3DS: Ranking the Best 12 Pokémon Games

The Nintendo 3DS has been a haven for Pokémon fans, offering a wide range of engaging and immersive Pokémon experiences. With 12 main series titles and numerous spin-offs released on the platform, choosing the very best can be a daunting task. To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive ranking of all 3DS Pokémon games, based on their gameplay, graphics, story, and overall quality.

1. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Released: 2017

Sales: Over 16 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon are enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon, featuring an expanded story, new Ultra Beasts, and a number of gameplay improvements. The games received widespread critical acclaim, with many reviewers praising their beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

2. Pokémon Sun and Moon

Released: 2016

Sales: Over 16 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced the Alola region, a tropical archipelago inspired by Hawaii. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique "Island Challenge" that replaces the traditional gym system. Pokémon Sun and Moon were lauded for their beautiful graphics, innovative gameplay, and heartwarming story.

3. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Released: 2014

Sales: Over 14 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, originally released on the Game Boy Advance. The games feature updated graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and an expanded story. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were well-received by critics, with many praising their beautiful graphics and faithful adaptations of the original games.

4. Pokémon X and Y

Released: 2013

Sales: Over 16 million copies worldwide

Pokémon X and Y introduced the Kalos region, a region based on France. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique "Mega Evolution" mechanic that allows players to temporarily transform their Pokémon into more powerful forms. Pokémon X and Y were praised for their beautiful graphics, innovative gameplay, and engaging story.

5. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Released: 2012

Sales: Over 7 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are sequels to Pokémon Black and White, originally released on the Nintendo DS. The games feature an updated story, new Pokémon, and a number of gameplay improvements. Black 2 and White 2 were well-received by critics, with many praising their engaging story, challenging gameplay, and beautiful graphics.

6. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

Released: 2006

Sales: Over 17 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the first Pokémon games released on the Nintendo DS. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a number of new gameplay mechanics, including the "Battle Frontier" and the "Wi-Fi Plaza". Diamond and Pearl were praised for their beautiful graphics, innovative gameplay, and engaging story.

7. Pokémon Platinum

Released: 2008

Sales: Over 7 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Platinum is an enhanced version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, featuring an expanded story, new Pokémon, and a number of gameplay improvements. Platinum was well-received by critics, with many praising its beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

8. Pokémon White

Released: 2010

Sales: Over 15 million copies worldwide

Pokémon White is one of two main series Pokémon games released on the Nintendo DS, alongside Pokémon Black. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique story that explores the themes of nature and technology. White was praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

9. Pokémon Black

Released: 2010

Sales: Over 15 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Black is the other main series Pokémon game released on the Nintendo DS, alongside Pokémon White. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique story that explores the themes of nature and technology. Black was praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

10. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Released: 2009

Sales: Over 12 million copies worldwide

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, originally released on the Game Boy Color. The games feature updated graphics, new gameplay mechanics, and an expanded story. HeartGold and SoulSilver were well-received by critics, with many praising their beautiful graphics, faithful adaptations of the original games, and challenging gameplay.

11. Pokémon Silver

Released: 1999

Sales: Over 25 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Silver is one of two main series Pokémon games released on the Game Boy Color, alongside Pokémon Gold. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique story that explores the themes of time and space. Silver was praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

12. Pokémon Gold

Released: 1999

Sales: Over 25 million copies worldwide

Pokémon Gold is one of two main series Pokémon games released on the Game Boy Color, alongside Pokémon Silver. The games feature a new generation of Pokémon, as well as a unique story that explores the themes of time and space. Gold was praised for its beautiful graphics, engaging story, and challenging gameplay.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When choosing the best 3DS Pokémon game for you, it's important to avoid a few common mistakes.

• Don't choose a game solely based on its graphics. While beautiful graphics are certainly important, they should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a game. There are many 3DS Pokémon games with great graphics, but not all of them offer a great gameplay experience.
• Don't choose a game solely based on its story. A good story is certainly important, but it should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a game. There are many 3DS Pokémon games with great stories, but not all of them offer a great gameplay experience.
• Don't choose a game solely based on its difficulty. A challenging game can be fun, but it should not be the only factor you consider when choosing a game. There are many 3DS Pokémon games that offer challenging gameplay, but not all of them are fun.

How to Choose the Best 3DS Pokémon Game for You

The best way to choose the best 3DS Pokémon game for you is to consider your own personal preferences. What kind of Pokémon games do you like? What are your favorite Pokémon? What are your favorite features in a Pokémon game? Once you know what you're looking for, you can start to narrow down your choices.

Here are some additional factors to consider when choosing a 3DS Pokémon game:

• Age: Some 3DS Pokémon games are more appropriate for younger players, while others are more appropriate for older players.
• Skill level: Some 3DS Pokémon games are more challenging than others. If you're a new player, you may want to start with a game that's easier to play.
• Time commitment: Some 3DS Pokémon games can be completed in a few hours, while others can take dozens of hours to complete. If you don't have a lot of time to play, you may want to choose a game that's shorter.

Conclusion

With so many great 3DS Pokémon games to choose from, it can be tough to decide which one to play. However, by following these tips, you can narrow down your choices and find the perfect game for you.