The Curious Case of the Missing Pokémon: Which Creatures Haven’t Made it to the Switch?

The world of Pokémon is vast and ever-expanding, but the transition to the Nintendo Switch has left some familiar faces behind. As of today, numerous Pokémon are still absent from the Switch’s compatible games, including the HOME-compatible titles like Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet and Violet. While the exact number fluctuates with updates and DLC releases, a significant contingent of Pokémon remains stranded, unable to join the adventures on the hybrid console. These include Pokémon from multiple generations, leaving dedicated trainers wondering when (or if) they’ll be reunited with their entire team on the Switch.

Pokémon Left Behind: A Roll Call of the Absent

Based on the provided information, here is a breakdown of which Pokémon have not been catchable on the Nintendo Switch:

• Unova Starters and Evolutions: Snivy, Servine, Serperior, Tepig, Pignite, Emboar
• Gen 5 Normal Types: Patrat, Watchog
• Elemental Monkeys and Evolutions: Pansage, Simisage, Pansear, Simisear, Panpour, Simipour
• Gen 5 Electric Types: Blitzle, Zebstrika
• Kalos Poodle Pokemon: Furfrou
• Alolan Birds: Trumbeak, Toucannon
• Alolan Meteor Pokemon: Minior
• Kanto starters and evolutions: Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Venusaur, Squirtle, Wartortle
• Charizard, Charmeleon and Charmander (Transfer only)

Note that the list is evolving and certain past events in the games would affect whether these were available for a time. Be sure to check the recent announcements for the most up-to-date information.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon on the Switch

1. Why are some Pokémon missing from Switch games like Scarlet and Violet?

The primary reason for Pokémon omissions in games like Scarlet and Violet is the absence of a National Pokédex. Game Freak, the developer, has opted to include only a curated selection of Pokémon in each new generation’s core games, leading to many Pokémon being left out. This decision is often attributed to development constraints, balancing issues, and a desire to keep each game fresh by focusing on specific Pokémon ecosystems.

2. Will all Pokémon eventually be available on the Switch?

There’s no guarantee that every single Pokémon will eventually be available on the Switch. Game Freak has not explicitly stated their intention to include every Pokémon in future titles. Instead, it appears they will continue to curate the Pokémon roster for each new game. However, with services like Pokémon HOME, there is a chance that more Pokémon could become transferable to compatible Switch games in the future through updates or DLC.

3. Can I transfer Pokémon from older games to the Switch?

Yes, using Pokémon HOME, a cloud-based service, you can transfer Pokémon from compatible older games (such as those on the 3DS) to Pokémon HOME. From there, you can transfer eligible Pokémon to compatible Switch games like Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet and Violet (if the Pokémon is present in those games’ data).

4. Are Pokémon Red and Blue available on the Nintendo Switch?

No, the original Pokémon Red and Blue games are not directly available on the Nintendo Switch. However, Pokémon Stadium 2 and Pokémon Trading Card Game are available on Nintendo Switch Online, offering a nostalgic experience for fans of the original games.

5. Can I play Pokémon Emerald on the Switch?

Unfortunately, Pokémon Emerald, along with other Game Boy Advance Pokémon games like Ruby, Sapphire, FireRed, and LeafGreen, are not currently available on the Nintendo Switch. Nintendo has yet to release these classic titles on the Switch platform.

6. Why are the starter Pokémon often unavailable in the wild in Scarlet and Violet?

Starter Pokémon, like Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly in Scarlet and Violet, are typically unavailable in the wild to maintain the unique bond between the player and their chosen starter. This scarcity reinforces the significance of the initial choice and helps establish the player’s journey.

7. How do I get Pokémon that aren’t natively in Scarlet and Violet?

Pokémon not native to Scarlet and Violet can be obtained through various methods:

• Pokémon HOME Transfers: Transferring from other compatible games via Pokémon HOME is the primary method.
• Trading: Trading with other players is an excellent way to acquire version-exclusive or otherwise unobtainable Pokémon.
• Events and Raids: Participating in special in-game events and Tera Raid Battles can sometimes offer opportunities to catch specific Pokémon not normally available.

8. Are there any benefits to owning both Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, owning both Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet provides several advantages:

• Version Exclusives: Each game has unique Pokémon, which can only be obtained through trading if you only own one version.
• Paradox Pokémon: The “past” and “future” themed Paradox Pokémon are version-exclusive, meaning you need both to complete your Pokédex.
• Exploration of Different Themes: Scarlet explores themes of the past, while Violet delves into the future, offering distinct narrative experiences.

9. Why doesn’t Nintendo just release all the classic Pokémon games on Switch?

Several factors likely contribute to the absence of all classic Pokémon games on the Switch. Nintendo may believe that releasing the originals would cannibalize sales of the remakes like Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Moreover, porting older games may require significant resources, and Nintendo might prioritize developing new titles.

10. What are Mystery Gift codes, and how do I use them?

Mystery Gift codes are special codes distributed by Nintendo or The Pokémon Company that players can redeem in their Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet games to receive exclusive items, Pokémon, or other in-game bonuses. To use a Mystery Gift code:

1. Open the Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet game.
2. Press the X Button to open the main menu.
3. Select “Poké Portal”.
4. Select “Mystery Gift”.
5. Select “Get with Code/Password”.
6. Enter the code and follow the prompts to receive your gift.

11. How do Tera Raid Battles work, and why are they important?

Tera Raid Battles are a new battle mechanic introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They involve challenging a powerful Terastallized Pokémon with up to three other players. These battles are important because they offer opportunities to:

• Catch rare and powerful Pokémon: Many Pokémon, including those not normally found in the wild, can be encountered in Tera Raids.
• Obtain valuable items: Raids reward players with various useful items, such as Tera Shards, Exp. Candies, and Ability Capsules.
• Engage in cooperative gameplay: Tera Raids encourage teamwork and communication with other players.

12. What makes certain Pokémon rare in Scarlet and Violet?

Several factors contribute to a Pokémon’s rarity in Scarlet and Violet:

• Limited Availability: Some Pokémon are only available in specific locations or under certain conditions.
• Low Spawn Rates: Certain Pokémon have extremely low encounter rates, making them difficult to find.
• Version Exclusivity: Version-exclusive Pokémon can only be obtained in one version of the game, increasing their rarity for players who only own one version.
• Time-Limited Events: Some Pokémon are only available during specific events, making them highly sought after once the event ends.

13. What factors affect the catch rate of Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?

Several factors influence the catch rate of wild Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet:

• Pokémon’s HP: The lower the wild Pokémon’s remaining health, the higher the catch rate.
• Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like paralysis, sleep, or freeze significantly increases the catch rate.
• Poké Ball Type: Different Poké Balls have varying catch rates. For example, Ultra Balls and Timer Balls are more effective than standard Poké Balls.
• Trainer Level: If the Pokemon is of a higher level than the badge level of players, it will be significantly more difficult to catch.

14. Is Pokémon Scarlet and Violet worth playing despite its flaws?

Despite criticisms regarding performance issues, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are considered by many to be worthwhile games. They introduce innovative features like the open-world design, Terastallization, and cooperative gameplay, making them enjoyable experiences for both longtime fans and newcomers to the series. The stories of the games and the opportunity to explore the Paldea region are other reasons why these games are worth playing.

15. How can I learn more about the educational aspects of gaming, including Pokémon?

To delve deeper into the educational aspects of gaming, including Pokémon, I recommend visiting the GamesLearningSociety.org website. The Games Learning Society explores the intersection of games, learning, and education, offering insights into how games can be used as valuable tools for skill development and knowledge acquisition.