While the mainline RPGs are the heart of the franchise, the world of Pokémon is filled with dozens of incredible spin-off games that explore different genres and ideas. Many of these have become beloved classics in their own right, offering unique ways to interact with your favorite monsters.
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📸 Pokémon Snap
Arguably one of the most beloved spin-offs, Pokémon Snap traded Poké Balls for a camera. In this on-rails shooter, you journeyed through various environments to take the best possible pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats. It was a peaceful and creative take on the ‘gotta catch ’em all’ concept, and its recent sequel on the Nintendo Switch proved the formula is as captivating as ever.
🏟️ Pokémon Stadium
Before the main series went 3D, Pokémon Stadium on the Nintendo 64 was the only way to see your creatures battle in all their glory. Using the Transfer Pak, you could import your team directly from your Game Boy cartridges and watch them fight on the big screen. The game also featured a collection of incredibly fun minigames that were perfect for playing with friends.
🗺️ Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a Pokémon? The Mystery Dungeon series lets you find out. In these dungeon-crawling RPGs, you wake up as a Pokémon and form a rescue team with other creatures to explore randomly generated dungeons and help Pokémon in need. These games are known for their surprisingly deep and emotional storytelling.
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The Story of Pokémon. 9th ed., Future PLC, 2025.
More Topics
- How Did Pokémon Sun and Moon Break From Tradition?
- What Was Pokémon’s Big Leap to the Nintendo Switch?
- How Did Pokémon X and Y Revolutionize the Series in 3D?
- What Are Mega Evolutions and Why Were They So Popular?
- How Did Pokémon GO Create a Global Social Phenomenon?
- Why Are Pokémon Remakes So Important to the Franchise?
- How Did Diamond and Pearl Take Pokémon into the Online Era?
