@ned How the pokemon games work is there are "generations" where it's the core games that came out at a particular time and satellite smaller titles.
There was usually ways to connect one gen to another but in a limited fashion.
I have only played up to gen 8, the pre-switch stuff.
I can't speak to what the switch stuff is like. I imagine I would turn my nose up at it as a crusty old 30+ yo boomer.
But, being as it's what is available now and it's easier to have on a big TV: it's probably the easiest way for the family to enjoy it together.
Also, since you didn't play it, you're not necessarily going to have any extra enthusiasm for the older titles that you want to share with your kids anyway.