These are the Best Pokemon Games you can Play on PC

Pokemon, a franchise that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide, has a rich history of games that have transcended various platforms, including the PC. The Pokemon universe, filled with captivating creatures, intriguing storylines, and engaging gameplay, has been a staple of the gaming community for over two decades. This article aims to explore the top-ranked Pokemon games available for PC, providing a definitive ranking for those seeking an enhanced gaming experience.

Can I Play Pokemon Games On PC

Yes, you certainly can! In the modern age of gaming, playing Pokémon games on your PC is not only possible but also a truly enjoyable experience. The magic lies in the use of 'emulators' - special software that imitate video game console operation on your PC. A fantastic variety of Pokémon games are thus available to you, from the heralded classics like Pokémon Red and Blue, to the thrilling Pokémon Platinum and Heart Gold. 

But how does this work, you ask? 

It's simple! Emulators recreate the environment of the console the game was originally designed for, replicating its mechanics and operations so the game can run on a different platform – in this case, your PC. So, when you use an emulator and a Pokémon game 'ROM', you're effectively turning your device into an epic game-boy, set for some nostalgia-filled Pokémon catching adventure. 

What’s a ROM, though? 

A 'ROM' is essentially a computer file, which is a copy of the data from a read-only memory chip, most often from a video game cartridge. Hence, a Pokémon Game ROM is a file that contains all the data of the original cartridge-based version of the Pokémon game. This is what the emulator runs to give you access to the game. 

Important: It's essential to mention, however, that while emulators are legal software, distributing copyrighted ROMs is not, unless expressly permitted by the copyright holder. Therefore, ensure to respect copyright laws and only safely download games you already own.

Exploring The Process To Play Pokemon Games On Your PC

We sure understand your excitement! So, let's not keep you waiting and jump right into how you can play Pokémon games on your PC. It's simpler than you might think! 

First things first, you'll need a good emulator. An emulator is a piece of software that simulates the hardware of another device. In your case, it'll simulate the handheld Nintendo device on your PC. The good thing is that there are several emulators available for different types of Pokémon games. 

Once you've chosen an emulator and installed it, the next thing you'll need are the Pokémon ROMs. ROM is an acronym for Read Only Memory, which in this scenario, refers to the game file itself. Bear in mind, these should be obtained in a legal manner. Often, it's recommended that you only download ROMs for games that you physically own. 

After having both the emulator and the ROMs, you're pretty much set to start your Pokémon journey on your PC. Here's how you can set it all up: 

1. Download an emulator: There are several great options like VisualBoy Advance for Game Boy titles, DeSmuME for DS titles, and RetroArch for a wide variety of consoles.
2. Install the emulator on your PC: Mostly, it's as simple as downloading an application.
3. Download the ROMs: Remember, only download ROMs of the games you physically own to stay on the right side of the law.
4. Load the ROMs into the emulator: Navigate to the ROM file you just downloaded and open it with your emulator. And voila, you're now playing Pokémon on your PC!

Now that's all fine and dandy, but to give you a proper console-like feeling, it would be best if you connect a controller to your PC. Controllers from Xbox and PlayStation are usually compatible with PC and provide that much-needed old-school gaming feeling. 

Top Notch Emulators To Enjoy Pokemon Games On Your PC

• VisualBoyAdvance (VBA-M): This is a highly regarded emulator for Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and Game Boy Advance games. It is known for its accuracy and performance, and it supports a wide range of features, including cheats, save states, and speedup.
• DeSmuME: This is a popular choice for emulating Nintendo DS games. It is known for its smooth performance and compatibility with a wide range of titles. DeSmuME also supports features like cheat codes, save states, and network play.
• No$GBA: This is a lightweight emulator that is well-suited for older PCs. It is known for its accuracy and performance, and it supports a wide range of features, including cheats, save states, and fast-forward.
• Citra: This is a relatively new emulator that is rapidly gaining popularity. It is known for its high compatibility and performance, and it supports features like cheats, save states, and rewinding. Citra is particularly well-suited for emulating Nintendo 3DS games.
• Dolphin: This is a powerful emulator that is capable of emulating Wii and GameCube games. It is known for its accuracy and performance, and it supports features like cheats, save states, and online play. Dolphin is particularly well-suited for emulating Pokémon games such as Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

A List Of The Best Pokemon Games On PC

There's a good variety of Pokemon games you can download as ROMs on PC, they include: 

1. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions: These are remade versions of the original Red and Green games, featuring enhanced graphics and a more detailed storyline.
2. Pokémon Emerald Version: This is an enhanced version of Ruby and Sapphire, featuring a more complex storyline and additional gameplay elements.
3. Pokémon Platinum Version: A polished, expanded version of Diamond and Pearl, Platinum brings many gameplay and plot revisions, making it a fan favorite.
4. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions: These are remakes of the original Gold and Silver games, with refined graphics and added content.
5. Pokémon Black and White Versions (plus Black 2 and White 2): These games bring a fresh storyline and new Pokemon to capture, enhancing the unique Unova region setting.
6. Pokémon X and Y Versions: Welcoming players into the new Kalos region with spectacular 3D graphics, X and Y marked a big step forward for the franchise.
7. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Versions: These are modern remakes of the third generation's Ruby and Sapphire games, with high-definition graphics and a reimagined storyline.
8. Pokémon Sun and Moon Versions (plus Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon): Set in the tropical Alola region, these games offer radical changes to the traditional Pokemon formula.

Remember, using ROMs of games you do not personally own is a violation of copyright laws. Please respect the efforts of game developers and refrain from piracy.