Pokémon MIA: Which Creatures Are Still Missing from the Nintendo Switch?
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For Pokémon trainers eager to catch ‘em all on their Nintendo Switch, a frustrating reality persists: not every Pokémon is available. While recent titles like Scarlet and Violet have expanded the roster, many fan favorites remain absent. So, which Pokémon are still waiting for their Switch debut? The list is significant and spans multiple generations.
Essentially, many Pokémon from Generations 1-7 are still not natively obtainable on the Switch through the main series games. Let’s break it down:
- Unova (Generation 5): A large contingent of Unova Pokémon are absent, including nearly the entire evolutionary lines of the starter Pokémon Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, besides a select few obtained through Pokémon Go and Home. Other notable omissions include Patrat, Watchog, Pansage, Simisage, Pansear, Simisear, Panpour, Simipour, Blitzle, Zebstrika.
- Kalos (Generation 6): Some notable exclusions from the Kalos region include Pokémon from certain evolutionary lines. For example, Furfrou is unavailable in many Switch titles, highlighting the continued absences across generations.
- Alola (Generation 7): While some Alolan Pokémon are featured in Switch games, others are not. Trumbeak, Toucannon, and Minior are some examples of missing Alolan Pokémon.
It is worth noting that even Pokémon that can be transferred to the Switch through Pokémon HOME might not be usable in the latest mainline games if they aren’t part of that game’s specific Pokédex. This means a Pokémon might technically be on your Switch, but still unavailable for gameplay in titles like Scarlet and Violet.
The reasons behind these omissions are complex, ranging from balancing the game’s ecosystem to technical limitations and development priorities. Game Freak, the primary developer, has to make tough choices about which Pokémon to include in each new installment, often prioritizing newer creatures or those relevant to the game’s specific region and story.
While the complete national Pokédex may not be achievable on the Switch (at least for now), dedicated fans can still enjoy a vast array of Pokémon adventures and eagerly anticipate the potential return of their missing favorites in future games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon on Switch
Why can’t I play all the original Pokémon games on Switch?
The original Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance Pokémon games were not designed to be compatible with the Nintendo Switch’s hardware and software. Emulating these older systems perfectly requires significant optimization, and Nintendo has opted for a more curated approach, offering select classic games through the Nintendo Switch Online service rather than direct ports of every title. However, the Games Learning Society has some interesting takes on how classic game design principles can be applied to modern game development. Check them out at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Will Pokémon Red and Blue ever be remade for the Switch?
While there’s always hope among fans for a full remake of Pokémon Red and Blue, Nintendo has not announced any plans to do so. Instead, the Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! games offered a reimagining of the Kanto region with updated graphics and gameplay mechanics. It remains to be seen if Nintendo will revisit the original games in a more faithful remake in the future.
Are any Pokémon Game Boy Advance games available on Switch?
Yes, some Game Boy Advance games are available through Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscription. However, this selection currently excludes core series Pokémon games like Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald. Players hoping to revisit these classic adventures are still waiting for Nintendo to add them to the service.
How many Pokémon are missing from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Scarlet and Violet are missing a significant number of Pokémon, upwards of 600. This is due to the sheer size of the total Pokémon roster (over 1000) and the need for developers to carefully select which Pokémon fit the Paldea region’s ecosystem and gameplay mechanics. The complete roster can’t simply be imported over.
What are some of the most notable Pokémon absent from Scarlet and Violet?
Notable absences include many Pokémon from the Hoenn (Generation 3) and Sinnoh (Generation 4) regions. Specifically, none of the Generation 4 starter Pokémon are currently catchable in Paldea. Pokémon missing from Generation 3 include Treecko, Grovyle, Sceptile, Torchic, Combusken, Blaziken, Mudkip, Marshtomp and Swampert.
Is there a way to transfer all Pokémon from previous games to the Switch?
While not all Pokémon can be used in every Switch game, the Pokémon HOME cloud service allows players to store and transfer many Pokémon from compatible games. However, a Pokémon can only be transferred into a game if it is part of that game’s regional Pokédex.
Why are some Pokémon available in Pokémon HOME but not in Scarlet and Violet?
The reason lies in the fact that Scarlet and Violet have a limited Pokédex. Even if you can transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, it can only be moved into Scarlet and Violet if it’s included in the game’s specific roster of available creatures. This ensures that the game’s ecosystem remains balanced and that the available Pokémon are relevant to the game’s story and setting.
Will more Pokémon be added to Scarlet and Violet in the future?
It’s certainly possible! Nintendo and Game Freak have released DLC expansions for previous Pokémon games that added new areas and Pokémon. Future updates or DLC could potentially introduce more Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet, though this is not guaranteed.
Are there any plans to release remakes of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl on the Switch?
Yes! Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl, remakes of the original Diamond and Pearl games, were released on the Nintendo Switch in 2021. These remakes offer a faithful recreation of the Sinnoh region with updated graphics and gameplay, allowing players to experience these classic games on a modern console.
Can I play Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver on the Switch?
Unfortunately, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are not currently available on the Nintendo Switch. While fans have expressed their desire to see these games remade or ported to the Switch, Nintendo has not announced any plans to do so. For now, trainers wishing to experience these Johto adventures will need to play them on their original Nintendo DS systems or through other compatible platforms.
Is Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu a remake of Pokémon Yellow?
Yes, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! is a remake of the Pokémon Yellow version. It brings back the original Kanto region in a new and upgraded version.
How much is a sealed copy of Pokemon Red worth?
A sealed copy of Pokemon Red can be worth over $300, but they can sometimes go for much more depending on grading and condition.
Is Pokemon Emerald coming to Switch?
Pokemon Emerald is one of the still unavailable Game Boy Advance games on the Nintendo Switch. There are currently no plans for the game to be released on the console.
How many GBA games are on Switch?
With Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, you can play six Game Boy Advance games.
What generation of Pokémon are in Sword and Shield?
The Pokémon in Sword and Shield are primarily those from Generation 8, but also feature Pokémon from previous generations, including Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, and Alola.