Which Pokémon Game Should I Play First on Switch? An In-Depth Guide for Newcomers

As an avid gamer and content creator focused on the Pokémon series, the question I get asked most often by newcomers is: which Pokémon game should I play first on the Nintendo Switch?

After thorough analysis as an expert on these titles, I strongly recommend first-time players start with Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Eevee! These 2018 remakes of Pokémon Yellow provide the perfect introduction to the Pokémon series for beginners of all ages on Switch.

Why Start Your Adventure with Pokémon: Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee

While all mainline Pokémon RPGs share the common thread of embarking on epic quests to catch Pokémon and conquer regional leagues, Let‘s Go stands out as the most beginner-friendly entry point into the franchise on Nintendo Switch.

As a passionate gamer myself, I evaluated several key criteria vital for an enjoyable first Pokémon experience. Based on these metrics, experts and fans alike agree – Let‘s Go hits all the right notes:

Easy to Grasp Gameplay

Let‘s Go streamlines many series staples to reduce complexity for newcomers. Experts at IGN praised this approachability, stating "Its mechanics have been simplified in meaningful ways". Auto-battling options skip turn-based battles entirely, allowing players to focus on catching Pokémon. Menus and stats stay simple, with quality-of-life enhancements over old-school Game Boy titles. As a result, Let‘s Go removes common first-timer roadblocks.

Memorable Partner Pokémon

Let‘s Go gifts players either iconic electric mouse Pikachu or adorable Evolution Pokémon Eevee as constant companions. Having one lovingly follow you everywhere as a friend immediately resonates. Partners ride along during overworld traversal, visibly react to story events, and assist in battle. I loved forming this bond early on – it motivates progression more than generic starters. That special partnership makes your adventure, according to Nintendo themselves, more "friendly" and "welcoming" for newcomers.

Faithful Yet Fresh Presentation

As an avid gamer, I appreciate the fine line Let‘s Go walks blending nostalgia with modern updates. It reimagines the memorable Kanto region from 1996‘s Pokémon Red/Blue in a colorful HD sheen. Little tweaks like regional variant Alolan forms and broader movesets give a fresh coat of paint. Long-time fans reminisce on their first Pokémon journey while newcomers benefit from 20+ years of iteration. Striking this balance results in an inviting introduction for all.

Engaging Catching Mechanics

In most Pokémon RPGs, randomly initiated turn-based battles drive catching Pokémon. Let‘s Go shifts this to a more dynamic first-person throwing mini-game with motion/joy-con controls. Using skill (and a bit of luck), players lob Poké Balls to try snagging Pokémon directly in lush overworld environments. With reactions from nearby Pokémon adding unpredictability, this engages platforms like Twitch where viewers watch streamers catch ‘em all. As a content creator myself, these catch scenarios directly enable more entertaining gameplay.

two-player Local and Online Multiplayer

For the first time in the main series, Let‘s Go enables shared journeys via two-player co-op multiplayer locally or online. Players can explore together while seeing stats of the other’s Pokémon. You can even connect separate Switch consoles to catch the same Pokémon. Teaming up is more fun and helps early challenges become more manageable. Bringing a buddy along for the ride is an excellent way to get invested in the world of Pokémon.

Ideal Difficulty Curve for Beginners

Let‘s Go hits the sweet spot offering newcomers an effortless introduction without excessive hand-holding for seasoned players. EXP Share grants party-wide experience gains to quickly level up your team. Encounters scale dynamically to keep pace with progression. While veterans may find this reduces grind/challenge, it prevents difficulty spikes from ruining novice enjoyment. Ultimately for first-timers having room to learn battle nuances and type matchups without punishment smoothens onboarding.

Strong Sales Support Approachability

The excellent reception and sales success of Let‘s Go suggests its broad appeal and accessibility as gateway Pokémon titles on Switch:

These figures exceed other Switch Pokémon RPGs like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl. Given comparable marketing and system ownership bases, stronger sales indicators speak positively to welcoming game design.

Veteran Publisher Pedigree

With over 25 years crafting the Pokémon franchise, developer Game Freak has honed the ingredients that onboard new fans. Contrasting spinoffs like Pokken Tournament or Pokémon Snap, Let‘s Go represents the mainline series‘ concentrated effort to provide the quintessential first dip into Pokémon RPG goodness. Their tight control over these remakes retains accessibility at the core according to interviews. Ultimately as creators since 1996, their authority on the ideal introduction to Pokémon stands firmest.

How Do Other Pokémon RPGs on Switch Compare?

Of course beyond Pokemon: Let‘s Go Pikachu/Eevee there remain several fantastic Pokémon adventures on Nintendo Switch for players to embark on as their first game. Let‘s contrast against the other most compelling options:

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl: As faithful modern remakes of 2007‘s Pokémon Diamond/Pearl, these serve as an overt love letter to core fans. With chibi-styled graphics and interface tweaks ultimately gameplay sticks close to its decade-old template. Due to retained complexity of certain systems, this makes an suboptimal first Pokémon title today.

Pokémon Legends Arceus: This experimental prequel boldly shakes up conventions in many ways – such as seamless open zones instead of routes, stealthy Pokémon catches, and real-time battles. However simultaneously it can feel overwhelming navigating the newer mechanics for the first time. Without nostalgia goggles, starting on conventions then evolving may prove wise.

Pokémon Scarlet/Violet: As the latest new generation launching late 2022, these flaunt an enthusiasm capturing style. With three stories open for tackling anytime, more gameplay niceties exist like weather altering battles or team item crafting adds engaging wrinkles. Still seemingly holds hands less than Let‘s Go however, making it slightly less noob friendly.

While ultimately personal preference dictates one‘s perfect first Pokémon game, looking at the data makes the advantages of Pokemon: Let‘s Go for beginners clear over even these awesome alternatives.

To Conclude: Start With Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Eevee!

After evaluating the critical factors that contribute to an enjoyable introductory experience for newcomers to the Pokémon RPGs on Nintendo Switch, I wholeheartedly recommend starting with Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Eevee!

The streamlined mechanics, an adorable partner Pokémon at your side, enhanced yet familiar Kanto region setting, innovative catching gameplay, approachable difficulty, and pedigree as the main series’ purpose-built introductory title makes it the ideal first Pokémon game.

Enhanced presentation yet approachable game systems enable players to fall in love with core tenets of the iconic monster catching and battling franchise without punishing complexity. Share the adventure cooperatively, and the journey becomes even more fun and memorable.

For these reasons based on my own experiences building up Pokedexes across generations, Let‘s Go stands out as the perfect entry point I endorse to newcomers as a Pokémon expert.

So whether you choose the heroic electric mouse Pikachu or the lovably evolutionary Eevee as your first-ever Pokémon partner, rest assured no Nintendo Switch owner can go wrong with Pokémon: Let‘s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let‘s Go Eevee! as their adorable gateway into this legendary series.