2 and Mega Dimension bundle timing.
- Kanto nostalgists: choose FireRed/LeafGreen, while checking current HOME rules if transfers are important.
The shortest answer remains Scarlet or Violet for similarity, Legends: Arceus for exploration, and Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl for a classic badge quest. The other three recommendations are better when accessibility, the newest action format or Kanto nostalgia is the deciding factor.
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