We are always repeating how the old Pokemon games were better (RGBY-BW2), but for some reason, I seem to enjoy playing the newer games more.
For example, I recently replayed HGSS (one of my favorite games in theory) and I was surprised to see how much more fun I have when playing LGPE, in comparison. I'm currently trying to force myself to replay Emerald, same result. It just feels boring to play through.
My theory is that cool things like Mega Evolutions as well as QoL features like infinite TMs, all team exp share, better breeding mechanics, etc, really help making a game more smooth and enjoyable. So it's harder to go back after enjoying these things.
So after a long time thinking about it, I've realized that my favorite games are currently LGPE, USUM, SwSh(+DLC) and BW2 (BW2 counts as a classic but it's also more modern imo).
Not all newer games are good tho, obviously. SV sucks imo, I hate the open world concept. So I'm not sure how much I'm going to enjoy Gen 10 or future Pokemon games, but the BW2-to-SwSh era of Pokemon feels very enjoyable to me.
Anyone else feels this way?