Pokémon has been zapping us with nostalgia, excitement, and way too many new creatures since 1996. With nine (almost ten) generations of games, it’s time to do what every trainer secretly does in their head: rank them from worst to best.
This isn’t just about graphics or gimmicks; it’s about fun, legacy, and how often you threw your Game Boy because Whitney’s Miltank wouldn’t stop rolling out.
Let’s go. No Rare Candies or Max Repels required.
🔻 #9 – Generation VIII (Sword & Shield)
- Year: 2019
- Region: Galar
- Starter Trio: Grookey, Scorbunny, Sobble
Sword and Shield brought Pokémon to the Switch, but left part of the Pokédex behind. The Wild Area felt ambitious but awkward, and Dynamaxing traded tactics for visual spectacle.
✅ Bright spot: Wooloo’s roundness. 10/10.
🔻 #8 – Generation IX (Scarlet & Violet)
- Year: 2022
- Region: Paldea
- Starter Trio: Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly
These games boldly went open-world—and forgot their frame rate at home. Bugs and visual glitches aside, the triple story arcs and heartfelt characters showed real ambition.
✅ Bright spot: Fuecoco is a precious dino marshmallow.
🔻 #7 – Generation VI (X & Y)
- Year: 2013
- Region: Kalos
- Starter Trio: Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie
X & Y marked the jump to 3D, but it came at a cost: depth. The story fizzled, and the difficulty curve took a nap.
✅ Bright spot: Mega Evolutions and Greninja’s glow-up.
🔻 #6 – Generation I (Red/Blue/Yellow)
- Year: 1996
- Region: Kanto
- Starter Trio: Bulbasaur, Charmander, Squirtle
Where it all began. Gen I was groundbreaking—but it was also full of glitches, psychic-type domination, and questionable move balance.
✅ Bright spot: Pure nostalgia power.
🔻 #5 – Generation VII (Sun & Moon / Ultra Versions)
- Year: 2016
- Region: Alola
- Starter Trio: Rowlet, Litten, Popplio
Alola ditched gyms for trials and gave us actual story focus. Lillie, Ultra Beasts, and a tropical twist kept it fresh.
✅ Bright spot: Atmosphere, characters, and Rowlet’s tiny bow tie.
🔻 #4 – Generation III (Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald)
- Year: 2002
- Region: Hoenn
- Starter Trio: Treecko, Torchic, Mudkip
Hoenn had water routes galore, but also gave us abilities, natures, and secret bases. Emerald’s Battle Frontier is still a fan favorite.
✅ Bright spot: Competitive features that shaped the series.
🔻 #3 – Generation V (Black/White & B2/W2)
- Year: 2010
- Region: Unova
- Starter Trio: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott
Pokémon got bold. Gen V featured no old Pokémon until post-game and took story-telling seriously. The sequels improved nearly everything.
✅ Bright spot: Best storytelling and music in the series.
🔻 #2 – Generation IV (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)
- Year: 2006
- Region: Sinnoh
- Starter Trio: Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup
Sinnoh introduced the physical/special split, Wi-Fi features, and Platinum refined everything beautifully. Toss in HeartGold/SoulSilver? Instant classic era.
✅ Bright spot: World-building and mechanical innovation.
🥇 #1 – Generation II (Gold/Silver/Crystal)
- Year: 1999
- Region: Johto
- Starter Trio: Chikorita, Cyndaquil, Totodile
Gen II perfected the formula. New region, real-time clock, breeding, shinies, and—you guessed it—16 gyms thanks to Kanto’s return.
✅ Bright spot: Peak Pokémon adventure.
🛍️ Where to Buy Pokemon in USA 2025 (Games, Cards, and More)
If this list has you itching to replay your favorite gen or collect your first batch of TCG packs, here’s where to buy Pokemon in USA 2025:
- Official Pokémon Center – Best for exclusive merch and plushes.
- Amazon & Walmart – Reliable sources for games, consoles, and cards (watch out for 3rd-party scalpers).
- Pokemonboosterboxes.com – Great for preorders, Japanese booster boxes, English sets and special bundles.
- Target & Best Buy – Often stock new releases and limited-edition trading cards.
- Local Game Shops – Support small businesses; some even host community tournaments.
- Online Collectible Stores – Use trusted ones like TCGplayer or StockX for rare cards and graded items.
💡 Pro Tip: Always double-check listings for authenticity. If the Pikachu looks weird, it probably is.
FAQS
Why is Generation II (Gold/Silver/Crystal) considered the best among the Pokémon games?
Generation II is regarded as the best because it perfected the Pokémon formula with new features like real-time clock, breeding, shinies, and an expanded adventure in the Johto region, offering peak Pokémon experience.
What were the innovations introduced in Generation IV (Diamond/Pearl/Platinum)?
Generation IV introduced the physical and special move split, Wi-Fi features, and the Battle Frontier, with Pokémon Platinum refining these mechanics for a more polished experience.
What distinguishes Generation IX (Scarlet & Violet) from previous games?
Generation IX is notable for its open-world design and heartfelt characters, despite issues with bugs and frame rate drops, showcasing ambitious storytelling and character development.
What are some notable features of Generation VIII (Sword & Shield)?
Generation VIII brought Pokémon to the Nintendo Switch, introduced the Wild Area, and featured Dynamaxing, which prioritized visual spectacle over tactical gameplay.
How are the Pokémon game generations ranked from worst to best according to the article?
The article ranks the Pokémon game generations based on fun, legacy, graphics, gimmicks, and overall experience, considering both technical aspects and nostalgic appeal.
💬 Final Thoughts
Every generation of Pokémon brings something special to the table—whether it’s mechanics, story, or memorable characters. While we all have our favorites, the beauty of the series lies in its evolution and shared love across decades.
Looking for the best generation? That depends on what kind of trainer you are. But if you’re just wondering where to buy Pokemon in USA 2025, now you know where to start.
📢 Join the Discussion!
Which generation is YOUR #1?
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