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Pokémon main games are those that are listed under the "Generations" subheading above and follow the standard plot of catching and raising Pokémon with the goal of defeating gym leaders. What's the difference between a main game and a spin-off?Ī. What's great about Pokémon games is that they appeal just as much to older players as to young ones, and many adults enjoy playing them as well. That said, youngsters may find certain elements of the gameplay tricky, so they're usually best enjoyed by players of 8 to 10 and over. Pokémon games are rated "E" for everyone, meaning there's nothing unsuitable for young children in them. What age group are Pokémon games suitable for?Ī. Previous generations were played on the Nintendo DS and, before that, the Game Boy and Game Boy Color. Generation VIII Pokémon games are released for the Nintendo Switch only. The area between towns is where you'll find wild Pokémon to catch and other Pokémon trainers to battle with to increase the strength of your Pokémon. When you're not battling, you navigate your way from town to town in the region. This keeps Pokémon battles at a more relaxed pace which many players enjoy. Instead, you pick a move to unleash on your foe who in turn unleashes a move on you. Pokémon games are generally turn-based RPGs, so battling isn't in real time. There are additional subplots to keep things interesting. Your goal is to catch and raise Pokémon, making them strong enough for you to defeat all the region's gym leaders and go on to beat even tougher foes (in earlier games, you must battle the Elite Four but in Sword and Shield, you have to complete the Champion Battle). You start the game as a complete beginner Pokémon trainer who is gifted a Pokémon to work with. While each game varies slightly, they all follow a similar plot.
GenerationĪll Pokémon games belong to a certain generation, grouped with other Pokémon games released at the same or a similar time.
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If you have a specific game in mind, check its compatibility with your console before you buy. While there are some mobile apps available, you will most likely need a Nintendo console, like the Switch, to play.
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Since Pokémon games are published by Nintendo, they are available primarily on Nintendo consoles. Both games in the pair are nearly identical except for small differences such as exclusive Pokémon or different gym leaders. Pokémon games are usually released in pairs (such as Sword and Shield or Sun and Moon).
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