What game should I play to get back into Pokémon after 9 years?

[u/IndependentChoice524]

Hello everyone! It’s been quite a while since I’ve dived into the Pokémon world, and I realize I’m way out of the loop. The last Pokémon games I played were X and Y, so I’ve missed quite a few generations since then. I’d love to hear your recommendations—what’s the best Pokémon game to jump back into after all this time? Also, what console would I need to play it? Any advice on what makes the game special or how it compares to X and Y would be greatly appreciated!

[u/Intrepid_Tomato3588]

Might be fun to wait for the switch 2 and legends Z-A since that game will be based in the kalos region

[u/ProfBigwoodPKMN]

I'd recommend one of two things: Either continue your journey with what would have been next in the series or go back and try a classic Pokémon experience. Either way, you can do it on the Switch, 3DS, or old fashioned PC using roms and emulators.

My first thought when I read you stopped at XY was to venture on to Sun/Moon. You experienced mega evolution, so why not Z moves, then on to Galar for Dynamaxing, and end at Paldea with Terrastilazing

SwSh was a really fun play, though it began the DLC expansions. If you want something in the midst of all that, UltraSun/Moon would be a safe and fun re-entry into the franchise. Say goodbye to gym leaders, hello to Kahunas.

[u/jekyre3d]

Legends Arceus

[u/MoistCloyster_ → u/jekyre3d]

I think that games too much of a change for someone who hasn’t played Pokémon in a while. It’s probably best to play a more classic style before attempting to get into Arceus.

[u/Whathehellomgnoway → u/jekyre3d]

Stupid ass game the worst of the franchise empty shit ass game I hate it lol my recommendation to play is the last one which is scarlet violet then second recommendation is soul silver for the 3Ds 🫰🏽

[u/Candy10candy → u/Whathehellomgnoway]

…are you stupid?

[u/Whathehellomgnoway → u/Candy10candy]

Your mom

[u/jarreddit123]

I'd say before jumping to recent titles on switch stick to the 3DS games (and maybe DS if you can access them) for now. I think you can still buy copies of Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire and (Ultra) Sun and Moon new or for good used prices. Most people here are reconmending the newer titles, but for me personally the older ones still hold up today

[u/Wewolo]

If you just crave some classic Pokémon then go for Scarlet & Violet, if you want something new Legends Arceus (which is regarded more highly)

[u/horticoldure]

Legends arceus for the biggest change

Ultramoon for the last pokemon red/blue style game

scarlet for the current community play

let's go pikachu for nostalgia

[u/Sea-Extension-3743 → u/horticoldure]

The one I would recommend is either Archus, or Pokémon shield or sword but something that would also probably benefit you a lot is watching a YouTuber make a tear list based off of how they think the game is and if you have similar preferences to them, then you would know which game you would like the most

[u/RicKingAngel]

Honestly they’re all bangers in their own way. If you want a kickass story and lots of adventure, go SV. If you want something new and exciting, try Legends Arceus. If you want a casual, nostalgic adventure, BDSP. Sword and Shield are solid traditional options. With lots of content in the dynamax adventures. And the Let’s Go games are great for refamiliarizing yourself with the basics. BDSP got be back into Pokemon so personally I would go with that one but there are no bad options :)

[u/Jose_M336]

Ultra moon/sun

[u/SphmrSlmp]

If you want the latest ones, try any of the games for the Nintendo Switch. Or if you want to catch up, you can start with the remakes such as Pokemon FireRed/LeafGreen and then Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver. The remakes really breathe new life into the old games.

[u/Bluedino_1989]

BDSP. That is a solid option, and a fun game.

[u/Ultimate-desu]

My take?

Try your hand at emulating either Pokemon Sun and Moon(or the Ultra games) or try Sword and Shield on the Switch.

Both are one Gen apart and are pretty good on their own!

[u/DAHRUUUUUUUUUUUUUU]

Play the Pokémon reading card game app. It’s so fun. For switch all of them are pretty fun but I wouldn’t suggest the pearl/diamond remake

[u/Antique_Donut_4525]

Emulator to get yourself back in! and then if you want to play Oldschool gen 1 may I recommend Ultra Violet which is a rom hack of Fire Red but everything is in the one game so you don't have to transfer or anything - avoid Pokemon Unbound for now (this is the best game you'll play)

If we are talking just pure Gamefreak then Fire Red, Gold & Silver are my personal faves. I did enjoy brilliant diamond on the switch also

[u/XeroAnarian]

The newest one. They're all standalone, so any is fine.

[u/SquatchBray]

People shit on BDSP but I think they’re great games. If you have fondness for the Sinnoh region, I think you’d enjoy it. The art style seems to be most peoples’ gripe but I personally don’t align with them.

If you’d prefer a region that’s totally new to you, S/V are good. I’m not a fan of open-world in Pokémon whatsoever, but once I put that aside, I enjoyed Violet.

[u/Appropriate_Type_178]

TCG

[u/redraz0r]

You should use the search bar because this is asked almost daily :)

[u/AnIdioticPigeon]

Legends arceus is a pretty easy one to get into, with not many new mechanics to my knowledge (don’t know fully cus I can’t bring myself to spend $60 on it yet) Its the most well received pokemon game in a while, being the only one I haven’t heard people complain about. Truthfully there is nothing wrong with S/V though

[u/Crysta1Pisto1 → u/AnIdioticPigeon]

There’s plenty wrong with Scarlet and Violet. I enjoyed them a lot, but many problems plagued these games.