

Instead, you pick a move to unleash on your foe who in turn unleashes a move on you. Pokémon games are generally turn-based RPGs, so battling isn't in real time. There are additional subplots to keep things interesting. Your goal is to catch and raise Pokémon, making them strong enough for you to defeat all the region's gym leaders and go on to beat even tougher foes (in earlier games, you must battle the Elite Four but in Sword and Shield, you have to complete the Champion Battle). You start the game as a complete beginner Pokémon trainer who is gifted a Pokémon to work with. While each game varies slightly, they all follow a similar plot. Generation VIII includes just Pokémon Sword and Shield and is set in the region of Galar.Generation VII includes Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go: Pikachu! and Let's Go: Eevee! and is set in the region of Alola.Generation VI includes Pokémon X, Y, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire and is set in the region of Kalos.Generation V includes Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 and is set in the region of Unova.Generation IV includes Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver and is set in the region of Sinnoh.Generation III includes Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen and is set in the region of Hoenn.Generation II includes Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal and is set in the region of Johto.


While there are some mobile apps available, you will most likely need a Nintendo console, like the Switch, to play. Since Pokémon games are published by Nintendo, they are available primarily on Nintendo consoles.

Both games in the pair are nearly identical except for small differences such as exclusive Pokémon or different gym leaders. Pokémon games are usually released in pairs (such as Sword and Shield or Sun and Moon).
