Pokemon is easily one of the most iconic and popular franchises published by Nintendo. Successful all around the globe, Pokemon instantly became a pop culture phenomenon with the release of Pokemon Red and Blue versions, originally called Red and Green in Japan.

RELATED: 10 Strongest Pokemon In Red & Blue (Based On Stats)

While nearly every main series Pokemon game is popular to some extent, there have been several games in the series that have not garnered the attention they deserve. So today, we're going to examine some of the lesser appreciated sleeper hits of the Pokemon franchise!

10 Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire - Gameboy Advance

pokemon pinball

In 1999, Pokemon Pinball was released, serving as a somewhat simplistic pinball game with Pokemon charm and elements such as the ability to catch Pokemon. Pokemon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire was the successor to this game, released for the Gameboy Advance, building upon the already solid foundation of its predecessor while including Pokemon from the most recent generation of the time

9 Pokemon Trading Card Game - Gameboy Color

pokemon tcg

Released for the Gameboy Color, the Pokemon Trading Card game for the Gameboy Color was a fully fleshed out RPG that featured authentic gameplay of the Pokemon Trading Card Game. With a similar structure to traditional Pokemon games, the player is able to challenge Gym equivalents called clubs that each focus on different types of Pokemon.

RELATED: Pokémon Red & Blue: 5 Early Pokémon Worth Investing In (& 5 That Aren't)

With a solid tutorial, the means of growing one's virtual collection, and the ability to customize one's deck, this game was a stellar means of learning the rules of the physical card game.

8 Pokemon Collosseum - Gamecube

Pokemon Colosseum

Pokemon Colosseum was released for the Gamecube in 2003 and is perhaps the least formulaic Pokemon game released that still uses the core Pokemon gameplay system. Rather than select from three starter Pokemon, the player assumes the role of a former member of the villainous Team Snagem, starting with an already evolved Umbreon and Espeon. With no wild Pokemon encounters, all battles in the game are double battles fought against trainers. Additionally, rather than catching one's own Pokemon in the wild, players are able to "snag" corrupted Shadow Pokemon.

7 Pokken Tournament - Wii U

pokken

Pokken Tournament is proof that the Pokemon franchise can function in nearly any video game genre. A 3D fighting game developed by Tekken developer, Namco. With several similarities to Tekken, the game has well-defined fighting game gameplay with a variety of play styles each available in the form of various Pokemon.

RELATED: 10 Pokémon From The Original Red & Blue Games That Go Overlooked

While the game was originally released for the Wii U in 2015, an updated version of the game called Pokken Tournament DX was released for the Switch in 2017, adding several new playable characters including Decidueye and Blastoise.

6 Pokemon Stadium 2 - N64

The original Pokemon Stadium was released for the Nintendo 64 in 1999, containing several multiplayer mini-games while offering players the ability to use a transfer pack to experience battles in 3D. The game's sequel, Pokemon Stadium 2 was released in North America in 2001, improving in nearly every area. With additional mini-games, more modes, and all of the Pokemon of the second generation, the game even featured plenty of resources that weren't as easily available to players at the time of the game's release in the form of "Earl's Pokemon Academy."

5 Pokemon Ranger - DS

Cover

While the core Pokemon franchise has always been made up of RPGs, Pokemon Ranger is a game that utilizes action RPG gameplay rather than the turn-based combat that the series is known for. With players assuming the role of a ranger, rather than permanently capturing Pokemon, players use the DS's touch screen to temporarily gain control of wild Pokemon, using their unique abilities to solve various types of puzzles and reach new areas that would be inaccessible otherwise.

4 Pokemon Crystal Version - Gameboy Color

Pokemon Crystal version suicune

The third second-generation game in the core series, Pokemon Crystal Version was released shortly after Pokemon Gold and Silver versions. While each second-generation game improved greatly upon the gameplay of the first generation games, Crystal had several noteworthy updates that have since become staples of the series. Most notably, Crystal was the first-ever Pokemon game that allowed players to chose between playing as a male or female trainer, while also including animations for Pokemon in battles.

3 Pokemon Black And White 2 - DS

sword shield calyrex tag-team feature

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 are two of the most frequently overlooked entries in the core Pokemon franchise despite being some of the most content-heavy games the series has seen. Direct continuations of the stories of Pokemon Black and White, players were able to link the save data of the preceding game in order to keep things consistent for a single player. On top of increasing the size of the Unova Region, the game had a heavy emphasis on its story while including a plethora of modes including a returning "Battle Subway" and Tournaments that could feature any Gym Leader or Champion from a prior entry.

2 Pokemon Picross - 3DS

Promo art for Pokémon Picross

Picross games are far from the most popular puzzle games on the market, often beat out by flashier and faster-paced titles. However, Pokemon Picross is far from a terrible game, having players uncover illustrations of various Pokemon as they solve puzzles. For Pokemon fans looking for a laid-back puzzle-gaming experience, Pokemon Picross is likely a perfect fit.

1 Pokemon Conquest - DS

pokemon conquest

Pokemon Conquest is easily the most criminally underrated Pokemon game of all time. Rather than taking place in a traditional Pokemon setting or using the series' standard turn-based combat, Pokemon Conquest is a tactical RPG with gameplay similar to Final Fantasy Tactics, blending Pokemon together with the samurai flavor of Nobunaga's Ambition.

Next: The Most Powerful Pokemon Move Of Every Type, Ranked