Ranking All Pokémon Spinoff Series: From Best to Worst

For many gaming enthusiasts, the Pokémon franchise is a nostalgic staple, but beyond the main titles lies a treasure trove of spinoff games that showcase diverse gameplay and unique concepts. Since it debuted in 1998, Pokémon has captivated players, making it hard to overlook the variety of experiences it offers beyond the mainline adventures.

While fans might have their go-to main Pokémon games, the world of spinoffs is vast and varied—overwhelmingly so. We’ve meticulously compiled, organized, and ranked an extensive list of these spinoff series, featuring everything from unconventional sports titles to immersive dungeon crawlers.

This curated list does not include region-specific releases, freemium games, educational tools such as the Pokédex, or popular mobile titles like Pokémon Go. Additionally, for the sake of brevity, we will treat series like Mystery Dungeon as a single entry.

18 Pokémon Dash

Ready, Set, Pika!

Pikachu, the beloved mascot of Pokémon, inspired many adventures, including the racing game, Pokémon Dash. In a unique twist for the Nintendo DS, players utilize the stylus to race Pikachu through varied terrains like deserts, marshes, and beaches, engaging in a variety of challenges.

Though its gameplay is straightforward and can be completed relatively quickly, there are more demanding GP modes for players seeking a greater challenge. Collaborating with friends also enhances the experience — you can connect multiple DS systems for exciting multiplayer racing fun.

17 Pokémon Rumble

Cute Little Beat ’em Up

In the realm of Pokémon spinoffs, Pokémon Rumble stands out as an action-packed beat-em-up, albeit not the most memorable. Featuring iterations like Rumble Blast and Rumble Rush, this series takes a playful approach to combat with real-time brawls involving adorable Pokémon characters.

Each creature starts with a basic attack, but players can unlock new moves as they progress. With support for up to four players, it delivers a chaotic yet entertaining multiplayer experience, although the overall impact on the franchise has been minimal.

16 Hey You, Pikachu!

Derpy Virtual Pet

Platform	Nintendo 64
Publisher	Nintendo
Genre	Simulation
Release Date	November 6, 2000

With Hey You, Pikachu!, players became the caretakers of Pikachu via the Nintendo 64, leveraging voice recognition technology to interact and nurture their virtual companion over an in-game period of 365 days. This simple yet endearing simulation allowed various activities, from fishing to food collection, rewarding players with Pika Points for new items.

15 PokePark

Just a Walk in the Park

The PokePark series invites players to partake in a light-hearted exploration of a vibrant park filled with iconic Pokémon. With gameplay centered around mini-games, players help Mew restore the Sky Prism by overcoming various playful challenges.

Despite the overarching mission, both titles in the series foster a relaxed gaming atmosphere, showcasing colorful graphics that appeal to younger audiences while featuring enjoyable combat segments for Pikachu.

14 Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness

Me and My Shadow

Platform	GameCube
Publisher	Nintendo
Genre	RPG
Release Date	October 3, 2005

Among the limited selection of GameCube titles, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness stands out due to its innovative play style. It functions as both a sequel to Pokémon Colosseum and an engaging standalone title, introducing powerful Shadow Pokémon to capture and purify. The unique mechanics infused into the story and gameplay made it a memorable RPG experience with substantial post-game content.

13 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon

Dungeon Crawling

Created by Spike Chunsoft, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon offers a distinctive twist on the Pokémon formula, immersing players in challenging tactical dungeons filled with Pokémon. Spanning titles like Red and Blue Rescue Team and Explorers of Time and Darkness, these games feature turn-based mechanics that emphasize strategic movement.

Unique to this spinoff, players assume the role of a human transformed into a Pokémon, enriching the storytelling experience and gameplay mechanics. Loved by dedicated fans, it continues to resonate within the broader Pokémon community.

12 Pokémon Ranger

Temporary Buddies

Pokémon Ranger blends the action of the Pokémon series with a unique capture mechanic using the Nintendo DS stylus. This refreshing approach allows players to temporarily recruit Pokémon to assist in different tasks, steering clear of Pokéballs.

Despite the unconventional premise of exploring a Pokémon world without traditional trainers, the series garnered a dedicated following due to its unique gameplay elements and engaging stories across its three installments.

11 Pokémon Picross

By the Numbers

Pokémon Picross melds the classic puzzle mechanics of Picross with beloved Pokémon characters, allowing players to utilize various Pokémon to assist in solving puzzles. The game introduces team dynamics through a cooldown system, spurring players to consider strategic choices while shaping pixelated images.

Though the gameplay does not deviate much from traditional Picross, it remains an enjoyable experience for those who appreciate puzzle games.

10 Detective Pikachu

Put On Your Sleuthing Hat

Detective Pikachu shifts the focus on unraveling mysteries with the titular talking Pikachu at the forefront. Unlike traditional Pokémon games, this narrative-driven adventure emphasizes puzzle-solving and story progression, following the detective duo as they explore the city and uncover clues.

The charming gameplay was well-suited for the 3DS, later receiving recognition with the enhanced version, Detective Pikachu Returns, on Nintendo Switch, further establishing its unique place in the Pokémon universe.

9 Pokémon Pinball

Slap In Some Quarters

Combining classic arcade mechanics with the Pokémon universe, Pokémon Pinball allows players to catch Pokémon while playing pinball. With two different board styles reflecting the red/blue and Ruby/Sapphire games, players can engage in captivating bonus stages, including battles against familiar Ghost-type Pokémon.

While it may not have revolutionized pinball gaming, the unique integration of Pokémon was refreshing and captured the interest of fans.

8 Pokémon Trozei

Pokémon Puzzles

Bringing Pokémon into the world of puzzles, Pokémon Trozei captivated players with its match-3 mechanics, introducing engaging visuals and challenges that complemented the established Pokémon universe. Players work to match 3 or more Pokémon while thwarting the efforts of the nefarious Phobos Battalion.

Battle Trozei enhanced the experience by incorporating type advantages and strategic elements, making for a rewarding and enjoyable puzzle game suitable for fans of the franchise.

7 Pokémon Shuffle

Mobile Madness

Though primarily seen as a mobile game, Pokémon Shuffle also found its way onto the 3DS, providing players with a puzzle experience reminiscent of the Trozei series. Players utilize limited moves to defeat and capture Pokémon while managing cooldowns for items with freemium mechanics enhancing the on-the-go gaming experience.

The strategic layering coupled with vibrant visual designs contributed to its success and popularity.

6 Pokémon Unite

A Team Sport

Blending the Pokémon world with MOBA gameplay, Pokémon Unite offers competitive multiplayer matches that require teamwork and strategy. Players score points by defeating opponents and securing objectives, with similarities to team sports creating a vibrant gaming experience.

With appealing graphics and diverse gameplay modes, it successfully introduces competitive mechanics into the Pokémon suite while engaging a broader audience.

5 Pokémon Stadium

Into the Arena

Pokémon Stadium pioneered 3D Pokémon battles, challenging players to face powerful teams in a competitive arena environment. Complete with a variety of mini-games to keep content fresh, this series showcases the essence of Pokémon battles while emphasizing strategic gameplay.

While the lack of a stronger narrative was a missed opportunity, it undoubtedly laid the groundwork for future arena-style adventures within the franchise.

4 Pokémon Snap

Paint Me a Picture

Pokémon Snap and its successor, New Pokémon Snap, transform players into photographers on a digital safari, capturing stunning images of Pokémon in their natural habitats. The games emphasize timing and creativity while allowing exploration of beautifully rendered landscapes that showcase the unique designs of Pokémon.

Even those with minimal photography experience can appreciate the immersive experience these titles provide, enriching the Pokémon narrative.

3 Pokken Tournament DX

Fight It Out

As a natural evolution of Pokémon battles, Pokken Tournament DX delivers thrilling combat experiences through its unique fighting mechanics. Following the success of its original Wii U release, this enhanced version hit the Switch, featuring an impressive roster of Pokémon, each with distinct abilities.

The fast-paced gameplay appeals to both hardcore fighters and casual gamers seeking lighthearted fun, offering an inclusive gaming environment for Pokémon fans.

2 Pokemon Puzzle League

Attack of the Tetris

Pokémon Puzzle League offers a delightful puzzle experience reminiscent of Tetris, where players work to match blocks while unleashing trash onto opponents. Fun mechanics and Pokémon-themed visuals make this engaging, laying the groundwork for future puzzle-based spinoffs.

The gameplay may be straightforward, but it provides an entertaining challenge that many still enjoy.

1 Pokémon Conquest

Resistance is Feudal

Among the spinoffs, Pokémon Conquest excels at blending tactical RPG mechanics with a unique feudal Japan setting, featuring dynamic Warlord battles culminating in confrontations with historical figures like Nobunaga. With exceptional replayability and multiple story arcs for each character, it combines traditional Pokémon gameplay with strategic depth that captivates players.

Engaging characters, inventive mechanics, and a rich backdrop elevate this title as the pinnacle of Pokémon spinoffs, leaving fans yearning for more adventures in this universe.

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