The 10 Worst Pokémon Games of All Time, Ranked
A ranking of Pokémon’s ten worst games argues that a small number of disappointing releases stand out against a franchise whose successful or passable games are far more numerous. It highlights both main-series titles and experimental spin-offs, showing how unmet expectations and weak execution can tarnish the series’ reputation.
Pokémon Sword and Shield drew criticism for limited visual improvements, an unappealing Dynamax feature and the removal of some Pokémon from the games, known as “Dexit”. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are described as overly faithful remakes that omit additions from Pokémon Platinum and later Pokémon, while Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure is criticised for requiring a dedicated DS keyboard and teaching players to type Pokémon names rather than words.
- The ranking covers disappointing main games and spin-offs.
- Sword and Shield faced backlash over “Dexit” and other shortcomings.
- Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Typing Adventure are also criticised.
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Pokémon began as a series of role-playing games in which players catch and train creatures, then battle with them and explore a fictional world. The main games introduce new regions and creatures, while spin-offs try other formats, from remakes to typing lessons.
Nintendo, Game Freak and The Pokémon Company are closely associated with making and publishing the games. Players often compare new releases with earlier entries, so changes to the creature roster, graphics or gameplay can shape expectations.
The series has produced many games across different consoles, with varied results. Looking at less well-received entries helps explain how familiar features and ambitious experiments can affect players’ view of a long-running franchise.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A critical ranking can help fans distinguish disappointing releases from the franchise’s stronger games and explain why particular design choices fell short. Sword and Shield’s limited visual changes, removal of some Pokémon, and the remakes’ omissions of later additions give players concrete grounds to say these games did not meet expectations.
The case against
A “worst” ranking is inherently subjective, and experimental spin-offs may be judged by different aims from main-series games. Some players may value Sword and Shield’s new features or Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl’s faithful recreation, while a dedicated keyboard could be a reasonable fit for a typing-focused game; these titles may therefore work better for particular audiences than the ranking suggests.