For most first-time players, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! is the clearest starting point: Pokémon describes both as approachable for newcomers, with catching controlled by buttons or a Joy-Con motion throw. The best choice still depends on what kind of play sounds fun. Choose a classic Kanto adventure with Pokémon FireRed Version or Pokémon LeafGreen Version, or try the real-time battles of Pokémon Legends: Z-A if you prefer action and timing.
Which Pokémon game should I play first?
Start by matching the game to the player’s preferred way to catch and battle Pokémon, then check which Nintendo Switch system they own. The series does not have one objectively easiest game: official guidance calls Let’s Go approachable but does not rank these games by difficulty.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Pokémon Pokopia - Nintendo Switch 2 | $69.00 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Pokémon Legends: Arceus - US Version | $54.26 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
![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 |
| 4 |
|
Pokemon Shining Pearl - Nintendo Switch Shining Pearl Edition | $52.49 | Buy on Amazon |
| If the player wants… | Good starting choice | Why it may fit |
|---|---|---|
| A publisher-identified approachable introduction with familiar Pokémon | Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! | Pokémon says newcomers can dive in; catching supports button controls or a Joy-Con motion throw. Official Let’s Go page. |
| A classic Kanto journey | Pokémon FireRed Version or Pokémon LeafGreen Version | The original Game Boy Advance-era adventures became available on the Nintendo Switch family in 2026. They return as they were on Game Boy Advance, not as newly modernized remakes. Pokémon’s announcement. |
| Action-oriented battles with movement and timing | Pokémon Legends: Z-A | Battles use real-time movement and decisions about move timing, reach, area of effect, and execution. Official gameplay details. |
| Playing together on one system | Let’s Go | Support Play lets a second player join the adventure to help catch Pokémon or battle. Official guide. |
Why Let’s Go is a strong first Pokémon game
The Pokémon Company explicitly positions Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! as approachable for people who have never played the series. Catching is designed around intuitive inputs: use buttons or make a motion throw with a Joy-Con. That makes the games a reasonable place to begin if the player wants recognizable Pokémon and a less traditional way to interact with wild encounters.
Pick Pikachu or Eevee based on preference and encounters
The edition determines which Pokémon joins the player as their partner, and the versions also differ in wild species and encounter rates. So the choice is not only a cover-art preference. If the player has a favorite partner Pokémon, that is a natural starting point; otherwise, check the version-specific Pokémon list before buying.
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#1 Best Overall
- Shape the world and build a cozy new life with Pokémon as a Ditto transformed to look like a human.
- Use other Pokémon’s moves, like Bulbasaur’s Leafage, to revitalize and navigate the world around you.
- Meet and befriend more Pokémon as you help nature flourish.
- Gather materials to create items and furniture, till the fields to grow delicious crops, build homes for the Pokémon you meet, and more—there’s so much to do!
- Experience a world with varied weather, real-time days and nights, and other surprises.
Consider whether someone will join in
Support Play is a same-adventure, same-system feature: a second player can help with catching and battles. It is distinct from internet play. Nintendo Switch Online is required for internet battles and trades, according to the official Let’s Go guide.
When to choose FireRed or LeafGreen instead
Choose Pokémon FireRed Version or Pokémon LeafGreen Version if the appeal is a classic Kanto journey rather than the specific approachability features of Let’s Go. These are the original Game Boy Advance games made available on Nintendo Switch family systems in 2026; the rerelease preserves the original-era adventure rather than presenting a new, modernized remake. See Pokémon’s release announcement for the platform context.
Rank #2
- Action meets RPG in this new take on the Pokémon series
- Study Pokémon behaviors, sneak up on them, and toss a well-aimed Poké Ball to catch them
- Unleash moves in the speedy agile style or the powerful strong style in battles
- Travel to the Hisui region—the Sinnoh of old—and build the region’s first Pokédex
- Learn about the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, the key to this mysterious tale
For players who care about moving Pokémon between games, do not assume compatibility is automatic. Pokémon’s August 13, 2026 announcement said the Switch versions were set to link with Pokémon HOME beginning in October 2026, and warned that a Pokémon moved into HOME cannot return to those games. Check the current status and rules in the HOME announcement before transferring anything.
When Legends: Z-A is a better fit
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the option to consider when a first-time player wants battles that feel more action-oriented. Rather than the familiar turn-based flow, the official gameplay description emphasizes real-time movement and choices about when moves land, how far they reach, and what area they affect. This distinct style may be a draw for someone who likes timing and positioning, but it does not make the game a universally easier first choice.
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Rank #3
- 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.
Check the system and transfer needs before buying
The games discussed here are Nintendo Switch family titles, but check the exact edition, regional listing, and system compatibility for the player’s location and hardware before purchase. A game recommendation is only useful if it works with the system they already own.
Pokémon HOME is a collection and transfer service, not a promise that every Pokémon can move freely among every game. Pokémon’s service page warns that restrictions apply, so check title-specific compatibility before planning transfers: Pokémon HOME.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- 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
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
