The Pokémon franchise may have a lot of mainline games, but there are also great spin-off games. These spin-offs change the formula a bit but are still set in universes where Pokémon and humans interact.
From pet simulations to battle arenas and mysterious adventures, these spin-offs do a great job of experimenting with the franchise. Below, we’ve listed the 16 best Pokémon spin-off games, ranked.
Top Pokémon spin-off games
16 – Hey You, Pikachu!
Hey You, Pikachu! was a Pokémon spin-off that let you form a bond with Pikachu, the series mascot. This let’s you hang out with Pikachu in a cool way. Pikachu will respond to the player’s voice and perform various actions, such as following the player, playing fetch, and even singing songs. While I wouldn’t consider it in the top 10, it’s definitely worth mentioning here because it was a unique Pokémon spin-off
15 – PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure is like a Petz game but with Pokémon. The game features a colorful and vibrant world filled with over 200 different Pokémon to interact with and befriend. Players can explore the park at their own pace, complete challenges, and play mini-games to earn rewards.
You can pet, feed, and play with Pokémon, just like you would a pet but Pokémon give you fun quests to do. This kind of game would do well on Mobile today.
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14 – Pokémon Unite
Pokémon Unite is a free-to-play multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) game developed by TiMi Studio Group and published by The Pokémon Company. It was released for Nintendo Switch in July 2021, and for mobile devices in September 2021.
Pokémon Unite is a 5v5 team-based game where players control a single Pokémon and battle to score points in the opposing team’s goal zone. The team with the most points at the end of the match wins. The game is definitely fun but has been accused of being pay-to-win. The game is still popular, even with these accusations, and if you like MOBAs, you will love it too.
13 – Pokémon Masters EX
Pokémon Masters EX has a diverse roster of characters, exciting events, and unique gameplay that make it a popular mobile game. This is kind of like collecting Pokémon Trainers instead of just Pokémon. Trainers and Pokémon form sync pairs in the game, and players must work together to build strong sync pairs and create effective teams.
The game features trainers and Pokémon from all eight generations of Pokémon, as well as some original characters created specifically for the game.
12 – Pokkén Tournament DX
Pokkén Tournament DX is a fighting game that is accessible to players of all skill levels. The controls are simple to learn, but there is a lot of depth to the gameplay for those who want to master it. Players can choose to fight in either the Field Phase, where they can move freely around the arena, or the Duel Phase, where they are locked in a one-on-one battle. Pokkén Tournament DX features a roster of over 20 playable Pokémon, each with unique movesets and playstyles. While it wasn’t my cup of tea, I know a lot of who think this should be brought back.
11 – Detective Pikachu
In Detective Pikachu, players control Tim Goodman, a young man who teams up with a talking Pikachu to solve mysteries in the city of Ryme City. Detective Pikachu didn’t seem like it’d be as good as it was and earned itself a good place among fans. It’s got a good story with memorable characters. Tim and Pikachu’s relationship is particularly endearing, and their exchanges are a highlight of the game. My favorite thing about this game was solving a mystery like Sherlock Holmes, even if it felt like it helped you out a lot.
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10 – Pokémon Trading Card Game Online
The Pokémon Trading Card Game Online is an insanely popular free-to-play digital card game that has a huge fanbase. Essentially, players can earn in-game currency to unlock new cards and decks. Like any card game, the gameplay is all about strategy. You have to carefully construct your deck and use your cards wisely to defeat your opponents. Just imagine the physical card game but online.
9 – Pokémon Rumble World
Pokémon Rumble World is a free-to-play action RPG for the Nintendo 3DS. It was honestly too good to have been free, and a lot of people were playing this game at its height. Players control a team of Pokémon that they must use to defeat enemies and complete levels in this top-down game.
While the gameplay itself was fun, it was addicting because of all the Pokémon offered. There were over 700 different Pokémon, including many rare and legendaries. It really needs to be brought back for mobile.
8 – Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team is a beloved Pokémon game for many reasons. This game combines elements of roguelike dungeon crawlers with the familiar Pokémon universe.
During the game, the player assumes the role of a human who has been transformed into a Pokémon. They team up with other Pokémon to form a rescue team and help those in need in dungeons. The members of the player’s team can make the game easier or harder. Recruiting new Pokémon is also an option, and every Pokémon comes with its own set of abilities and characteristics. It was one of the best games in this series.
7 – Pokémon Snap
It is no secret that Pokémon Snap is one of the most beloved games of all time. It was one of the first games to let you interact with Pokémon as if you weren’t another trainer. One of the things that makes Pokémon Snap so special is its focus on photography. Players are tasked with taking the best possible photos of Pokémon as they travel through different environments. The game features over 60 different Pokémon, each with its own unique behaviors and animations. It’s still one of the most popular Pokémon games ever made.
6 – Pokémon Quest
Pokémon Quest is such a fun time waster for mobile, and I mean that in a very kind way. It’s a free-to-play game with a voxel-based art style that is incredibly addicting. It is easy to learn and play, even for those who are new to the Pokémon franchise. In the game, players control a team of three Pokémon as they explore a variety of islands, battling wild Pokémon and completing quests.
Players must carefully select their team composition and use their Pokémon’s strengths to their advantage to succeed. The thing that most people like is how customizable everything is. You can collect a variety of items and materials to craft new equipment and power up your Pokémon. You can also decorate your base camp with various objects and furniture. It’s definitely one of the better games on this list.
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5 – Pokémon Stadium 2
Pokémon Stadium 2 is a beloved Pokémon game for a number of reasons. First, it was the first Pokémon game to feature fully 3D graphics, which was a major leap forward for the series at the time. While the game is dated today, back then it was the bomb. Pokémon Stadium 2 included all of the Pokémon from the first two generations. This gave players a chance to use their favorite Pokémon in a new and exciting way.
It made a lot of people wonder why Nintendo didn’t bring their Pokémon games to this level often. It’s only one of the best Pokémon games because Nintendo didn’t make Pokémon games 3D with unique animations for attacks often.
4 – Pokémon Conquest
Pokémon Conquest is like Romance of the Three Kingdoms mixed with the Pokémon universe. Players take control of warlords from Japan’s feudal Sengoku era, each with their own Pokémon team. The goal is to conquer all of the regions of Ransei by defeating rival warlords and capturing their castles.
It is so drastically different from the series and other spin-offs that it is memorable. The story is okay and is what you’d expect from Pokémon, but the gameplay is what made this game so beloved.
3 – Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
This was the premier version of the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series. The player once again takes on the role of a human who has been transformed into a Pokémon and must team up with other Pokémon to explore dungeons, complete missions, and solve mysteries.
The story is really well-written and emotional and I believe it’s because of the characters. They’re really well-written and they make you feel a lot of emotions through the story. The gameplay is the same as every other Mystery Dungeon game but this one looks a lot better. They definitely did their best with the graphics here.
2 – Pokémon Colosseum
Pokémon Colosseum was like Pokémon for teenagers. It was notably darker and more mature tone than previous Pokémon games. One of the most unique things about Colosseum was the ability to “snag” Shadow Pokémon from other trainers. This was basically kidnapping and was a way you could just get new Pokémon.
Colosseum had double battles and the Mt. Battle challenge tower, which was crazy to see outside the GameBoy. They need to remaster this series or make new ones because we’re missing these.
1 – Pokémon GO
There was no way Pokémon GO wasn’t going to be number 1 on this list. It’s probably the most profitable Pokémon game to date, and tons of people still play it. It combines AR technology with the classic Pokémon formula. Players can catch Pokémon that appear in the real world, battle other trainers at Gyms, and trade Pokémon with friends. The game is free to play so pretty much anyone can get into it. The game is also constantly updated with new content, such as new Pokémon, events, and features. It’s hard to find a more popular spin-off than Pokémon GO.
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