Every Pokemon Game For The Nintendo Wii, Ranked

Summary

• Here are some additional Pokémon games fans can enjoy on their Nintendo Wii, even though they weren’t originally released for the motion control-focused console:
• My Pokémon Ranch: A WiiWare title that allowed players to deposit up to 1,000 different Pokémon from their Pokémon Diamond & Pearl games. Players could watch their Miis and Pokémon interact and take pictures of their beloved creatures as they roamed around the ranch.
• Pokémon Channel: A GameCube game where players flipped through channels on Professor Oak’s TV, completing the game by sitting through certain programs. It’s entertaining for Pokémon fans but may be boring or gimmicky for others.

The Nintendo Wii is one of the most popular video game consoles of all time. Nintendo’s console had many features that have now become cherished among those who still own or are looking to own one of these elusive consoles, such as motion controls, the Mii Maker, and compatibility with games once exclusively for the GameCube.

Despite the popularity of the Nintendo Wii, there was never a mainline Pokemon game released for the console. Various Pokemon games were released for the Wii, but none ever took off the way that any of the mainline games did. That said, over the years the Pokemon Wii games have garnered a cult following, with many players who played these games as kids retaining a strong nostalgia for them.

Updated on March 16, 2025, by Blaise Santi: The Nintendo Wii has been obsolete for over a decade at this point, and it’s been nearly a decade since the Nintendo Switch made its successor, the Wii U, a thing of the past. Nevertheless, Pokemon remains one of Nintendo’s biggest properties, even when its output on the original Wii for the six years of its relevance contained no mainline entries in the series, only spin-offs. However, there were a handful of other games on the system which were not technically Pokemon games that prominently featured characters from the best-selling franchise. Of course, we’re talking about Super Smash Bros., Nintendo’s all-star fighting franchise featuring representation from across the company’s history. Scroll to the bottom of this list to hear about all the Pokemon content you can encounter in both titles that Nintendo Wii users can still enjoy!

14

My Pokemon Ranch

At Least There’s More To It Than Pokemon HOME

My Pokemon Ranch was a WiiWare title that, much like Pokemon Box, was essentially a glorified Pokemon storage system, giving players the ability to deposit up to 1,000 different Pokemon from their Pokemon Diamond & Pearl games. Once there, players could watch their Miis and Pokemon interact and take pictures of their beloved creatures as they roam around the ranch.

Given the description, there isn’t much there for players to actually do. Many critics argued that the purpose of this virtual title didn’t contain enough extra content to be worth any money at all, as well as My Pokemon Ranch being virtually useless for players that didn’t own a Nintendo DS or Pokemon Diamond & Pearl.

13

Pokemon Channel

You Can Put The Controller Down For This Game

Speaking of games where there isn’t much to actually do, Pokemon Channel is at least nostalgic for older fans of the franchise. The GameCube game revolves around players flipping through channels on Professor Oak’s TV, only completing the game by sitting through certain programs, such as the anime series Pichu Bros. or the shopping channel Shop n’ Squirtle.

While the game is certainly entertaining for those who like Pokemon, it can be somewhat boring or gimmicky for the less acquainted. That being said, there are a lot of collectibles for players to accumulate over the course of the incredibly sparse game, so perhaps it’s just an idea that would be better executed on a mobile app and not a full-priced console game.

12

Pokemon Battle Revolution

Pokemon Battles Have Never Looked This Stylish

Pokemon Battle Revolution is similar in concept to Pokemon Stadium, involving players battling their way through various cups and tournaments, recruiting new trainers with their own Pokemon teams. Similar to Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Battle Revolution included a feature that allowed players to use the Pokemon they’d caught in Diamond & Pearl.

Although the game’s graphics, lighting, and battle animations are stellar, given the console and technology at the time, both critics and fans alike found a mutual dislike for the game’s lack of plot and difficulty. Unlike previous battle-centric games, Pokemon Battle Revolution is basically just an over-glorified battle simulator.

11

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad

Even Mystery Dungeon Made Its Way To Consoles

There’s a trio of Mystery Dungeon games released for WiiWare in 2009. However, they were released exclusively in Japan, so many players all over the world might not be familiar with them. Unlike other Pokemon Mystery Dungeon games, this trio is not heavy on plot but rather focuses on 15 dungeons that the player has to complete.

In Keep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad (also called Wildfire Adventure Squad), the focus is on Fire-type Pokemon, and the player’s home is Pokemon Village. The player can choose two Pokemon to be part of their squad to enter a dungeon; in the Blazing version of the game, these include fire-types like Charmander, Chimchar, and Cyndaquil.

10

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Let’s Go! Stormy Adventure Squad!

This One’s For The Water-Type Fans

The Water-type version of the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon trio for Nintendo Wii is called Let’s Go! Stormy (or Tempest) Adventure Squad. Unsurprisingly, the player’s home is Pokemon Beach, where they can choose from Water-type Pokemon from various generations, like Squirtle, Piplup, Mudkip, and Wooper, to take with them into the dungeons.

Interestingly, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon for Wii is the only Mystery Dungeon game in the franchise where the player remains a human and does not turn into a Pokemon in the beginning of the game. Although never leaving Japan, this trio of Pokemon games is listed as some of the best Pokemon games ever released for Wii.

9

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Go For It! Light Adventure Squad

Sorry, Grass Users, But Electric Gets The Special Treatment

The final game in the Pokemon Mystery Dungeon trio for Nintendo Wii features predominantly Electric-type Pokemon, such as Pikachu, Pichu, Shinx and Mareep. The player returns to their home in Pokemon Garden in this version of the game, which is set in a forest.

In total, the player battles in 15 unique mystery dungeons per Mystery Dungeon game. Unique to other Pokemon games on the Nintendo Wii, the Mystery Dungeon games allow four save slots, so more than one player can play on one copy of the game. With its various unique features, this trio of games is a great entry for the Wii console, albeit only for those playing in Japan.

8

Pokemon Rumble

Pokemon Goes Beyblade

Pokemon Rumble was a WiiWare title that had such a positive fan response that it became the first in a long-running series. The concept and plot are unique, turning fearsome and tough Pokemon into wind-up toys that battle others. Along the way, players can befriend certain Pokemon to add to their arsenal of wind-up toys to help them beat each level of the game.

The gameplay is engaging – albeit repetitive after a while – but most critics knocked the fact that the game didn’t have enough depth to have been worth 1,500 Wii Points on the WiiWare. That said, many critics viewed this through the lens of an adult player finding the mechanics of the game repetitive and shallow, neglecting the fun that a younger player could get out of Pokemon Rumble.

7

Pokemon Puzzle League

It’s Not Uniquely Pokemon, But It’s Still Fun

Pokemon Puzzle League was originally released six years before the Wii on the Nintendo 64, but the revolutionary motion control console also introduced something very integral to Nintendo’s future: Virtual Console. This downloadable series remastered classic games from the NES to Nintendo 64 era on the Wii, including this fairly strange spin-off of the Pokemon anime.

As one of the few Pokemon games to feature characters from the anime, the gameplay is reminiscent of familiar falling block puzzle games like Panel de Pon. It’s an incredibly fun, albeit simplistic, time when in 2P mode, but even single-player Pokemon fans can have fun. Be warned: the in-game A.I. can be a little too easy, especially in the cylindrical 3D mode.

6

PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure

Pikachu Takes Center Stage In This 3D Adventure

PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure is a cute, immersive tale that follows the beloved yellow, electric mouse after he loses his friends when entering PokePark. He’s visited in a vision by Mew, who tells him to collect all the prism pieces around the PokePark in order to restore peace. So, Pikachu goes on a quest to reunite himself with his lost friends and together save the PokePark.

Many critics found it boring that the game only allows players to play as Pikachu. Despite that, the graphics are stunning, and the plot is strong, so for those looking for a relaxing experience getting to control Pikachu and solve problems, play mini-games, and battle throughout the PokePark, this game is a perfect use of time.

5

PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond

Gen 5 Starters Join Pikachu’s Squad

PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond was the sequel to the original 2010 spin-off, PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure. Much like the first game, PokePark 2: Wonders Beyond has an incredibly strong story that follows Pikachu as he befriends other creatures throughout the park, helping to defeat the evil force that threatens the peace and tranquility of the PokePark.

All that said, many critics found the gameplay repetitive for older players. Most of the game is spent playing various mini-games with other Pokemon, such as chase, hide ‘n seek, and battling. While some of these challenges can be difficult for younger players, some older players may find it easy to befriend these Pokemon and breeze through the story.

4

Pokemon Snap

Head To The Virtual Console For This N64 Classic

Similarly to Pokemon Puzzle League, Pokemon Snap is another Nintendo 64 title that was made available to Nintendo Wii owners via Virtual Console. In terms of Pokemon spin-offs, Pokemon Snap is probably the most memorable, allowing users to explore predetermined paths in the Pokemon world while snapping clear photos of first generation Pokemon.

What’s unique about the Virtual Console iteration is the ability for players to post the photos they take in-game to an online message board, replacing the original’s compatibility with Blockbuster chains to print photos. The newer version of the game released for the Switch is definitely an all-around upgrade, but nothing beats the nostalgic, relaxed vibe of this N64 classic.

3

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness

This Sequel To A Beloved Game Is More Of A Challenge

One of the most memorable Pokemon spin-offs on the GameCube was Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness, which was perhaps the closest thing to a proper Pokemon game on a console until Sword & Shield. Like its predecessor, Pokemon Colosseum, the game revolves around players capturing Shadow Pokemon to purify them, battling the evil Team Cipher along the way.

There’s a lot to love about Gale of Darkness, from its rather complex and dark storyline to gameplay modes like Mt. Battle, in which players can battle their way through 100 trainer matches of increasing difficulty. However, a lot of critics felt the game re-used too many assets from Pokemon Colosseum, which they felt was the superior game.

2

Pokemon Colosseum

The Shadowy Side Of The Pokemon Franchise

Speaking of, there are few Pokemon spin-off games as beloved as Pokemon Colosseum. The GameCube title was originally released in 2003, where players control a former member of the evil Team Snagem, rescuing Shadow Pokemon from the cruel ownership of Team Cipher. Like a more traditional RPG, the game revolves around completing quests while catching ’em all.

As far as critic reviews go, Pokemon Colosseum garnered a lot of praise for its plot, gameplay, and darker tone compared to the rest of the franchise. While some felt the game could’ve used more attention to detail, such as not re-using battle cries from the original games, others find it a diamond in the rough in the world of primitive Pokemon spin-off titles.

1

Pokemon Box Ruby & Sapphire

This Seemingly Simple Tool Has One Important Feature

On the surface, Pokemon Box seems like a very simple idea: a console-based storage system for Pokemon caught in Game Boy-exclusive Pokemon games: Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen. However, a rather downplayed feature about it was an emulator to actually play Ruby & Sapphire on the console, which still works with the Wii’s backwards compatibility.

It may seem a little unfair to give the top ranking to the only mainline Pokemon game that’s technically playable on the Wii. However, Pokemon Box is an incredibly rare game, having only been distributed at New York City’s Nintendo Store as well as the online Pokemon Center. Some versions of the game were also included in European bundles with Pokemon Colosseum.

Honorable Mention: Super Smash Bros. Brawl

If you’re of a certain age, playing Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the first time is somewhat of a core memory. Although two Pokemon fighters from the previous game (Mewtwo & Pichu) were left off the roster, the game technically features a total of six playable Pokemon: Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Lucario, Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard. The latter three are all under the same umbrella as “Pokemon Trainer.”

Additionally, many Pokemon appear via the Poke Ball item, from Legendaries like Celebi and Deoxys to Pokemon like Goldeen, Gardevoir, and Torchic. As for stages, there are even cameos from Dialga and Palkia on the brand-new Spear Pillar, based on the location from Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. The Adventure mode, “The Subspace Emissary,” also features a boss battle with Rayquaza. Competitively, it might not be a Super Smash Bros. fan’s favorite entry in the series, but in terms of Pokemon content, it’s the most you’ll find on the Wii.

Honorable Mention: Super Smash Bros. Melee

It’s surprising that despite being released over 24 years ago, Super Smash Bros. Melee has barely aged a day. The game is still popular competitively and is seen by many as the definitive version of Super Smash Bros., even though it technically features a less diverse roster of Pokemon characters than future games in the series with only Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Pichu, and Mewtwo.

Because of when Melee was released, only Pokemon from the first two generations can appear from the Poke Ball items. However, this game also features a fan-favorite stage in the fighting game franchise: Poke Floats, in which players must battle atop floating Pokemon balloons. For many modern-day fans of Pokemon, their introduction to the series may have been the iconic Melee, which despite having a lack of representation compared to even Brawl, remains one of the best games Nintendo has ever put out.