Pokémon first started in 1996 and has now become a global empire for both Nintendo and Game Freak. As it has existed for over twenty years, any series that long-lasting has to have spin-offs. For the purposes of this article, we will only be taking a look at said spin-offs that actually became series unto themselves.
That is to say, there had to be two games or more for us to count them. Games like Pokémon Snap and Pokémon Conquest, while both excellent, did not make it on here. We also wanted to only focus on consoles and handhelds, so no mobile games made the cut. With that clarified, let’s see what the best Pokémon spin-off series are.
11 Pokémon Mini
The Pokémon Mini was sort of like a Tamagotchi in design, but the games made for it were not centered on taking care of digital creatures. All ten games were very simplistic like Togepi's Great Adventure.
All one had to do was guide the titular Pokémon around a maze to avoid danger. Another interesting fact about this bizarre handheld is that of those ten games, only four hit North America while the rest were exclusive to Japan.
10 PokéPark
There are just two games in the PokéPark series. The first of which, PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure, launched for the Wii in 2010 while the sequel released just two years later, also for Wii.
Both games are essentially simulations with a bit of action thrown in with some light battles and various mini-games. They aren’t very good.
9 Pokémon Ranger
Pokémon Ranger, which was released for the DS in 2006, was a novel concept. Why have every game star Pokémon Trainers? What are some other jobs to look at?
While one is in charge of rescuing Pokémon, it all boils down to catching them albeit in a more convoluted manner. The touch controls were not well designed. Two sequels were made, but they also didn’t capitalize on the idea.
8 Pokémon Rumble
Pokémon Rumble launched for the Wii digitally in 2009. It and its four sequels, with Pokémon Rumble Rush being the latest released as of 2019, are very basic brawlers. They are the Dynasty Warriors equivalent to this franchise.
They can be fun with friends, but only in a mindless manner. They don’t offer a lot of variety, but the idea of a Pokémon brawler is a sound idea. We hope this series gets retooled into something more substantial.
7 Pokémon Trozei!
Pokémon Trozei first released for the DS in 2006, with just one sequel being made called Pokémon Battle Trozei. They can best be described as a match-3 style of RPG puzzle game.
Match elements and Pokémon together and damage can be done to the opponent. It adds a bit more spice to the usual puzzle style.
6 Pokémon Puzzle League
These are more traditional puzzle games. Technically Pokémon Puzzle League and Pokémon Puzzle Challenge are spin-offs of the series, Panel de Pon, but we will count them anyway.
For those that think Pokémon Trozei is a bit too complicated, these two games are a nice alternative. The Game Boy Color game, Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, is the better of the two as puzzle games are better served on the go.
5 Pokémon Stadium
The first game in the series, Pocket Monsters Stadium, was a Japanese exclusive for the N64 in 1998. The version the West got in 2000 was actually the second game. Counting the other number two, Pokémon Coliseum, and Pokémon Revolution, there are five games in this series. The last entry in the series released in 2007.
They were the only way for fans to have a battle-like-experience on the TV. Now that Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield are here, these games don’t serve much of a purpose. We still appreciate what they tried to accomplish for their respective times.
4 Pokémon Trading Card Game
The real-life card game launched in 1996 not long after the original Game Boy games did in Japan. However, the first video game based on Pokémon TCG wouldn’t come until 1998, while the West would have to wait until 2000.
Most may not know this, but there were actually two games based on the card game. Pokémon Card GB2: Here Comes Team GR was a pseudo-sequel that was made for Japan only. Luckily, there is a fan patch for those interested in trying it out. For card games, these two are surprisingly well made.
3 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games are actually spin-offs of spin-offs. They belong to the greater Mystery Dungeon series, or as they are known in Japan, Fushigi no Dungeon.
Anyway, 2005's first game released in twofold, as most Pokémon games tend to do. Not counting doubles, it got five sequels, the last of which was in 2015 for the 3DS. They are fairly easy roguelikes and are great for beginners. There is a bit too much text though.
2 Pokémon Pinball
Is it a mistake that Pokémon Pinball ranked so high? No, both games are really that good. The first of which launched for the Game Boy Color in 1999 while its sequel, Pokémon Pinball: Ruby and Sapphire, released for the Game Boy Advance in 2003.
Pinball games use balls. Pokémon games use balls. Boom! It was a match made in heaven.
1 Detective Pikachu
Great Detective Pikachu: Birth of a New Duo released in 2016 as a digital download on 3DS for Japan only. This was actually a shorter version of what would become a global release in 2018. Technically, this is more like one and a half games at best, but as there was a movie, that was enough to get it on here.
It is on the easier side of adventure games; that said, we love the idea of this gruff version of Pikachu becoming a detective. It’s the exact kind of spin-off we want to see more of.