Summary
TheNintendo Wiiis 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 theNintendo Wii, there was never a mainlinePokemongame released for the console. VariousPokemongames were released for the Wii, but none ever took off the way that any of the mainline games did. That said, over the years thePokemonWii games have garnered a cult following, with many players who played these games as kids retaining a strong nostalgia for them.
Updated on July 13, 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 aboutSuper 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!
Genre(s)
Simulation
My Pokemon Ranchwas aWiiWare title that,much likePokemon Box,was essentially a glorified Pokemon storage system, giving players the ability to deposit up to 1,000 different Pokemon from theirPokemon Diamond & Pearlgames.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 asMy Pokemon Ranchbeing virtually useless for players that didn’t own a Nintendo DS orPokemon Diamond & Pearl.
Speaking of games where there isn’t much to actually do,Pokemon Channelis 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 seriesPichu Bros.or the shopping channelShop n' Squirtle.
While the game is certainly entertaining for those who likePokemon, 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.
Pokemon Battle Revolutionis similar in concept toPokemon Stadium,involving players battling their way through various cups and tournaments, recruiting new trainers with their own Pokemon teams. Similar toPokemon Stadium,Pokemon Battle Revolutionincluded a feature that allowed players to use the Pokemon they’d caught inDiamond & 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 Revolutionis basically just an over-glorified battle simulator.
Roguelike
There’s a trio ofMystery Dungeongames 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 otherPokemon Mystery Dungeongames, this trio is not heavy on plot but rather focuses on 15 dungeons that the player has to complete.
InKeep Going! Blazing Adventure Squad(also calledWildfire 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.
The Water-type version of thePokemon Mystery Dungeontrio for Nintendo Wii is calledLet’s Go! Stormy(orTempest)Adventure Squad. Unsurprisingly, the player’s home is Pokemon Beach, where they can choose fromWater-type Pokemon from various generations, like Squirtle, Piplup, Mudkip, and Wooper, to take with them into the dungeons.
Interestingly,Pokemon Mystery Dungeonfor Wii is the onlyMystery Dungeongame 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.
The final game in thePokemon Mystery Dungeontrio 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 perMystery Dungeongame. Unique to other Pokemon games on the Nintendo Wii, theMystery Dungeongames 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.
Beat ‘em up
Pokemon Rumblewas 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 ofPokemon Rumble.
Pokemon Puzzle Leaguewas 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 thePokemonanime.
As one of the fewPokemongames to feature characters from the anime, the gameplay is reminiscent of familiar falling block puzzle games likePanel de Pon. It’s an incredibly fun, albeit simplistic, time when in 2P mode, but even single-playerPokemonfans can have fun. Be warned: the in-game A.I. can be a little too easy, especially in the cylindrical 3D mode.
PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventureis a cute, immersive tale that followsthe beloved yellow, electric mouseafter 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.
Action-adventure
PokePark 2: Wonders Beyondwas the sequel to theoriginal 2010 spin-off,PokePark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure.Much like the first game,PokePark 2: Wonders Beyondhas 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.
