Pokémon Games On Nintendo 3DS: A Complete Chronological Guide

by Jhon Lennon 62 views

Hey Pokémon trainers! Ready to dive back into the amazing world of Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS? It's a handheld console that's packed with awesome adventures. If you're a bit lost on which games to play first, or maybe you're just curious about the order, then you've come to the right place. We'll be taking a look at all the main series Pokémon games released on the 3DS, so you can catch 'em all (in the right order, of course!). This guide will cover the release order, the storylines, and a few cool things about each game to get you hyped up. Let's get started, shall we?

The Beginning: Pokémon X and Y

Let's kick things off with Pokémon X and Y, released in 2013. These games were a massive deal because they brought the series to the 3DS and introduced a whole bunch of cool new features. The games are set in the Kalos region, inspired by France. The visuals got a major upgrade, going from pixelated sprites to fully 3D models. It was a pretty big leap at the time! In Pokémon X and Y, players start by choosing a starter Pokémon from a choice of three: Chespin (Grass-type), Fennekin (Fire-type), and Froakie (Water-type). You then embark on a journey across the Kalos region, challenging Gym Leaders, battling the evil Team Flare, and of course, catching lots of Pokémon.

One of the most significant new features in Pokémon X and Y was Mega Evolution. This transformation allowed certain Pokémon to evolve further during battles, giving them a serious power boost and changing their appearance. It was a game-changer! The games also introduced the Fairy type, shaking up the type matchups and adding a new layer of strategy to battles. Another cool addition was the introduction of Horde Encounters, where you could battle multiple Pokémon at once, making training a bit faster.

Why Pokémon X and Y are Awesome

  • Stunning 3D Graphics: Pokémon X and Y were the first games in the main series to have fully 3D graphics, which really brought the Pokémon world to life. Seeing the Pokémon in 3D was a fantastic upgrade.
  • Mega Evolution: This was the biggest new feature. It let your favorite Pokémon become even stronger during battles. It added a whole new strategic layer, and it was super fun to use!
  • The Kalos Region: The Kalos region, inspired by France, offered a beautiful and diverse world to explore, with lots of new Pokémon and environments to discover. The design was really well done.
  • Improved Gameplay: The gameplay mechanics were refined, making battles more fluid and enjoyable, and the introduction of things like Super Training made training your Pokémon easier.

Basically, Pokémon X and Y were a fantastic start for the Pokémon series on the 3DS. They set the stage for the rest of the games, bringing in new players and giving old fans something amazing to enjoy.

The Middle Games: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Next up, we have Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, released in 2014. These games are remakes of the Game Boy Advance titles Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, giving the classic games a fresh coat of paint for the 3DS. They take place in the Hoenn region, a tropical paradise with plenty of water routes and secret locations. Similar to Pokémon X and Y, the games feature fully 3D graphics, bringing a lot of nostalgia with the updated look and feel. Players choose from Treecko (Grass-type), Torchic (Fire-type), and Mudkip (Water-type) as their starter Pokémon. You'll then go on an adventure to become the Pokémon League Champion. You'll encounter Team Magma (in Omega Ruby) or Team Aqua (in Alpha Sapphire), who are up to no good, and you'll need to stop them.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire kept the spirit of the originals but added several new features. Mega Evolution made a return, and it gave older Pokémon a new lease on life. The games also introduced Primal Reversion, a powerful transformation for the Legendary Pokémon Groudon and Kyogre. It was a pretty big deal! Another cool addition was the DexNav, a feature that lets you find and catch Pokémon with better stats and Hidden Abilities. Plus, the games had enhanced online features, allowing for more interactions with other players.

Why Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are Great

  • Nostalgia Factor: These games brought back the beloved Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games, letting old fans relive the Hoenn adventure with modern gameplay and graphics.
  • Enhanced Graphics and Gameplay: The 3D graphics and improved gameplay made the Hoenn region even more vibrant and fun to explore. This game was just a visual treat!
  • Mega Evolution and Primal Reversion: Mega Evolution came back and gave a lot of Pokémon a boost, and Primal Reversion added another layer of excitement, especially with the Legendary Pokémon.
  • The Hoenn Region: The Hoenn region is one of the most beloved regions in Pokémon history, and these remakes brought it to life like never before. It was just a great place to explore.

If you're a fan of the older Pokémon games, then Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are must-plays. They’re a perfect example of how to make a great remake. The games blend nostalgia with modern gameplay, and it’s just a blast!

The Latest Adventures: Pokémon Sun and Moon

Finally, we arrive at Pokémon Sun and Moon, released in 2016. These games introduced the Alola region, inspired by Hawaii, and offered a completely different vibe compared to previous Pokémon games. Instead of Gyms, Sun and Moon introduced Island Challenges, where you take on trials and battles across the different islands of Alola. Players choose from Rowlet (Grass/Flying-type), Litten (Fire-type), and Popplio (Water-type) as their starter Pokémon. You'll then embark on a journey to become the Island Challenge Champion. The games are full of vibrant tropical environments, with new Pokémon and regional variants of older Pokémon.

Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced a bunch of new features, like Z-Moves, powerful attacks that Pokémon could use once per battle. They also did away with HMs (Hidden Machines), which were used to teach your Pokémon special moves to help with exploration. It was a welcome change! Another new addition was the Festival Plaza, a hub for online interactions and mini-games. The storyline was a bit more focused than in the previous games, with a greater emphasis on the relationships between the characters.

Why Pokémon Sun and Moon are Special

  • The Alola Region: The Alola region, with its Hawaiian inspiration, offers a vibrant and unique setting. This added a fresh perspective on the Pokémon world.
  • Z-Moves: Z-Moves are super powerful attacks that can turn the tide of a battle. They added a new strategic element to battles and were super fun to use.
  • New Pokémon and Regional Variants: The games introduced lots of cool new Pokémon, plus regional variants of older ones, which changed up the gameplay and gave older favorites new life.
  • Deeper Storyline: The storyline was a bit more involved, with more character development and a focus on relationships. This made the experience a bit more emotional.

Pokémon Sun and Moon were a bold step for the Pokémon series, and they offered a lot of innovation. They're a must-play for anyone who wants a fresh take on the Pokémon formula, and they're also just a great time!

The Order to Play the Games:

So, if you're new to the 3DS Pokémon games, here's the best order to play them in, based on release date:

  1. Pokémon X and Y (2013)
  2. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014)
  3. Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)

This order ensures that you experience the evolution of the games and don't miss any features.

Bonus: Other Pokémon Games on the 3DS

Aside from the main series games, the 3DS also had a couple of spin-off Pokémon titles. These aren't essential to the main storyline, but they're still worth checking out if you're a big Pokémon fan:

  • Pokémon Rumble World: A free-to-play action game where you battle hordes of Pokémon. It's great for some casual fun.
  • Pokémon Picross: A puzzle game that combines Pokémon with Picross puzzles. It's a great way to test your mind.
  • Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: A dungeon-crawling RPG where you play as a Pokémon. It's a bit different than the main series, but it's still fun.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, folks! This guide should help you get started with the awesome Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS. Each game offers a unique adventure, and they're all worth playing if you're a fan of the series. Whether you're a veteran trainer or just starting your journey, the 3DS Pokémon games have something for everyone. So go out there, catch 'em all, and have fun! Happy gaming!