Games like Pokémon Red and Blue on Switch
4 of the 5 modern alternatives to Pokémon Red and Blue (1996) run on Switch. The cheapest is Coromon at € 18,49. 2 are made by independent developers.
Switch is the most convenient way to play console classics, thanks to the Nintendo Switch Online libraries covering NES, SNES, Game Boy, N64, Mega Drive and Game Boy Advance, plus a very healthy market for remasters and retro-styled indie games in the eShop.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
Coromon Indie
€ 18,49A monster-taming RPG that copies the Game Boy structure closely, then adds difficulty settings and better pacing.
Coromon is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Coromon runs on PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch. Not available on Linux, PlayStation, Xbox. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Cassette Beasts Indie
€ 19,99A brilliant indie monster-collecting RPG with fusion mechanics.
Cassette Beasts is also an alternative to 2 other classics
Cassette Beasts runs on PC, Mac, Linux, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. It is Steam Deck Verified.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
€ 59,99 + in-app purchasesThe latest mainline open-world Pokémon games for Switch.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is also an alternative to 1 other classic
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee!
€ 59,99A remake of the Kanto adventure that Red and Blue started, rebuilt for Switch with simplified catching.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! / Eevee! runs on Switch. Not available on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, PlayStation, Xbox, Steam Deck.
Not on Switch
These alternatives to Pokémon Red and Blue are listed on the main page, but do not run on Switch:
All 5 games like Pokémon Red and Blue