Pokémon has been a popular franchise for over two decades now. It has been an integral part of our childhood for many of us. With new and exciting Pokémon games being released for both consoles and mobile phones, this is an exciting time to be a Pokémon fan. If you like playing Pokémon games, I’m pretty sure you’ll like this list of the best Pokémon games for iPhone and iPad. Let’s get started!
- Pokémon GO
- Pokémon UNITE
- Pokémon TCG Online
- Pokémon Masters EX
- Pokémon Cafe ReMix
- Pokémon Quest
- Pokémon Smile
- Pokémon HOME
1. Pokémon GO – Editor’s choice
No matter how much I talk about Pokémon GO, it will always fall short. This game created a huge wave of Pokémon fans with its addictive and social gameplay. It’s one of the best games you can play on your iPhone.
To this day, Pokémon GO has players flocking to the nearest park or busy street junction to catch their favorite Pokémon. If you haven’t played this game yet, you’d be glad to know that the gameplay is relatively simple.
The app uses augmented reality to show Pokémon around your whereabouts. You are a Pokémon trainer who has to collect Pokémon and battle against other trainers (real-world players). There are different Pokémons to catch, including the extremely rare and powerful Mewtwo!
This game is addictive, and I’d recommend you exercise caution when walking on the roads searching for Pokémon. This game has had its fair share of controversies due to numerous accidents and mishaps.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
2. Pokémon UNITE – Best online Pokémon game for iPhone
With the latest addition of Pokémon UNITE, the Pokémon franchise enters the MOBA genre. This game is great for fans and casual players who want to get their first taste of competitive online gaming. There are plenty of Pokémons to collect and grow as you go on your quest to become the best Pokémon Master.
Pokémon UNITE incorporates the basic MOBA gameplay with twists. Instead of destroying the opponents’ towers, you have to dunk orbs through their hoops to score points. It’s a fun concept that has been executed rather well.
You may face issues with confusing currency systems and their freemium policies. However, don’t let that stop you from becoming the ultimate Pokémon Master!
Check out my full review of Pokémon Unite to learn the ins and outs of the game.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
3. Pokémon TCG Online – Best Pokémon card game for iPad
Trading card games are usually fun to play. They require strategy and planning elements and are deeply satisfying when played correctly.
There are unique decks to be made here, with hundreds of different Pokémon cards. You can play the game against the game’s AI until you’re sure about how the game works. If you’re confident enough, you can play online against other players worldwide.
There are different decks to start the game with, such as Grass and Water decks. You can choose your preference, start the game, and build your deck. The game caters to different playing styles as well.
However, the game’s learning curve is slightly steep. So you will need to exercise patience if playing for the first time.
Price: Free
4. Pokémon Masters EX – Alternative to online Pokémon game
Just like Ash Ketchum’s dream to become a Pokémon Master in the series, you too can be a Pokémon Master in Pokémon Masters EX.
This adventure game allows you to play an original story spanning through different generations of the Pokémon series. All the important characters are present in the game, and you can recruit them onto your team for epic 3v3 battles.
Your objective is to gain entry to the prestigious Pokémon Masters League and fight your way to the title of Champion. Either fight with or against the most popular characters. For Pokémon fanatics, this is a game and story worth experiencing.
You will have to be wary of the grinding mechanics, though. This system makes obtaining the more powerful characters and Pokémon slightly difficult.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
5. Pokémon Cafe ReMix – Best arcade Pokémon game
For the more casual gamers, Pokémon Cafe ReMix is a good game to try. You’re the cafe owner, and you will have to make recipes through puzzles with your Pokémon’s help.
The game’s objective is to solve as many puzzles as possible. However, there is a twist. Some puzzles require the powers of certain Pokémon to solve. This adds a layer of strategy to the gameplay.
Ultimately, you will have to solve puzzles to level up your Pokémon, leading to better powers. This also unlocks some quirky outfits for your Pokémon staff. Puzzles also get more difficult as you progress.
However, it has an issue similar to other freemium games. Some puzzles may seem pretty difficult, pushing you to purchase powerups with real cash.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $0.99)
6. Pokémon Quest – Alternative arcade Pokémon game
This is another casual yet fun arcade game in the Pokémon Quest. The game’s aesthetics are rather different but entertaining.
You’re placed at Tumblecube Island, where all your favorite Pokémon have turned into cubes. You are tasked with exploring the island and collecting items, including other Pokémon.
There’s also an RPG element to the game. Besides, you can battle other Pokémon to level up your Pokémon. The controls are simple enough to jump into battle instantly.
Further, a base camp for your Pokémon allows you to decorate it as you want to, giving it your personality. The decorations also have benefits to the game’s exploration and battle aspects.
However, the game suffers from sudden difficulty spikes. So, you will have to deal with that when you’re deep into the game.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
7. Pokémon Smile – Best for kids
This is an elegant Pokémon game for kids. We all know that kids can make a fuss over brushing their teeth. This makes it easier for kids to form this all-important habit.
The only way to build your Pokémon collection is to play the game every time you’re brushing. The more regular you brush your teeth, the more are your chances to come across different and rare Pokémons to add to your collection.
Further, the game’s premise is simple and intriguing. The Pokémon are caught by cavity-causing bacteria and can only be freed by brushing your teeth. However, some kids may get bored as there’s not much content.
Price: Free
8. Pokémon HOME – Best Pokémon app for iPhone
Pokémon HOME isn’t a game, per se. Instead, it’s a companion application to all the other Pokémon games you play on your mobile phone.
The Pokémon are collected after they appear in other Pokémon games. You can transfer these Pokémon to another through Pokémon HOME.
Players are allowed to trade Pokémon with other players around the world. Want a Pokémon that another player has? Trade one of your Pokémons for the other player’s Pokémon, and use it in one of your Pokémon games.
If you’re facing trouble finding certain Pokémon in a game like Pokémon GO, have a look around Pokémon HOME to transfer it from another game.
One of the major teething issues is that you might find some unreasonable trading requests. While this may not ruin your in-game experience, it can be annoying.
Price: Free (In-app purchases start at $2.99)
Gotta catch ’em all!
The Pokémon series continues to endear players like us to the franchise’s products. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, casual or pro gamer, you will always find something here to interest you. That being said, this is my list of the best Pokémon games for iPhone. What do you think about the list? Post your thoughts in the comments below!
Other games you’ll love:
- Best iPhone and iPad games for kids
- Best simulation games for iPhone
- Racing games for iPhone and iPad
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