Hey everyone! I’m about to dive into the Pokémon world with my first game on the Switch Lite, and I need some advice. I previously played Fire Red (didn’t finish it, but I evolved Charmander!). Now I’m torn between Sword and Shield (SwSh), Scarlet and Violet (SV), and Legends: Arceus.
People say SwSh is stable and better than SV, but I hear it’s kind of linear and lacks endgame content. On the flip side, SV seems to offer more, especially with new Pokémon like Armarouge and Ceruledge, but I’m worried about performance issues, especially on the Switch Lite. Any updates coming in 2025?
Then there’s Arceus, which sounds fun post-story, but I noticed it’s gym-free. I’d love your insights to help me make the right choice!
3 Answers
Honestly, each game’s got its strengths! I’d say if you want a straightforward Pokémon experience, Sword and Shield are good for you. But if you prefer more freedom and are okay with an easygoing journey, Scarlet and Violet might work!
Arceus is more unique and really focuses on exploration, which might be a shift from what you’re used to. Just make sure to weigh what you enjoyed about Fire Red when deciding!
It really depends on what you’re looking for in a Pokémon game! Personally, I feel Sword and Shield are a bit underwhelming despite having smoother gameplay than Scarlet and Violet. I’d actually lean towards Scarlet and Violet.
Legends Arceus is also a fantastic choice—it’s got a whole different vibe compared to the usual Pokémon setup, and I love it! If you’re looking for something nostalgic and traditional, don’t forget about Let’s Go, which revisits Kanto in a fun way. If you want a classic experience, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl are solid picks too!
You might want to skip Arceus for now since it’s quite different from classic Pokémon games, and based on your Fire Red experience, it’ll feel like a different creature! Sword and Shield have a more structured gameplay; they’re straightforward but also kind of linear. If you’re after that traditional feel, they might be the way to go.
Scarlet and Violet are also good, but the open-world aspect might be a mixed bag since exploration doesn’t offer great rewards. It’s more ‘Skyrim meets Pokémon’ but lacks depth in terms of discoverable items. Just a heads-up!
Totally agree! Legends Arceus feels fresh, but you should be ready for something a bit different than the classic Pokémon gameplay.