Pokemon Ranger is one of those spin-off series that leaves a mark on any Pokemon fan or gamer who played it. With its innovative Styler mechanics, charming visuals, meaningful storylines, and a refreshing approach to the Pokemon formula, it carved out a special place in the franchise’s history.
If titles like Pokemon Mystery Dungeon and Pokemon Snap have found their way onto the Nintendo Switch then why should something as bold and unique as Pokemon Ranger be left in the historical hallway of the DS? The upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 is the perfect opportunity to bring back this beloved gem. And honestly? It deserves nothing less.
What Are Pokemon Ranger Games and Should It Be On The Nintendo Switch 2?
For those who missed the series, Pokemon Ranger is a set of spin-off titles that stray from the typical “catch and battle” formula. Instead of throwing Poke Balls, you are bringing a Capture Styler, a special device that allows you to befriend Pokemon by drawing multiple loops around them.
Once befriended, Pokemon are not stored in boxes but instead lend their abilities to help you solve puzzles, clear obstacles, or assist in traversal. The series emphasized friendship, guardianship, and problem-solving over brute strength, making it one of the most unique experiments in the Pokemon gaming universe.
And to answer the question, yes, it should absolutely be on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Back in the golden days of the Nintendo DS, Pokemon Ranger made huge waves with not one but three successful entries with Pokemon Ranger, Pokemon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and Pokemon Ranger: Guardian Signs. Together, these titles sold more than 6 million copies worldwide proving that this wasn’t just a niche experiment but a series that captured, pun intended, the hearts of millions.
Players still fondly remember the distinctive art style, the variety of missions, and the sense of being more than a Trainer. You weren’t just catching Pokemon but you were guarding ecosystems, sleuthing mysteries, and feeling like a true hero.
The heart of Pokemon Ranger has always been its Capture Styler mechanic where by drawing loops on the DS’s touchscreen with a stylus, players could calm wild Pokemon and eventually earn their trust and friendship. This wasn’t just a fun gimmick as it was the foundation of the game’s entire identity.
The tactile feel of looping a fast-moving Pokemon or strategizing how to weaken it before circling was plain addictive. While the Switch technically had a touchscreen, the lack of a dedicated stylus and the console’s design made it harder to revive the series in its original form. That’s the most probable reason why Pokemon Ranger skipped the Switch entirely.
Enter the Nintendo Switch 2 and suddenly the situation looks very different. With its mouse function, praised by users for being accurate and responsive, the Styler mechanic could finally make a glorious comeback. Drawing loops would feel smooth and natural, not clunky or shoehorned.
And for old-fashioned players who prefer traditional controls, the Switch 2’s improved analog sticks could serve as a great alternative. What was once a DS-exclusive mechanic could finally evolve into something bigger, more accurate, and even more engaging than before.
Just imagine it. Pokemon Ranger on the Switch 2 could come in two flavors, faithful ports of the DS classics or entirely new entries built from the roots up. Ports would let old fans relive the nostalgia of those breathtaking 2D sprites while introducing new fans to the series’ humble but visually-stunning beginnings.
On the other hand, if done right, new titles could fully embrace modern 3D graphics, cinematic cutscenes, and even action-heavy segments that push the Styler mechanic in unexpected ways. Whether Nintendo chooses one or both paths, the Switch 2 could easily give the Pokemon Ranger series the revival it deserves. That we deserve.
Beyond mechanics, it’s worth remembering just how rich the Ranger stories were. Unlike the mainline games, which often lean into lighthearted adventure, Ranger had a knack for giving us narratives with real emotional depth.
Characters faced personal struggles, bonds with Pokemon felt raw and meaningful and the missions often carried weight that stuck with players long after the credits rolled. Add to that some of the most underrated soundtracks in the Pokemon musical catalog and you have a hidden gem that begs to be rediscovered.
Pokemon Ranger was never just about catching Pokemon because it was about empathy, responsibility, tradition, and nature. It made players think about Pokemon in ways that went beyond battles or gyms and it showed how versatile the franchise could be when it dared to experiment with its spin-offs.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has proven itself to be a powerhouse console and there is no better stage for Pokemon Ranger’s return. Whether through ports, remakes, or bold new adventures, the time is right to bring back this underrated series and remind fans why it was so special in the first place.