What is the best Pokémon game for Android? The Pokémon franchise began as a Nintendo console exclusive and has branched out over the years. While the mainline games are still only available on Nintendo consoles, like the Switch, the 3DS, the DS, the Gameboy and others, Android devices do have access to many different titles.
Over the years, there have been quite a few Pokémon games for Android, though not all of them have stood the test of time. Pokémon DUEL was retired in 2019, but it was pretty popular before that. Right now, there are about 10 games available on Android. The best mobile Pokémon games are listed here.
By far the best Pokémon game for Android should come as no surprise to anyone. Pokémon GO took the entire world by storm in 2016 and is still going strong almost seven years later. There are worldwide events and tons of things for players to do. It is truly a game that can be played endlessly. The added benefit of GO is that it also improves health. Instead of sitting on a couch mashing buttons on a controller, trainers are forced to walk around. This is the central idea behind the game and it has worked beautifully for seven years.
This also allows them to experience nature, something most video games do not. All of that is great, but what makes the game truly the best is just that it’s pure unadulterated fun. There’s not much better than walking to go find a rare Pokémon or seeing a shiny pop up on your screen while on a walk. For that reason, and many more, Pokémon GO is the best Pokémon game for Android by far.
Pokémon UNITE is one of the most unique games in the franchise, so of course it’s going to be a popular choice for Android. UNITE is a MOBA, which is not a genre many would have ever expected The Pokémon Company to ever foray into.
Nevertheless, it’s one of the company’s best and most popular games, in part because it can reach such a wide audience. UNITE has been a smash hit and the Android players are a big reason why. Plenty of regularly scheduled Pokemon UNITE events, and interesting gameplay make this game a must try. Additionally, the developers are constantly adding new Pokémon. Your favorite isn’t available in the game? Give it some time, as they’re always introducing new characters and eventually, most if not all will probably be introduced. Since it’s available on mobile or Switch, there’s no reason not to.
One of the coolest parts of the Pokémon history and lore is the trainers, Giovani, Cynthia, Leon and so many more are an intriguing part of the game. Fortunately, this mobile app takes that into account. Pokémon Masters Ex is all about battling with the iconic trainers of the game’s past. Trainers can team up with them, battle against them and more. There are plenty of options to play this game, so it has something for everyone. For a trip down memory lane and a chance to battle the trainers you might have missed out on in previous entries, this is a perfect game.
Pokémon Rumble Rush is the closest thing mobile gamers have to an actual Pokémon game. It involves catching and training ‘mons and exploring and collecting valuable items. It is uniquely suited for a mobile audience, so it’s a hit with gamers. It’s not a beat for beat reimagining of a mainline game, but it does feature some similar mechanics. Of course, there are also enough differences to give players some variety in their gameplay. For those without a full Nintendo console, this is a must-have mobile app.
Shuffle games are always fun, so a Pokémon shuffle game was bound to make its way onto this list. Switching things around and clearing them from the screen is a tried and true game mechanic, and it’s even better when it’s a Fennekin, Froakie, Pikachu or other. Players really can’t go wrong with this game as it’s simple enough to not require a lot of in-depth gaming, but it’s fun enough to keep players coming back for more. Much like Candy Crush and games like it, this can easily be an addicting play. Add in the fact that Magikarp, Pikachu and other popular creatures are constantly on screen and it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
Read also: Best Pokemon Games on Nintendo Switch
Ever opened a pack of Pokémon Trading Card Game cards and wondered why there’s a code on one of the cards? That code is for the online version of the game. While collecting cards is more fun in real life (and can be incredibly valuable), the online version gives players the chance to do that without spending $60 USD on a box and hoping for the best. This also allows them to easily play with anyone in the world at any time. A lot of collectors don’t want to play with their valuable cards, so this can easily be a way to avoid messing up any physical cards.
The card game is harder to play with physical cards, so the online mobile version has that going for it. It’s an excellent app that combines a real world aspect of the franchise with a mobile version. For collectors, this app is a must. You can also find the TCG Online game in our Best Pokemon Games for PC list.
Pokémon Café ReMix isn’t a bad game, it just doesn’t bring much to the table. It’s puzzle-based, which is at least something different. However, it’s just not that well done. Café ReMix is fine for those in desperate need of some new Pokémon games for Android, but it really won’t hold anyone’s attention for long. It’s fun to play a Pokémon game for a little while and try something new and interesting, but the allure doesn’t hold for all that long, so there are better mobile Pokémon games.
Pokémon: Magikarp Jump is a fun little game
Magikarp, ironically, is widely considered the most useless Pokémon, so it’s rather hilarious that this mobile Pokémon game features it. It’s a simple game that allows players to train and improve their Magikarp until it dies, then starting over with a slightly improved base level fish. It’s interesting and unique, but once again, it’s not revolutionary.
Pokémon HOME is an amazing Android app
The only reason this excellent Pokémon mobile app is so low on this list is because it’s technically not a game. It’s just an app. Pokémon HOME allows players to transfer creatures they catch to and from other games. Have a level 100 Cinderace from Pokémon: Sword that you’d like to bring to Pokémon: Scarlet? This is how you can do that. It works with all modern Pokémon games, so it’s really an excellent app to have. For all Pokémon players, the creatures they catch end up wasting away in boxes when a new game comes out. This is a way for them to keep them, especially the shinies they worked so hard to find. It’s great, it just isn’t a game.
Pokémon Quest is one of the few games designed for mobile players, but it doesn’t offer much in terms of gameplay. It’s a blocky version of the franchise where trainers take their cubed Pokémon on adventures and try to explore the world, which is also cubed. To be fair, it is a unique take on the game and it does deserve a bit of credit for trying to mix it up. While it is not the worst app out there, it’s also not all that fun to play.
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