Screen Rant readers ranked all nine Pokémon generations, with Gen 3 taking the top spot and Gen 8 coming last. The poll shows older generations are generally preferred over newer ones.
01Summary
- 01Generation 3 (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald) topped the poll, cited as a landmark entry with double battles and Pokémon abilities.
- 02Generation 8 (Sword and Shield) placed last, criticised for being buggy and failing to use Nintendo Switch hardware well.
- 03Generation 9 (Scarlet and Violet) ranked above Gen 8, praised for its open-world approach and DLC but still had graphics issues.
- 04Generation 2 (Gold, Silver, Crystal) was the least favourite among early generations, despite introducing breeding and held items.
- 05Generation 5 (Black and White) narrowly beat Gen 2 but was held back by a restricted Pokédex in its original versions.
02Why it matters
This ranking reflects how nostalgia and technical leaps shape player preferences, helping you decide which Pokémon games to revisit or try for the first time.
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