The Pokemon franchise has a lengthy history of spin-off titles, so let’s break down the 10 best series trainers can try out for themselves.
Pokemon is one of the most popular video game franchises of all time. With a total of 22 games in the core series, there are plenty of adventures for trainers to go on and Pokemon to catch.
However, the Pokemon franchise also has a plethora of spin-off games for those who want something outside of the standard monster-catching, turn-based battle fare.
So, let’s take a dive into the wonderful world of Pokemon spin-off titles and break down the 10 best series (and the best game within them).
For the purposes of this list, we’ll be excluding games that are considered part of a ‘side series.’ This includes Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Colosseum, XD Gale of Darkness, Battle Revolution, and more. (Rest assured, all of those titles are excellent.)
10. Pokemon Picross (3DS)
Available through the Nintendo 3DS eShop and released in 2015, Pokemon Picross was a freemium puzzle game based on the popular subset of logic puzzles called ‘Nonograms’ or ‘Picross.’
For those who’ve never played a Picross game, it consists of a series of squares on a grid. Each row or column features a set of numbers that denote how many squares in that row or column need to be shaded in to complete the puzzle. Once the puzzle is solved, it creates a picture based on the shaded squares.
As one would guess based on the name, Pokemon Picross heavily featured Pokemon. Different Pokemon could be captured by completing their puzzles. Once captured, Pokemon can be added to your team and used for skills that aid in future puzzles.
While puzzle games aren’t for everyone, this fun brain teaser was a great addition to one of Nintendo’s best handhelds.
9. Pokemon Unite
When Pokemon Unite was first revealed, many fans were baffled by the combination of Pokemon with the MOBA genre. However, despite many fans’ skepticism, Pokemon Unite proved to be extremely popular at launch.
Since its release, the game has even established a healthy competitive scene, making waves at major events like the Pokemon World Championships.
While its popularity has certainly dwindled since its release in 2021, the game is still receiving new content as of 2024, such as the addition of Gen 9’s Miraidon. Though this MOBA has plenty of flaws which lands it further back on this list, it still provides plenty of fun moments.
8. Pokemon Pinball (Ruby & Sapphire)
One of the most iconic cabinet games of all time, Pinball, is a mainstay in any arcade that’s still in business. As such, it’s no surprise that adding some Pokemon-centric flair to this tried-and-true classic would prove to be a great time.
The Pokemon Pinball series—consisting of the original GameBoy title and Ruby & Sapphire for the GBA—is Pinball like you know and love but with some fun twists.
Instead of a metal ball, trainers use their flippers to fling Poke Balls towards Pokemon in the center of the board. The main goal of the game is to complete the Pokedex by catching monsters through the various modes and boards.
As another title that’s perfect for handheld gaming, Pokemon Pinball provides all the fun of Pinball on the go, with a stylish coat of Pokemon paint.
7. Pokken Tournament DX
Pokken Tournament and its definitive DX Version are 3D fighting games heavily based on the Tekken series’ gameplay.
In Pokken Tournament DX, trainers choose their main fighter from a wide roster of Pokemon and compete in 1-on-1 battles. Fights begin in the 3D Field Phase, but upon landing certain moves, battles shift into the more traditional 2D Duel Phase.
Like any good fighting game, Pokken Tournament features different Normal attacks, Grabs, Counters, and even a Super Meter mechanic. Trainers can also bring along Support Pokemon to provide a variety of effects in battle.
Originally released in 2016 on the Wii U, Pokken Tournament received a second lease on life through the Switch in 2017.
6. Pokemon Trading Card Game (GBA)
One of the most prolific Pokemon spin-off games is undoubtedly the Pokemon Trading Card Game or TCG. Originally beginning in 1996, the TCG has continued on and is still receiving card sets and expansions to this day.
The TCG even received its own video game through the Pokemon Trading Card Game on GameBoy Color. This classic handheld title allowed trainers to take on Clubs, gather cards, create their own decks, and strive to become the TCG Champion.
This GBA title is not only incredibly fun but also serves as an excellent introduction to the mechanics of the Pokemon TCG. While it’s certainly dated compared to present-day landscape, those who’ve always been interested in the TCG and want to get a taste of the action should absolutely give this game a try.
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5. Pokemon Ranger (Shadows of Almia)
Many of the best Pokemon spin-off series were introduced through the Nintendo DS, and the Pokemon Ranger series undoubtedly makes that list.
Instead of the traditional turn-based battling gameplay the core series is known for, Pokemon Ranger instead puts the player in the shoes of the titular Ranger. Pokemon Rangers don’t catch Pokemon in balls, but instead capture them with a Capture Styler to befriend them to help people in need, protect nature, or fight against those who mistreat Pokemon.
Using the DS’ unique two-screen layout, trainers would use their Stylus to repeatedly circle Pokemon to befriend them. The unique challenge of trying to loop Pokemon repeatedly while they trash about trying to break the line was oddly engaging.
The fun gameplay loop combined with the previously unexplored side of the Pokemon world made the Pokemon Ranger series one of the more unique spin-off series out there. While all three titles have some great moments to offer, the Shadows of Almia is our favorite of the bunch.
4. Pokemon Go
It would certainly be hard to create a ‘best Pokemon spin-off’ list without featuring Pokemon Go somewhere. First released in 2016, Pokemon Go quickly became a worldwide phenomenon.
It was a wild moment in time to be a Pokemon fan, as people from all walks of life headed outside with their smartphones to hunt and catch their favorite monsters in the real world. Since then, hundreds of Pokemon have been added, new mechanics have been introduced, and each month features new events to take part in.
Though Pokemon Go’s popularity has fallen since its peak in 2016, it’s still played by millions of dedicated players around the world and is undoubtedly one of the most popular spin-off titles in the franchise.
3. Pokemon Conquest
Undoubtedly one of the more niche spin-off games on this list, Pokemon Conquest is a criminally overlooked game in the franchise’s history. Developed by Tecmo Koei, Pokemon Conquest is a tactical strategy crossover game based around the Nobunaga’s Ambition series.
Players take on the role of a Warlord who uses a partner Pokemon to battle other opposing Warlords’ monsters. Up to six Pokemon take part in battles on a wide, grid-based battlefield. The gameplay revolves around using your Pokemon to navigate the battlefield, take on opposing Pokemon, and achieve a variety of different win conditions.
With plenty of Pokemon to battle with and a surprising amount of depth, Pokemon Conquest is one of the most engaging spin-offs in the series. It’s a shame this DS title is so hard to find, as it certainly deserves much more attention from tactical strategy buffs and Pokemon fans alike.
2. Pokemon Snap
Pokemon Snap is certainly one of the more recognizable spin-off games in the series and for good reason—it’s just a great time.
As the name suggests, Pokemon Snap tasks players with traveling around different habits and locales to take pictures of Pokemon in the wild. Players are graded on how well their pictures come out based on a variety of criteria, and each locale has hidden secrets to discover.
In a way, Pokemon Snap is almost like an on-rails shooter, as the player is relegated to a buggy that slowly advances along a track until the end of the stage. Chock full of replay value, Pokemon Snap is simply a joy to play.
Whether you’re taking on the N64 classic or New Pokemon Snap for the Nintendo Switch, you’re sure to be in for a great time.
1. Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (Explorers of Sky)
The cream of the crop in terms of Pokemon spin-off titles has to be the Mystery Dungeon series. Featuring six titles, one of which is a Nintendo Switch remake of the original GBA title, the Mystery Dungeon series has spanned different handhelds and consoles over the years.
This spin-off series developed by Spike Chunsoft is based on the Mystery Dungeon series of roguelike games from Japan.
In Pokemon Mystery Dungeon, the human player wakes up in the body of a Pokemon, determined by a charming personality quiz. Along with a partner, the player joins a Rescue Team and explores ‘Mystery Dungeons,’ which are randomized dungeons found throughout the world.
While exploring Mystery Dungeons, players can collect items, level up their party, use a variety of moves to knock out wild Pokemon, and much more. You can take on Rescue missions to find lost Pokemon, capture wanted monsters, or find specific items.
While Red & Blue Rescue Team, the DX remake, Explores of Time & Darkness, and Super Mystery Dungeon are all great titles, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the best of the bunch.
With an excellent soundtrack, fun dungeon-crawling gameplay, and a surprisingly heartfelt story, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky is the best Pokemon spin-off game fans can play.
And there you have it! Those are the best Pokemon spin-off titles throughout the entire series. Although it’s been quite some time since fans have seen some of these series, maybe we’ll get a resurgence through the February 2024 Pokemon Presents.
