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Pokémon (video game series)
Pokémon (video game series)
Pokémon (video game series)
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Pokémon
GenreRole-playing
DevelopersGame Freak
ILCA
Publishers
CreatorSatoshi Tajiri
ArtistKen Sugimori
ComposerJunichi Masuda
Platforms
First releasePocket Monsters Red and Green (Japan)
February 27, 1996
Latest releasePokémon Legends: Z-A
October 16, 2025
Spin-offsSee List of Pokémon spin-offs

Pokémon[a] is a Japanese series of creature collector JRPG video games developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company under the Pokémon franchise. It was created by Satoshi Tajiri with assistance from Ken Sugimori. The first games, Pocket Monsters Red and Green, were released in 1996 in Japan for the Game Boy, later released outside of Japan as Pokémon Red Version and Blue Version. The main series of role-playing video games (RPGs), referred as the "core series" by their developers,[1][2][3] has continued on each generation of Nintendo's handhelds. The most recently released core series game, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released on October 16th, 2025 for both the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch 2.

In addition to Game Freak's development, Creatures provides support through their Pokémon CG Studio, which creates 3D models for the Pokémon in the games, and also develops some spin-off titles. In 1998, Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak jointly established The Pokémon Company, which manages licensing, production, publishing, marketing and deals for the franchise both within Asia and worldwide through The Pokémon Company International.[4][5][6]

The core games are released in generations, each with different Pokémon, storylines, and characters. Remakes of the games are usually released around a decade after the original versions for the latest console at the time. While the main series consists of RPGs developed by Game Freak, many spin-off games based on the series have been developed by various companies, encompassing other genres such as action role-playing, puzzle, fighting, and digital pet games.

Pokémon is one of the highest-grossing media franchises of all time, with successful anime series, movies, and merchandise, with spin-off game Pokémon Go having crossed 1 billion mobile game downloads worldwide.[7] By November 24, 2017, more than 300 million Pokémon games had been sold worldwide on handheld and home consoles, across 76 titles, including spin-offs.[8] As of March 2025, the series has sold over 489 million units worldwide.[9] This makes Pokémon the fourth best-selling video game franchise, behind the Mario franchise, Call of Duty, and Tetris.

Gameplay

[edit]

Each game in the Pokémon series takes place in a fictional region of the Pokémon world, typically based on a real-world location, and begins with the player receiving a starter Pokémon, usually from that region's Pokémon Professor. Players have the option to choose one of three different types of Pokémon.[10] Many games include a rival character who acts as a roadblock or boss opponent throughout the game.[11] A major subplot of most games is to defeat a criminal organization, whose intents are usually trying to take over the world through the misuse of powerful Pokémon known as Legendary Pokémon.[12]

Battles between Pokémon are the central game mechanic of the Pokémon games. Within the game, they are used to train Pokémon to gain experience and become stronger and to progress through the game's story.[13] Battles can also be done between players by connecting two game systems. Pokémon uses a turn-based system. The player may carry between one and six Pokémon in their active party; the first Pokémon in the lineup is automatically sent into battle when one begins. At the start of each turn, both sides may use a move, use an item, switch their active Pokémon out for another in their party, or attempt to flee from battle if against a wild Pokémon. Each Pokémon uses attacks to reduce their opponent's Hit Points (HP) to zero, at which point the Pokémon faints and is unable to battle. Pokémon also have in-battle "abilities," which give them different attributes in battle.[14] When an opponent's Pokémon faints, the player's Pokémon receives experience points; when a Pokémon accumulates enough, then its level increases.[15] If the player's Pokémon faints, they may select another Pokémon from their active party to battle; in battles against wild Pokémon, the player may attempt to flee instead. If all of a player's Pokémon faint, the player loses the battle. This causes the player to lose some money and return to the last Pokémon Center they visited.

Chart of the eighteen Pokémon types and their strengths (2, in green), weaknesses (½, in red), and immunities (0, in black)[16]

A Pokémon's type is an elemental attribute determining the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon and its moves. These types interact in rock–paper–scissors-style relationships: Pokémon take double damage from attacking moves of types they are weak to and half damage from moves of types they resist.[17] Some types have special properties unrelated to the damage chart; for example, certain types cannot be affected by certain status conditions.[18]

Poké Balls are used to capture Pokémon.

Players can catch Pokémon in the wild, engaging with them in a Pokémon battle. In most Pokémon games, players aim to weaken wild Pokémon in battle to then throw a Poké Ball, which are used to capture the Pokémon and add it to the player's team or get sent to storage.[19] Pokémon can "evolve" once they reach a certain benchmark, such as by reaching a certain level, having an item used on them, or by having a high level of friendship. This changes their form and appearance and causes them to grow stronger.[20] Players have the ability to trade their Pokémon with one another by connecting two compatible games.[21] Because of the Pokémon series revolving around catching as many Pokémon as possible, trading is considered an important aspect of Pokémon.[22] Certain Pokémon are only able to evolve by trading as well.[23] Players also may encounter alternately colored Pokémon known as "Shiny Pokémon," which are significantly rarer than a standard Pokémon.[24]

Various facilities can be found throughout the Pokémon world such as Pokémon Centers, Poké Marts, and Pokémon Gyms. At a Pokémon Center, the player can have their Pokémon healed for free and access the PC, where players can organize their collection of Pokémon and store and withdraw items. Poké Marts are shops where players can buy items with the money they win during battles; certain cities may have specialized shops, like a pharmacy or a department store. Periodically, a town will contain a Pokémon Gym, which houses a powerful Trainer known as a Gym Leader that functions as a boss. Victory against them grants the player a Gym Badge; after collecting eight Gym Badges, the player may challenge the region's Elite Four and Champion (in Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Elite Four is replaced by the Champion Cup, a single-elimination tournament that determines who gets the right to challenge the Champion). Gyms are absent in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, being replaced by trials that serve a similar purpose. Many games also have facilities dedicated to battling, such as the Battle Frontier, Battle Tower, and Battle Maison, that unlock after the game is beaten. Afterward, the game remains virtually open-ended, with the ultimate goal of the player being to obtain at least one member of each of the different species of Pokémon, thus completing a fictional encyclopedia of all Pokémon species known as a Pokédex.

Recurring characters

[edit]
Main article: Lists about Pokémon

The series features a wide supporting cast, but does not feature many recurring characters.[25] Several recurring characters are listed below.

  • Red (レッド, Red) is the player character of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue and Yellow[26] and the male protagonist of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen.[27] Red is a silent character, and doesn't have a distinct storyline or role within the wider series narrative following his first appearance.[28] Red appears in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal and their remakes, where he serves as the strongest opponent a player can battle in the game.[27] 2016 games Pokémon Sun and Moon also feature Red, who is depicted twenty years after the events of the first games in the series.[28] Red also appears in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2[28] and Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.[26] In the Pokémon Adventures manga, he serves as a main protagonist, and he also serves as the main protagonist of the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga.[29] He also appears in Pokémon Origins, an anime adaptation of the original games.[30]
  • Professor Samuel Oak (Professor Yukinari Ōkido (オーキド・ユキナリ博士, Ōkido Yukinari-hakase)) is a Pokémon researcher and the grandfather of Blue.[31][32] He is an important researcher, having studied them his whole life, and in his youth was a Pokémon Trainer himself.[31][33] In the first games in the series, he gives players their first Pokémon.[31] Following this, he appears in various roles in subsequent games Gold, Silver, and Crystal and Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum,[34] and additionally appears in a number of spin-off titles.[34] Oak also plays a recurring role in the Pokémon anime series.[35] Different characters based on Oak have appeared as well. His relative, Samson Oak, appears in Sun and Moon,[36] while another character, dubbed Grand Oak, appears in the spin-off game Pokémon Home.[37]
  • Blue (グリーン, Green) is the rival character of Pokémon Red, Green, Blue, Yellow, FireRed, and LeafGreen.[28] He is the grandson of Professor Oak[32] and the player character's childhood friend. He is pushy and competitive, and always a step ahead of the player's progress throughout the games. He manages to become Champion of Kanto, but is defeated.[28][38] He reappears in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal and their remakes, having become a Gym Leader, where he has mellowed as a person from his prior appearance.[28] He later reappears in Black 2 and White 2,[39] and also appears in Sun and Moon alongside Red, depicted twenty years after the events of the original games.[28] He also appears in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!.[26] Blue appears in the Pokémon Adventures manga, where he is a major recurring character who serves as Red's rival, and also serves in a rival role in Origins. He also appears in the Pokémon Generations anime series.[40]
  • Giovanni (Sakaki (サカキ)) is the leader of the villainous criminal organization known as Team Rocket.[41] He also runs the Viridian City Gym in Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, and their remakes.[42] He later disappears and is not seen again, though Team Rocket attempts to locate him in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, and their remakes. Their remakes feature a special event in which the player can fight Giovanni, which reveals why Team Rocket was unable to locate Giovanni during the events of the games' story.[43] He appears again in Black 2 and White 2,[39] and later appears as a major antagonist in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon's story, serving as the leader of the "Team Rainbow Rocket" organization.[42][44] Giovanni appears in spin-off game Pokémon Go, where he leads the villainous "Team Go Rocket" organization,[45] and also serves as a major antagonist in spin-off game Pokémon Masters EX.[46] Giovanni is a recurring character in the Pokémon anime series, where he is the boss of Team Rocket.[47]
  • Steven Stone (Daigo Tsuwabuki (ツワブキ・ダイゴ, Tsuwabuki Daigo)) is the Champion of the Hoenn Region in Ruby, Sapphire, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire. He is interested in rocks and minerals, and acts as a mentor to the player during the course of the game. Steven plays various roles throughout the plot, including aiding in stopping the villainous organizations Team Magma and Team Aqua, and serves as the final boss of the game. In Emerald, he Steven is a wandering trainer, with his friend Wallace taking on the mantle of Champion in Steven's place.[48] Steven appears again in Heartgold and Soulsilver[49] and Black 2 and White 2.[39] Steven also serves a recurring role in the Pokémon anime series.[48]
  • Cynthia (Shirona (シロナ)) is the Sinnoh League Champion, first appearing in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. She is interested in mythology and history and spends her time researching and exploring various sites associated with Legendary Pokémon of the Sinnoh region. In the games, she helps the protagonist against the villainous organization Team Galactic during the games' story, and she serves as the game's final boss.[50] Cynthia reappears in Pokémon Black and White,[51] Black 2 and White 2,[52] and Sun and Moon,[53] as well as the remakes of Diamond and Pearl.[54] She also serves as a recurring character in the Pokémon anime series.[55]
  • Hex Maniac (Occult Maniac (オカルトマニア)) is actually not one individual character, but a Trainer class that specializes in Ghost-type Pokémon. Originally introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, they received a redesign in Pokémon X and Y. This version appears as a woman with messy dark blue hair, a purple headband, a long black dress with a spiderweb pattern around the waist, and darkened eyes with a spiral pattern. Since the redesign, they have been cited as one of the most popular characters for their unique appearance,[56] gaining additional notoriety due to an unexplained encounter in Pokémon X and Y.[57] In the franchise, this version of Hex Maniac has been used for Pokémon events related to urban legends,[58] and one named Helena (Sayoko in Japanese) appears as a playable character in mobile game Pokémon Masters EX.[59][60]
  • "Looker" ("Handsome" (ハンサム, Hansamu)) is a member of the Interpol who appears in Pokémon Platinum, where he is investigating Team Galactic. He is a master of disguise, and though initially incompetent, he is treated more seriously as a character as the series progresses. He appears again in Black and White, seeking the player's assistance in apprehending several members of the criminal organization Team Plasma.[61] In X and Y, he poses as a detective to apprehend members of the criminal organization Team Flare, and ends up taking in an orphan girl named Emma.[61][62] In Sun and Moon, he appears assisting the player with capturing the Ultra Beasts that were unleashed there.[63]

Development

[edit]
Release timeline
First entry in generation in bold
1996Red and Green
Blue
1997
1998Yellow
Red and Blue
1999Gold and Silver
2000Crystal
2001
2002Ruby and Sapphire
2003
2004FireRed and LeafGreen
Emerald
2005
2006Diamond and Pearl
2007
2008Platinum
2009HeartGold and SoulSilver
2010Black and White
2011
2012Black 2 and White 2
2013X and Y
2014Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
2015
2016Sun and Moon
2017Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
2018Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
2019Sword and Shield
2020Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor (DLC)
Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra (DLC)
2021Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
2022Legends: Arceus
Scarlet and Violet
2023The Teal Mask (DLC)
The Indigo Disk (DLC)
2024Mochi Mayhem (DLC)
2025Legends: Z-A

All of the licensed Pokémon properties overseen by The Pokémon Company are divided roughly by generation. These generations are roughly chronological divisions by release; when an official sequel in the main role-playing game series is released that features new Pokémon, characters, and possibly new gameplay concepts, that sequel is considered the start of a new generation of the franchise. The main games and their spin-offs, the anime, manga, and trading card game are all updated with the new Pokémon properties each time a new generation begins. The franchise began its ninth and current generation with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which were released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.

1996–1998: First generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, released in 1996 for the Game Boy, were the first games in the series.

The original Pokémon games are Japanese role-playing video games (RPGs) with an element of strategy and were created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy. The Pokémon series began with the release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green for the Game Boy in Japan. When these games proved popular, an enhanced Blue version was released sometime after, and the Blue version was reprogrammed as Pokémon Red and Blue for international release. The original Green version was not released outside Japan.[64] Afterwards, a second enhanced remake, Pokémon Yellow, was released to use the color palette of the Game Boy Color and more of a stylistic resemblance to the popular Pokémon anime.

This first generation of games introduced the original 151 species of Pokémon (in National Pokédex order, encompassing all Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew), as well as the basic game concepts of capturing, training, battling and trading Pokémon with both computer and human players. These versions of the games take place within the fictional Kanto region, though the name "Kanto" was not used until the second generation.

Spin-off first-generation titles include Pokémon Pinball; an adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game for Game Boy Color; an on-rails photography simulator for Nintendo 64 titled Pokémon Snap; a Nintendo 64 Pokémon-themed adaptation of Tetris Attack, Pokémon Puzzle League. A 3D Nintendo 64 incarnation of the handhelds' battle system, Pokémon Stadium; and a co-starring role for several species in the Nintendo 64 fighting game Super Smash Bros..[65] At the Nintendo Space World in 2000, a game was revealed briefly with Meowth and Team Rocket singing a song. This was one of the earliest introductions of the Pokémon Togepi and Bellossom. This game was called Meowth's Party, but was not developed into a playable game. Instead, the song/video was played at the end of an episode of Pokémon, and a CD was made for retail in Japan for a limited time. This is the first time MissingNo. was discovered.

1999–2001: Second generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Gold and Silver and Pokémon Crystal
Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color, introduced a real-time day-night cycle to the series.

The second generation of Pokémon video games began in 1999 with the Japanese release of Pokémon Gold and Silver for the Game Boy Color, with Australia and North America getting the game in October 2000 and European release date of April 2001. Like the previous generation, an enhanced version, titled Pokémon Crystal, was later released.

This generation introduced 100 new species of Pokémon (starting with Chikorita and ending with Celebi), for a total of 251 Pokémon to collect, train, and battle. New gameplay features include a day-and-night system (reflecting the time of the day in the real world) which influences events in the game; full use of the Game Boy Color's color palette; an improved interface and upgraded inventory system; better balance in the collection of Pokémon and their moves, statistics and equipable items (a new addition); the addition of two new Pokémon types (Dark and Steel) to better balance the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon; Pokémon breeding; and a new region named Johto. After exploring Johto, the player can travel east to explore the adjacent Kanto region.

Spin-off games in the second-generation include Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, the adaptation of Pokémon Puzzle League—a puzzle game created by Zoppf industries—made specifically for the Game Boy Color; the Nintendo 64 pet simulator Hey You, Pikachu!; the Pokémon Stadium sequel, Pokémon Stadium 2, for Nintendo 64; several Pokémon mini-games for the e-Reader; and a co-starring role for several Pokémon species in the Super Smash Bros. sequel Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube.[66] The Pokémon Mini is a handheld game console released in December 2001 in Japan and 2002 in Europe and North America. This generation started a trend among even-numbered generations, giving the Pokémon Eevee new type evolutions beyond the original three of the first generation.

2002–2005: Third generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and Pokémon Emerald
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, introduced double battles to the series, in which the opposing parties each use two Pokémon at the same time.

Pokémon entered its third generation with the 2002 release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for Game Boy Advance and continued with the Game Boy Advance remakes of Pokémon Red and Green, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Red and Green representing the original Japanese first generation games; territories outside Japan instead saw releases of Red and Blue). An enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titled Pokémon Emerald followed after.

The third generation introduced 135 new Pokémon (starting with Treecko and ending with Deoxys) for a total of 386 species. It also features a more visually detailed environment compared to previous games, "natures" which affect Pokémon stats, a new 2-on-2 Pokémon battling mechanic, a special ability system applying to each Pokémon in battle, the Pokémon Contest sub-game, the new region of Hoenn, the ability to select the protagonist's gender and Secret Bases: customizable "rooms" where the player can display items they have collected in-game and battle against real friends. Secret Bases can be found in bushes, trees, or small cave openings in landscapes by using the Pokémon move, Secret Power, which can be taught to virtually all Pokémon. However, this generation also garnered some criticism for leaving out several gameplay features, including the day-and-night system introduced in the previous generation (which was removed due to internal-battery save problems), and it was also the first installment that encouraged the player to collect merely a selected assortment of the total number of Pokémon rather than every existing species (202 out of 386 species are catchable in the Ruby and Sapphire versions). It was around this time that the franchise was regaining its popularity, managing to ship over 100 million games worldwide.[67][68]

Third-generation spin-off titles include Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire for Game Boy Advance; Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS; Pokémon Dash, Pokémon Trozei! and Pokémon Ranger for Nintendo DS; Pokémon Channel and Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire for GameCube; and two role-playing games for the GameCube, consisting of the games Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

2006–2009: Fourth generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, introduced 3D graphics for background elements to the series, while foreground elements retained the classic 2D look.

In 2006, Japan began the fourth generation of the franchise with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS. The games were released in North America on April 22, 2007, and in Australia on June 21, 2007. The game was released in the UK and Europe on July 27, 2007.[69] Other main series games in the fourth generation include Pokémon Platinum, a director's cut version of Diamond and Pearl in the same vein as Pokémon Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald.[70][71] It was released for the Nintendo DS in Japan on September 13, 2008,[72] in North America on March 22, 2009,[73][74] and in Australia and Europe on May 14, 2009,[75] and May 22, 2009,[76] respectively. It was also announced that Pokémon Gold and Silver would be remade for the Nintendo DS as Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.[77] Released in Japan on September 12, 2009, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe during March 2010.[78][79][80]

The fourth-generation introduces another 107 new species of Pokémon (starting with Turtwig and ending with Arceus), bringing the number of Pokémon species to 493. This generation is the first to have 3D graphics in the main series game, although it is still a mixture of both 3D graphics and sprites. New gameplay concepts include a restructured move-classification system, online multiplayer trading and battling via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the return (and expansion) of the second generation's day-and-night system, the expansion of the third generation's Pokémon Contests into "Super Contests", and the new region of Sinnoh, which has an underground component for multiplayer gameplay in addition to the main overworld. Secret Bases also appear in Sinnoh but can only be created and housed in Sinnoh's underground. HeartGold and SoulSilver also introduced the Pokéathlon to the Johto region, which consists of many Pokémon based sporting events making use of the stylus.

Spin-off games in the fourth generation include the Pokémon Stadium follow-up Pokémon Battle Revolution for Wii (which has Wi-Fi connectivity as well[81]), Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs for Nintendo DS, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness and their sister game, Explorers of Sky all for the Nintendo DS, a co-starring role for Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Lucario, and a Pokémon Trainer (who uses Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard for fighting) in the 2008 Wii fighter Super Smash Bros. Brawl as well as a great adventure for Pikachu and friends in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.

2010–2012: Fifth generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Black and White and Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Pokémon Black and White, released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, introduced a real-time seasonal cycle to the series, in addition to featuring the day-night cycle introduced in Gold and Silver.

The fifth generation of Pokémon began on September 18, 2010, with the release of Pokémon Black and White in Japan. They were then released in North America, Europe, and Australia in March 2011. They have released on the Nintendo DS, the same console as its preceeding generation. The games take place in the Unova region. New features include the C-Gear, a feature where players can use Wi-Fi options and customizations; two new battle methods ("Triple Battles", where three Pokémon are sent out at once, and Rotation Battles, where three Pokémon are also sent out at the same time, but the trainer can switch one Pokémon out of the three that are present); "Battle Tests", where trainers battle each other to see who has stronger Pokémon; the Pokémon Musicals (similar to Pokémon Contests), which have trainers use their Pokémon to dance in a theater with other Pokémon; and the ability to not waste Technical Machines (TMs), also when found the first time. The other main series games, and the additions to Black and White, titled Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, are direct sequels. They take place in the Unova region two years later and were released in Japan on June 23, 2012, and in North America, Australia, and Europe in October of that year for Nintendo DS. They are somewhat different of their predecessors; there are different protagonist trainers, and many of the other important characters have changed as well. The games also introduced a new feature, the "Pokémon World Tournament", where trainers can battle gym leaders and champions from older regions, including Unova. The games also broke the tradition of releasing a third version as an addition to the primary versions.

This generation introduced a total of 156 new Pokémon (beginning with Victini and ending with Genesect), the most of any generation so far. It was also the first generation where the first new Pokémon in National Pokédex order (Victini) is not a starter. It also introduced another new feature, the seasons, which two Pokémon (Deerling and Sawsbuck) represent. Unlike previous generations, which would introduce some species of Pokémon that were evolutionary relatives of older-generation Pokémon, the fifth generation's selection was all-original, in an attempt to make the primary versions feel like a brand-new game.

Spin-off fifth generation games include sequels Pokémon Rumble Blast and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity for Nintendo 3DS, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond for Wii, and Pokémon Rumble U for Wii U, a downloadable game. Others include Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure (a typing game) and Pokémon Conquest (a crossover game) for Nintendo DS, and downloadable reference applications Pokédex 3D, Pokédex 3D Pro (for Nintendo 3DS), and Pokédex for iOS (for iOS devices), which allows players to view information of Pokémon species while they have 3D models. Various fifth generation Pokémon have appeared in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate including Reshiram and Zekrom, Klinklang, Axew, Druddigon, and more.

2013–2015: Sixth generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon X and Y
Pokémon X and Y, released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, introduced full 3D graphics to the series.

On December 24, 2012, Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream posted a greetings card sent out by Game Freak. In the card, Junichi Masuda exclaimed that during 2013, they intend to further evolve the world of Pokémon. On December 29, 2012, a new Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 commercial aired in Japan, and ending with a message, informing Pokémon fans that the latest news would be announced on January 8, 2013. On January 4, 2013, both the Japanese and English Pokémon website confirmed that an announcement would be made on January 8. On January 7, 2013, the Japanese website explained that the Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata would hold a 10-minute "Pokémon Direct" video conference to announce the big Pokémon news. On January 8, 2013, Satoru Iwata announced the sixth generation of Pokémon, with the new paired games, Pokémon X and Y, which were released on the Nintendo 3DS on October 12, 2013, worldwide.[82] The X and Y games are rendered in full 3D;[83] however, only select parts of the game can be displayed in stereoscopic 3D.[84] The video introduced the player characters, the starter Pokémon; Grass-type Chespin (Japanese: Harimaron (ハリマロン)), the Fire-type Fennekin (Japanese: Fokko (フォッコ)), and the Water-type Froakie (Japanese: Keromatsu (ケロマツ)), and two other Pokémon, not named until later; a bird-like Pokémon called Yveltal (イベルタル, Iberutaru) having a shape similar to the letter Y and a deer-like Pokémon called Xerneas (ゼルネアス, Zeruneasu) with X-shapes in its eyes. A month later, Sylveon (Japanese: Nymphia (ニンフィア, Ninfia)), a new evolved form of Eevee belonging to the games' new Fairy-type was revealed and is currently the last Eeveelution to be revealed.[85][86] On May 7, 2014, Nintendo revealed the games Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire in a teaser trailer, remakes of the third generation games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. They were released worldwide in November 2014.[87]

This generation introduced a total of 72 new Pokémon, the new Fairy type, Mega Evolution, the Kalos region, Trainer customization, Super Training, and three new battle modes: Sky Battles, Horde Encounters, and Inverse Battle. This generation is also the first to be compatible with Pokémon Bank.

Greninja, the final evolved form of Froakie, would later go on to represent the sixth generation of Pokémon in the hit fighting game, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. On August 26, 2014, Pokkén Tournament was announced and was released on July 16, 2015, in Japanese arcades and was released on March 18, 2016, worldwide for Wii U. It was developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment.[88] In July 2016, Niantic and Nintendo released a free-to-play augmented reality game titled Pokémon Go which was released for Android and iOS devices.[89]

2016–2018: Seventh generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Sun and Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

During a Nintendo Direct presentation on February 26, 2016, two new Pokémon titles were announced, titled Pokémon Sun and Moon. The games were released on the Nintendo 3DS on November 18, 2016, in Japan, North America, and Australia, and in Europe on November 23, 2016.[90] The games were the first since the second generation to be backwards-compatible with other titles, including Pokémon X and Y; Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire; and the Virtual Console re-releases of Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow. On June 6, 2017, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were announced. The two games offer new additions to the story of Pokémon Sun and Moon, including new features, and was released worldwide on the Nintendo 3DS on November 17, 2017.[91] On May 29, 2018, two new Pokémon games in the main Pokémon franchise, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, were announced. They are remakes of Pokémon Yellow with gameplay mechanics borrowed from Pokémon Go and were released worldwide on the Nintendo Switch on November 16, 2018.

In total, this generation introduced 88 new Pokémon, Alolan forms, trials, Z-moves, Poké Pelago, and Festival Plaza. It was also the first one to introduce Pokémon mid-generation, with five new Pokémon making their debut in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and two new Pokémon debuting in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

2019–2022: Eighth generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Sword and Shield, The Isle of Armor, and The Crown Tundra

During E3 2017, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company announced that Game Freak was developing a new core Pokémon role-playing game set to release for the Nintendo Switch[92] in "2018 or later."[93][94] The game is the eighth generation of Pokémon.[95] Along with the announcement of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! it was confirmed that another core Pokémon role-playing game would be released in late 2019. It was clarified that the 2019 game was the one mentioned during E3 2017, not the Let's Go games. Game director Junichi Masuda stated that it would also "follow in the tradition of Pokémon X and Y and Pokémon Sun and Moon".[96][97] The CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, also confirmed that the upcoming core title would not have influences from Pokémon Go like Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! had.[98][99] On February 27, 2019, on the 23rd anniversary of the franchise, Pokémon Sword and Shield were confirmed for Nintendo Switch, which were released worldwide on November 15, 2019.[100][101] Pokémon Sword and Shield takes place in the Galar region introducing new Pokémon, Galarian forms, the Champion Cup, Dynamax, Gigantamax forms, Max Raid battles, and Pokémon Camp. On January 9, 2020, two expansion packs titled The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra were announced. The Isle of Armor was released on June 17, 2020, and The Crown Tundra was released on October 22, 2020.[102] On February 26, 2021, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were announced, remakes of the fourth generation games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl developed by ILCA and set to release later that year. On the same day, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was announced, a prequel to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released on November 19, 2021, while Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released on January 28, 2022.

This generation introduced a total of 96 new Pokémon with 81 revealed in Sword and Shield, 8 revealed in the expansion packs, and 7 revealed in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

On March 6, 2020, the remake of the Mystery Dungeon, Red and Blue Rescue Team was released titled Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. On November 26, 2020, at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, Pokémon teased its 2021 25th anniversary logo and details for its special celebration "soon".[103]

2022–present: Ninth generation

[edit]
Further information: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet and The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

On February 27, 2022, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were announced for the Nintendo Switch, with a late 2022 release date.[104] The games were released on November 18, 2022. On February 27, 2023, a two-part expansion pack was announced titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Part One, The Teal Mask, was released on September 13, 2023. Part Two, The Indigo Disk, was released on December 14, 2023.[105] An epilogue, Mochi Mayhem, was released on January 11, 2024.[106]

This generation introduced a total of 120 new Pokémon so far with 103 revealed in Scarlet and Violet, 2 revealed in special Tera Raids, 7 revealed in The Teal Mask, 7 revealed in The Indigo Disk, and 1 revealed in Mochi Mayhem, with an overall total of 1025 Pokémon.

On February 27, 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced to have a 2025 release on the Nintendo Switch.[107] Later on, it was announced the game would also come to the Nintendo Switch 2.[108] It released for both consoles, digitally and physically, on October 16th, 2025. It features a return to Lumiose City of the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y, and is the first appearance of Mega Evolution in a Pokémon game since Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee![109]

Games

[edit]
Main article: List of Pokémon video games
Summary of main series titles
SystemGenerationMain titlesDerivative titlesUpper versions/DLCsRemake titlesLegends titles
Game BoyFirst
Game Boy ColorSecond
Game Boy AdvanceThird
Fourth
Nintendo DS
Fifth
Sixth
Nintendo 3DS
Seventh
Seventh
Nintendo Switch[b]Eighth
Ninth

Reception

[edit]
Sales and aggregate review scores
As of October 22, 2025.
Game Year Units sold
(in millions) 		GameRankings Metacritic
Pokémon Red and Blue 1996 31.37[110] 88%[111][112] -
Pokémon Yellow 1998 14.64[110] 85%[113] -
Pokémon Gold and Silver 1999 23.73[114] 90%[115][116] -
Pokémon Crystal 2000 6.39[110] 80%[117] -
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire 2002 16.22[118] 84%[119][120] 82/100[121]
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen 2004 12[118] 81%[122][123] 81/100[124][125]
Pokémon Emerald 2004 6.32[126] 77%[127] 76/100[128]
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl 2006 17.67[129] 85%[130][131] 85/100[132][133]
Pokémon Platinum 2008 7.06[134] 83%[135] 84/100[136]
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver 2009 12.72[129] 88%[137][138] 87/100[139][140]
Pokémon Black and White 2010 15.64[129] 86%[141][142] 87/100[143][144]
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 2012 7.63[145] 81%[146][147] 80/100[148][149]
Pokémon X and Y 2013 16.76[150] 87%[151][152] 87/100[153][154]
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire 2014 14.63[150] 84%[155][156] 83/100[157]
Pokémon Sun and Moon 2016 16.33[150] 88%[158][159] 87/100[160][161]
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon 2017 9.23[150] 83%[162][163] 84/100[164][165]
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! 2018 15.07[166] 78%[167][168] 80/100[169][170]
Pokémon Sword and Shield 2019 26.84[166] 83%[171] 80/100[172][173]
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl 2021 15.06[166] - 73/100[174]
Pokémon Legends: Arceus 2022 14.83[166] - 83/100[175]
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet 2022 27.15[166] - 72/100[176][177]
Pokémon Legends: Z-A 2025 5.8[179] - 79/100[178]

After the first five months of release, the Game Boy games sold almost 3 million copies.[180] They have been credited as a factor in the Game Boy maintaining strong sales in Japan well beyond the typical lifespan of a game system.[181] The series has sold over 279 million units (inclusive of spin-off titles; 210 million for the mainline Pokémon games) as of February 29, 2016,[182] giving it the distinction of being one of the best-selling video game series in history.[183] Guinness World Records awarded the Pokémon series eight records in Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008, including "Most Successful RPG Series of All Time", "Game Series With the Most Spin-Off Movies" and "Most Photosensitive Epileptic Seizures Caused by a TV Show".[184] As of March 2025, the series has sold over 489 million units.[9]

The Pokémon video game series is the basis of the Pokémon franchise, which includes the Pokémon anime, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Pokémon manga, and various toys. The anime series has run for over 900 episodes, accompanied by 19 feature films, with a twentieth in production. The trading card game and its expansion sets have grown to around 3,000 unique cards in total, and continue to draw a healthy player base to its official international tournaments. The extent of global toy and merchandise sales since 1996 cover broad markets and high quantities.[185]

IGN ranked Pokémon as the 17th greatest desired game series: "the basic gameplay premise boasts solid, addictive play mechanics, and several of the handheld RPGs deserve to be in every gamer's collection.[186] GamesRadar listed Pokémon as the No. 1 Nintendo game "not made by Nintendo", stating that having to catch each Pokémon made the games addictive.[187]

See also

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Notes

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Pokémon (video game series)

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from Grokipedia
The Pokémon video game series is a long-running Japanese role-playing game franchise created by and developed primarily by , with publishing handled by and The Pokémon Company. Centered on fictional creatures called Pokémon, the core gameplay involves players acting as Trainers who capture wild Pokémon using Poké Balls, train them to evolve and grow stronger, and engage in strategic turn-based battles against other Trainers or wild Pokémon across diverse regions modeled after real-world locales. The series emphasizes exploration, collection, and competition, with 1,025 distinct Pokémon species introduced across its titles as of November 2025. Launched on February 27, 1996, in with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green for the Game Boy, the series was inspired by Tajiri's childhood hobby of and aimed to encourage trading and social interaction via the console's link cable feature. It expanded internationally on September 28, 1998, with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue in , quickly becoming a global phenomenon and spawning a empire including anime, trading cards, and merchandise. has led development of the mainline entries, while spin-off titles have involved additional studios under The Pokémon Company's oversight; as of March 2025, the franchise has shipped over 489 million units worldwide, making it one of the best-selling series ever. The core series consists of numbered generations, each introducing new Pokémon, regions, and mechanics, such as Mega Evolution in Generation VI (Pokémon X and Y, 2013) and open-world exploration in Generation IX (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, 2022). Players typically progress by challenging Gym Leaders, collecting badges, and ultimately competing in the Pokémon League, with features like Pokémon trading and battles fostering multiplayer engagement. Spin-offs diversify the formula, including augmented reality titles like Pokémon GO (2016, over 1 billion downloads) and action-oriented games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A (released October 16, 2025, for Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2). Available primarily on Nintendo handheld and home consoles, with some mobile releases, the series continues to evolve, with its ninth generation marking a shift toward expansive, non-linear adventures.

Gameplay

Core Mechanics

The core gameplay loop of the Pokémon video game series centers on players embarking on journeys through expansive fictional regions, where they encounter wild Pokémon in various environments such as grass, water, or caves, and attempt to capture them to assemble a team. Capturing involves weakening the wild Pokémon in battle and then throwing a Poké Ball to contain it, with success depending on factors like the target's and status conditions; once caught, Pokémon join the player's party, limited to a maximum of six at any time for active use. This team-building process encourages strategic selection based on Pokémon types, strengths, and roles, allowing players to explore diverse ecosystems while progressively strengthening their collection. Training forms a key pillar of progression, where captured Pokémon gain experience points (EXP) primarily through participating in turn-based battles against wild Pokémon or those owned by trainers, leading to level-ups that improve stats like attack power and hit points. As Pokémon level up, they learn new moves either automatically or through items such as Technical Machines (TMs) to teach moves, which are single-use in some generations and reusable in others, and Hidden Machines (HMs) in earlier generations for field navigation abilities like surfing or rock smashing; additionally, many species evolve into more powerful forms upon reaching specific level thresholds, using evolutionary stones like the Fire Stone, or trading with another compatible Pokémon. These foster long-term investment in individual Pokémon, transforming initial captures into versatile combatants capable of tackling increasingly difficult challenges. Exploration unfolds across overhead-view overworld maps segmented into linear routes connecting towns and cities, which serve as hubs for at Pokémon Centers, trading, and receiving quests from non-player characters; while earlier generations feature segmented linear routes, Generation IX offers open-world exploration. A central objective is to challenge and defeat Gym Leaders at eight specialized scattered throughout the region, earning badges that symbolize mastery over Pokémon types and grant permissions like commanding higher-level traded Pokémon; collecting all eight badges unlocks access to the Pokémon League, where players battle an Elite Four quartet and the reigning in a climactic . Battles represent the primary interaction method for both capturing wild Pokémon and the team. Each core series installment introduces a new region modeled after real-world locales to provide fresh exploration contexts, such as the inaugural Kanto region, which draws inspiration from Japan's Kantō area encompassing and surrounding prefectures. This geographical basing influences local , , and cultural elements, like urban centers mirroring real metropolises or rural paths evoking natural landscapes from the developers' hometowns.

Battle System

The battle system in the Pokémon main series games is fundamentally turn-based, where players and opponents alternate selecting actions for their Pokémon during combat encounters. Each turn, a player can choose to have their Pokémon attack with a move, switch to another Pokémon on their team, or use an item, while the opponent does the same; the order of actions is primarily determined by each Pokémon's Speed stat, with higher Speed allowing a Pokémon to act first, though certain priority moves can override this. This structure emphasizes strategic decision-making, as players must anticipate opponent moves and manage resources like Pokémon and move usage to outlast the foe in battles against wild Pokémon or Trainers. Moves form the core of offensive and supportive actions in battles, categorized into physical, special, and status types, each governed by specific stats and mechanics. Physical moves deal damage based on the user's Attack stat and the target's Defense stat, while special moves rely on Special Attack and Special Defense; status moves, by contrast, do not inflict direct but can induce conditions like (which reduces Speed—by 75% in earlier generations and 50% in later ones—and causes a 25% chance of being unable to move each turn) or (preventing action for 1-3 turns). Every move has associated attributes including power (a base damage value), accuracy (a percentage chance to hit, modified by user and target evasion), and PP (Power Points), which limit usage to 5-40 times per move before depletion forces the fallback to Struggle, a weak Normal-type move that damages the user; PP can be restored at Pokémon Centers or via items like PP Up for permanent increases. The type system adds layers of tactical depth, with 18 distinct types as of the ninth generation (Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, and Fairy), where a move's effectiveness against a target's type determines damage multipliers: super effective (2× damage, e.g., Water moves against Fire types), not very effective (0.5× damage), or no effect (0×, immunities like Ground moves against Flying types). Pokémon themselves have one or two types that influence their vulnerabilities and resistances, shaping team composition strategies. Complementing this are Pokémon-specific abilities, passive effects that activate under certain conditions—such as Levitate, which grants immunity to all Ground-type moves by simulating a Flying-type trait—and held items that modify battle dynamics, like Choice Band, which increases the holder's Attack by 50% but locks them into using only one move until switched out. In Generation IX, Terastallization was introduced, enabling Pokémon to change to a Tera Type during battle, altering their type matchups and boosting the power of moves matching that type. Battle formats have evolved across generations to introduce variety beyond the default single battles, where one Pokémon per side fights at a time, a format present since the series' debut. Double battles, allowing two Pokémon per side to act simultaneously and enabling moves that target allies or multiple foes, were first introduced in the third generation with Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, expanding tactical options like coordinated attacks. Later, the fifth generation in Pokémon Black and White added triple battles, where three Pokémon per side participate, with attacks selectable for center, left, or right positions to heighten complexity in positioning and synergy. These formats appear in specific Trainer encounters and competitive play, encouraging diverse strategies while maintaining the core turn-based framework.

Recurring Elements

The Pokémon video game series features a consistent : a customizable young trainer, typically beginning their journey at age 10 or 11 from a small hometown, who sets out to collect badges, challenge the Pokémon League, and ultimately become a . This character embodies themes of growth, exploration, and friendship with Pokémon, often starting with a rival who mirrors their ambitions and provides ongoing competition. Rivals, such as from the first generation or Barry from the fourth, are usually childhood friends or peers from the same town who receive a starter Pokémon shortly after the protagonist and evolve in strength alongside them, culminating in pivotal battles that highlight the player's progress. Central to the narrative across generations are antagonistic organizations that serve as primary threats to the region's harmony, often exploiting Pokémon for nefarious ends. Examples include , a focused on stealing rare Pokémon for profit and conducting unethical experiments, and environmental extremist groups like Team Aqua and Team Magma, whose conflicting goals of expanding the sea or land could devastate ecosystems. These teams, led by charismatic yet villainous figures, orchestrate plots that the must thwart, integrating conflict into the journey while underscoring themes of protection and ethical training. Recurring world-building elements include key locations that facilitate the trainer's adventure and provide narrative anchors. Pokémon Centers, staffed by helpful nurses, offer free healing and rest for Pokémon, symbolizing safe havens throughout the regions. Poké Marts function as essential shops selling items like Poké Balls, Potions, and Repels, enabling progression and customization of the team. Gyms, each led by a type-specialist leader such as Brock for Rock-types or Misty for Water-types, serve as milestones where trainers earn badges through battles, testing expertise and advancing the plot toward the Pokémon League summit. Regional professors act as mentors and lore providers, typically eccentric experts who gift the protagonist their first starter Pokémon—such as , Charmander, or from Professor in Kanto—and entrust them with a Pokédex, a device for cataloging and studying Pokémon species. Figures like Professor Elm in Johto or Professor Rowan in Sinnoh continue this tradition, offering guidance on evolutions, habitats, and research that ties into the overarching story of discovery. Legendary and Mythical Pokémon form the mythological backbone of each region's lore, appearing as rare, immensely powerful beings central to climactic events and ancient tales. Mewtwo, for instance, is a genetically engineered clone of the Mythical Pokémon Mew, created through human experiments that amplified its psychic abilities to extraordinary levels. Arceus, revered as the creator deity in Sinnoh mythology, is said to have emerged from an egg before the universe existed and shaped the world itself, influencing the creation of other Legendaries like Dialga and Palkia. These creatures often drive the plot, such as through antagonistic teams' attempts to harness their power, reinforcing the series' emphasis on balance, destiny, and the profound bond between humans and Pokémon.

Development

Origins (Pre-1996)

The Pokémon video game series originated from the childhood experiences of its creator, , who grew up in rural , where he passionately collected in rice paddies, rivers, and forests, earning the nickname "Dr. Bug." Tajiri described how discovering new felt mysterious and fascinating due to their odd movements, but in the 1970s and 1980s reduced natural habitats, making such collections rarer and inspiring him to recreate that joy of exploration and trading in a digital format. This hobby directly influenced the core mechanic of capturing and trading creatures, transforming his personal nostalgia into a game concept aimed at reconnecting children with nature. In 1989, Tajiri, along with artist , formally founded as a company, evolving it from Tajiri's earlier self-published of the same name that reviewed arcade games. The studio's debut title was the action-puzzle game Quinty (released internationally as ), which introduced early ideas of character manipulation and strategic interaction that later informed Pokémon's foundational concepts during its development phase. Game Freak's Pokémon project began as a pitch in 1989 under the working title Capsule Monsters, presented to Nintendo executive , emphasizing the Game Boy's link cable for creature trading to foster multiplayer connectivity. , another key Nintendo figure, championed the idea by suggesting dual versions ( and ) to encourage trading and supported expanding the game's memory to accommodate more creatures, while Creatures Inc., founded in 1995 by Tsunekazu Ishihara, contributed to monster design and overall production for the inaugural titles. The design philosophy centered on accessibility and variety, with serving as art director and illustrating the initial monsters—starting with concepts like Rhydon and Nidoking—before collaborating with a team to finalize the original 151 Pokémon species in a cartoonish, kaiju-inspired style to appeal to children. Due to conflicts, the name shifted from Capsule Monsters to Pocket Monsters (shortened to Pokémon internationally), reflecting the portable nature of the Game Boy format. Development faced significant hurdles, spanning seven years from conception to 1996 release, with the project nearly stalling multiple times due to Game Freak's limited budget and resources following modest successes like Quinty. Nintendo's investment ultimately revived it, enabling key features such as the Game Boy's battery-backed save system to preserve player progress in a portable RPG without relying on external storage.

1996–2001: First and Second Generations

The first generation of Pokémon games, consisting of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green, was released in on February 27, 1996, for the , marking the official launch of the series after years of development by . These titles introduced 151 Pokémon species, an electronic Pokédex system for cataloging captured creatures, and core gameplay centered on challenging eight Gym Leaders across the Kanto region to earn badges, culminating in battles against the Elite Four. Trading and battling between compatible units via a link cable were integral features, enabling players to complete their Pokédex by exchanging Pokémon unavailable in a single version and to compete in multiplayer modes, which fostered social interaction and collection completion. An enhanced version, Pokémon Blue, followed in on October 15, 1996, incorporating refined graphics and reordered wild Pokémon encounters for easier access to certain species, while retaining the core structure of its predecessors. International releases began with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue (replacing Green outside ) on September 28, 1998, in , delayed due to localization efforts including translation and cultural adaptations. Pokémon Yellow, a inspired by the Pokémon and featuring as the starter, launched in on September 12, 1998, and internationally on October 19, 1998, in , introducing minor story tweaks like following the anime's companion dynamics and enhanced animations. Key contributors included composer and programmer , who handled sound design and coding for the Game Boy's limitations, alongside director and artist , whose work established the series' visual and auditory identity. The second generation expanded the franchise with Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver, released in Japan on November 21, 1999, for the Game Boy Color, adding 100 new Pokémon species for a total of 251 and introducing the Johto region as a fresh setting with an additional revisit to Kanto in post-game content. Innovations included a day-night cycle affecting Pokémon availability and encounters, breeding mechanics at the Day Care for producing eggs and inheriting moves, and backward compatibility allowing trades with first-generation games to transfer Pokémon and access enhanced stats like Attack and Defense splits from the original combined categories. These features deepened strategic elements, such as rival progression mirroring the player's journey and shiny Pokémon variants for rare encounters, while the dual-region structure doubled exploration opportunities. International releases occurred on October 15, 2000, in , again following Japan-first strategy to refine translations. Pokémon Crystal, the enhanced third version of , debuted in on December 14, 2000, and in on July 29, 2001, leveraging capabilities for colorized sprites, animated Pokémon sprites in battle, and new story elements like a female protagonist option and Suicune-focused events. continued as composer and programmer, addressing hardware challenges by optimizing for both monochrome and Color compatibility to broaden accessibility. The period's releases solidified the series' foundation, emphasizing collection, competition, and regional progression as enduring pillars.

2002–2005: Third Generation

The third generation of the Pokémon video game series marked a significant transition to the Game Boy Advance hardware, introducing enhanced graphics, expanded gameplay mechanics, and a new fictional region inspired by Japan's island. Directed by at , development of the core titles and began with a small team of about 10 members, which grew to around 30 as the project demanded more resources to leverage the console's 32-bit capabilities. Released in Japan on November 21, 2002, and internationally in 2003, these games aimed to reinvigorate the franchise amid perceptions that its popularity was waning after , with Masuda viewing the skepticism as a challenge to prove the series' enduring appeal. The development process was particularly stressful for Masuda, who experienced health issues due to the pressure of creating a "fresh" experience while addressing balance issues from prior entries, such as overly simplistic trainer battles. Ruby and Sapphire introduced 135 new Pokémon species, bringing the total to 386, with designs emphasizing regional and cooperation themes reflective of Kyushu's vibrant ecosystems. Key innovations included abilities, passive traits that alter Pokémon behavior in battle, such as to avoid ground-type moves; natures, which subtly modify individual stat growth to add to ; and double battles, allowing two-on-two confrontations that encouraged new tactics like ally support moves. The games also featured Pokémon contests, mini-games where players showcased their creatures' appeal in categories like or coolness, expanding interactions beyond . The Hoenn region's was designed to be more non-linear than previous areas, promoting exploration through secret bases—customizable player hideouts—and a larger with diverse biomes, all while incorporating held items and effort value (EV) systems refined from earlier generations for more nuanced training. To maintain type balance, older Pokémon were selectively included rather than a full reboot, ensuring viability across the expanded Pokédex. These titles capitalized on the growing Pokémon phenomenon, syncing with the anime's Advanced series and adaptations to boost multimedia . Building on and , Pokémon served as an enhanced version, released in on September 16, 2004, and internationally in 2005, under Masuda's continued direction. It incorporated both Team Aqua and Team Magma as antagonists in a unified story, added the Battle Frontier—a post-game facility with challenging facilities inspired by competitive play—and expanded multiplayer options, including four-player link battles that highlighted double battle mechanics. Emerald retained the core innovations of its predecessors while introducing Rayquaza as a central legendary Pokémon, emphasizing environmental themes tied to Hoenn's lore. In 2004, released Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen as faithful remakes of the original first-generation games, updating the Kanto region for with modern features like running shoes for faster movement and wireless trading via a new adapter. Developed concurrently with Emerald to bridge generations, these titles under Masuda's oversight focused on simplicity and accessibility, integrating third-generation mechanics such as abilities, natures, and double battles into the classic storyline while expanding areas like the Sevii Islands for additional quests. Released in on January 29, 2004, and internationally later that year, they allowed cross-generation trading with Hoenn games, facilitating Pokémon transfers and reinforcing the series' cumulative ecosystem. The remakes addressed second-generation critiques by strengthening Gym Leaders and the Elite Four for better progression balance, contributing to the franchise's sustained momentum through nostalgic appeal and tie-ins with ongoing media.

2006–2009: Fourth Generation

The fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series, developed by for the , represented a pivotal in the franchise's technical capabilities, transitioning from 2D sprite-based graphics to 3D environments while integrating the handheld's dual-screen and touch features. Pokémon and Pokémon Pearl, the core titles of this era, were first released in on September 28, 2006, followed by on April 22, 2007, on July 27, 2007, and on June 21, 2007. These games introduced 107 new Pokémon species, expanding the Pokédex to a total of 493, including evolutionary lines for existing Pokémon like Electabuzz and Magmar. Building on the stat systems established in prior generations, and Pearl implemented a crucial overhaul to the battle mechanics: the physical/special split, which classified moves as physical or special based on their individual properties rather than their type, allowing for greater strategic variety in team composition and move selection. A landmark addition was the integration of online connectivity through , enabling players to trade Pokémon and participate in battles with others worldwide for the first time in the main series, fostering a global community aspect previously limited to local wireless or cable links. The games also leveraged the DS hardware innovatively; the touch screen facilitated intuitive interactions, such as selecting moves in battles or navigating the Pokétch—a customizable wristwatch app displaying utilities like a clock, , and Pokémon data. Another key feature was the Sinnoh Underground, a multiplayer mini-game where players could mine for treasures, build secret bases, and exchange items via local wireless, adding a social and exploratory layer to the traditional RPG structure. Development challenges for included adapting to the DS's dual screens, which were underutilized in early prototypes but ultimately enhanced gameplay through bottom-screen touch controls, while the shift to 3D backgrounds required balancing performance on the portable hardware without fully modeling Pokémon in 3D—retaining 2D sprites for creatures to maintain visual clarity. Pokémon Platinum, released in Japan on September 13, 2008, and on March 22, 2009, served as an enhanced version of and Pearl, incorporating post-game content from Japan-exclusive events and introducing the Distortion World—a gravity-defying, dimensionally altered area serving as the lair for the Legendary Pokémon Giratina, which emphasized puzzle-solving over traditional navigation. This title refined online features with the Plaza, a virtual hub supporting up to 20 players in mini-games, and the Global Terminal for improved trading and battle recording, further solidifying the era's focus on connectivity. Capping the fourth generation, Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver, remakes of the second-generation Gold and Silver, launched in Japan on September 12, 2009, with international releases in 2010, coinciding with the 10th anniversary of those originals. These titles expanded the Johto and Kanto regions with updated visuals, including 3D environments, and reintroduced the follow-Pokémon feature, allowing the player's lead Pokémon to visibly trail behind them on the overworld map for added immersion. Bundled with each copy was the Pokéwalker, a accessory that synced with the DS game; players could transfer a Pokémon to the device, which tracked real-world steps to gain experience points, find items, or encounter wild Pokémon, blending with virtual progression in a novel way. The remakes also enhanced antagonistic elements, such as Team Rocket's eco-themed operations disrupting natural balances, while maintaining core battle innovations from and Pearl.

2010–2012: Fifth Generation

The fifth generation of Pokémon games marked a significant in the series, introducing the and emphasizing a fresh narrative focused on coexistence between humans and Pokémon. Developed by for the , Pokémon were released in on September 18, 2010, followed by international launches in on March 4, 2011, on March 6, 2011, and on March 10, 2011. These titles introduced 156 entirely new Pokémon species, increasing the total National Pokédex count to 649, with no previous-generation Pokémon available in the wild until the post-game content. This reset encouraged players to engage solely with the new roster during the main story, fostering a sense of discovery akin to the original games. The sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, arrived in Japan on June 23, 2012, and internationally in North America on October 7, 2012, Australia on October 11, 2012, and Europe on October 12, 2012, marking the first direct mid-generation sequels in the series that expanded on the original storyline two years later. Development began approximately four years prior to release, with director leading a team that grew from seven programmers to around 70 staff members, aiming to create a "completely new sequel" distinct from prior entries like . The core theme revolved around the duality of "truth" and "ideals," embodied in the legendary Pokémon Reshiram (truth) and Zekrom (ideals), which explored philosophical questions about Pokémon's role in society and human progress, prompting players to reflect on the series' foundational concepts. During prototyping, the team designed 400 to 500 new Pokémon before selecting the final 156, prioritizing originality without evolutionary ties to existing species. Battle sprites were enlarged and fully animated for all Pokémon, enhancing visual expressiveness in combat and menus compared to the static or limited animations of previous generations. New battle formats, including triple battles (three Pokémon per side active simultaneously) and rotation battles (three Pokémon with one active at a time, rotatable via touch controls), added strategic depth, building briefly on online features from the fourth generation. Innovations in Black and White included a dynamic seasons system, where real-time calendar months cycled through spring, summer, autumn, and winter, altering wild encounters (e.g., seasonal forms for Deerling) and environmental visuals without manual changes. The games featured enhanced camera perspectives in battles and key events, providing more cinematic angles to highlight actions like legendary Pokémon summons. Pokémon Musicals, mini-games held in Nimbasa City's theater, allowed players to dress up and perform with their Pokémon using props and audience interactions, reminiscent of contests but with theatrical flair. These elements also bridged to through tie-ins, such as the films Pokémon the Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram, which adapted the games' legendaries and themes for broader media synergy. In Black 2 and White 2, the Unova Pokédex expanded to include select pre-fifth-generation Pokémon from the start, blending nostalgia with new content while retaining core mechanics. The fifth generation concluded the DS era amid rumors of Nintendo's transition to the 3DS handheld, yet achieved strong commercial performance. Black and White combined sold 15.64 million units worldwide as of March 2021, while their sequels reached 8.52 million units, underscoring sustained popularity despite the platform shift. These releases refreshed the series' storytelling and variety, setting a precedent for thematic depth in subsequent generations.

2013–2015: Sixth Generation

The sixth generation of Pokémon games marked a pivotal shift to fully three-dimensional environments and models, introducing players to the Kalos region inspired by northern . Developed by for the , Pokémon X and Pokémon Y were released simultaneously worldwide on October 12, 2013, the first main series titles to launch globally on the same day to enhance international connectivity through features like the Player Search System for battles and trades. These games added 72 new Pokémon species, bringing the total National Pokédex count to 721, and incorporated the type as the first new type since Generation II, designed to counter Dragon-type dominance while retyping existing Pokémon like Clefairy for balance. A major innovation was Mega Evolution, a temporary transformation activated during battle using Mega Stones and a Trainer's Key Stone, allowing compatible Pokémon to gain enhanced stats, new abilities, or type changes for strategic depth without permanent alteration. This mechanic built on prior generations' evolution systems but emphasized short-term power-ups, with examples like Mega X shifting to Dragon/Fire typing. Additional features included Super Training, a mini-game system to simplify Effort Value (EV) training inherited from earlier games, enabling players to boost specific stats through interactive regimens visualized on the touch screen. Character customization expanded with options for outfits and hairstyles in boutiques, while partial Pokémon riding—such as soaring on select species like the Legendary Yveltal—added exploration flair, and PR Video sharing allowed creation and exchange of animated clips featuring Pokémon performances. In 2014, released Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire as enhanced remakes of the third-generation , set in the Hoenn region and also for on November 21 worldwide. These titles integrated sixth-generation mechanics like Mega Evolution—introducing new forms such as Mega Rayquaza—and the type, while expanding on Hoenn's lore through the Delta Episode, a post-game storyline involving space-time distortions and Legendary Pokémon. Innovations carried over from X and Y included Super Training and Pokémon-Amie for bonding mini-games, alongside new elements like Contest Spectaculars for performance-based competitions and the ability to fly across Hoenn on Latios or Latias to access Mirage Spots containing rare Pokémon. The remakes tied into the generation's connectivity via Pokémon Bank, a service launched in 2014 that allowed transfers of Pokémon from previous generations' games, including from the original Hoenn titles via Poké Transporter, facilitating a unified Pokédex across eras. Game Freak's development of this generation represented their first fully realized 3D Pokémon titles, a challenging transition from 2D sprites that required rethinking designs for depth and , such as distinguishing subtle features like tails from horns in 3D models. The team, led by director , invested equal effort across all Pokémon to honor player favorites, with the Kalos region's elegant, culturally blended aesthetic reflecting themes of global unity. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire further refined 3D visuals in remakes, updating Hoenn's for smoother navigation while preserving core progression from the originals. These advancements were complemented by tie-ins like Pokémon Bank, ensuring and long-term engagement. The releases aligned with growing anticipation for the franchise's 20th anniversary in , with Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire serving as a bridge through expanded content and merchandise promotions leading into celebratory events. Commercially, the sixth generation performed strongly, particularly in where X and Y achieved over 1.5 million units sold by late , driven by the 3DS's popularity and simultaneous launches that boosted regional accessibility and sales.

2016–2018: Seventh Generation

The seventh generation of the Pokémon video game series shifted the setting to the tropical Alola region, modeled after , in Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon, which were developed by for the and released worldwide on November 18, 2016. Directed by and produced by , these titles introduced 88 new Pokémon species, increasing the total National Pokédex count to 809, including regional variants such as Alolan forms of existing Pokémon like Alolan and Alolan Marowak, which feature altered types, appearances, and abilities adapted to Alola's environment. A key innovation was the replacement of traditional Gym challenges with island trials, where players complete tasks guided by trial captains to earn Z-Crystals, enabling powerful Z-Moves—single-use burst attacks that amplify a Pokémon's signature move, such as Pikachu's Z-Move Gigavolt Havoc. These games marked the first simultaneous global release in the series, allowing direct English naming and localization from launch, which streamlined international access. Building on this foundation, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon served as enhanced versions released on November 17, 2017, also for the , expanding the narrative with interdimensional elements like Ultra Space and additional Ultra Beasts, extradimensional Pokémon such as UB Burst and UB Assembly. Retaining core mechanics like Z-Moves and regional forms while introducing new story paths and over 400 discoverable Pokémon—including species absent from the base games—these titles allowed for a second Z-Move per battle via the Z-Power Ring upgrade and featured expanded post-game content like the Battle Tree, a competitive facility for high-level challenges. Innovations from the base games, such as Poké Ride—where players mount rideable Pokémon like Tauros for traversal or Stoutland for item detection—were refined, alongside hints of open-area exploration in areas like the expansive Poni Island, foreshadowing less linear designs in future entries. Transitioning to the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! launched on November 16, 2018, as a of the first-generation games inspired by Pokémon Yellow, directed by to bridge core series fans with the mobile phenomenon Pokémon GO. These titles simplified mechanics by removing Abilities and held items, emphasizing motion controls for throwing Poké Balls and real-time catching outside battles, while integrating GO Park—a facility in Fuchsia City for transferring caught Pokémon from GO to the game, fostering mobile-desktop synergy that boosted both franchises' popularity post-GO's 2016 release. Exclusive to this pair, partner Pokémon like or gain unique moves, such as Pikachu's Pika Papow, and the games introduced Mythical Pokémon Meltan and Melmetal through GO connectivity, completing the seventh generation's Pokédex additions.

2019–2022: Eighth Generation

The eighth generation of Pokémon games marked a transition to the console, beginning with , which were developed by and released worldwide on November 15, 2019. These titles introduced the Galar region, inspired by the , with its landscapes drawing from areas like the and incorporating themes of strength tied to British folklore of giants and dragons. The games added 81 new Pokémon species, bringing the total National Pokédex count to 890, and featured innovations such as improved Pokédex filtering for easier species tracking and customizable clothing options for the player character. Central to Sword and Shield's battle system were Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, allowing Pokémon to temporarily grow to enormous sizes during battles, granting enhanced stats and access to powerful Max Moves, with Gigantamax forms providing unique appearances and exclusive G-Max Moves for certain species. The games also debuted the Wild Area, a vast open-world zone enabling seamless Pokémon encounters and exploration without loading screens, alongside Max Raid Battles, cooperative multiplayer events where up to four players team up against a Dynamax Pokémon in dens scattered throughout the area. Development faced significant backlash over the decision to exclude a full National Pokédex, limiting transfers from previous generations via to only compatible species, a choice justified by the developers as necessary for balancing animations and game scope but criticized for fragmenting the series' collection focus. In June 2020, Sword and Shield received the series' first paid through the Expansion Pass, comprising The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. The Isle of Armor, released on June 17, 2020, expanded the world with a new island for training and introduced additional Pokémon, including Galarian Slowpoke evolutions, while The Crown Tundra, launched on October 23, 2020, added a snowy frontier area focused on legendary Pokémon hunts and Dynamax adventures, effectively restoring some National Dex functionality through post-game content. Later in the generation, ILCA developed Pokémon Brilliant and Shining Pearl, faithful remakes of the 2006 titles, released on November 19, 2021, with chibi-style visuals and modern conveniences like expanded Super Contests while retaining the original's core structure and Sinnoh region's layout. The generation concluded with Pokémon Legends: Arceus, developed by and released on January 28, 2022, after delays attributed to the , introducing an action role-playing format set in the ancient Hisui region—a precursor to Sinnoh—where players conduct surveys for the Galaxy Team using real-time catching mechanics that allow throwing Poké Balls without initiating traditional battles.

2022–present: Ninth Generation

The ninth generation of the Pokémon video game series commenced with the release of on November 18, 2022, for the . Developed by in collaboration with Creatures Inc. and , these titles marked the developer's largest production team to date, with approximately 200 core staff members contributing to the project. Set in the Paldea region—inspired by the —the games introduced over 120 new Pokémon species, bringing the total number of known Pokémon to 1,025. The core gameplay emphasized a fully open-world exploration structure, allowing players to traverse diverse biomes such as mountains, deserts, and lakes without adhering to linear progression paths, a departure from previous generations' more guided narratives. Central innovations included the Terastal phenomenon, a battle enabling Pokémon to temporarily alter their type via Tera Jewels, resulting in a crystalline, gemstone-like appearance and enhanced same-type attack bonuses. This feature, exclusive to Paldea, added strategic depth to combat while integrating with environmental elements like Tera crystals scattered across the region. The story unfolds across three interconnected paths—Victory Road (gym challenges), Path of Legends (titan hunts), and Starfall Street (Team Star confrontations)—centered around life at the Naranja Academy (in Scarlet) or Uva Academy (in Violet), where players enroll as students. Additional mechanics fostered creativity and cooperation, such as picnic-based sandwich-making to influence wild Pokémon encounters and shiny appearances, and seamless multiplayer co-op for up to four players to explore, battle, and trade together via the Poké Portal. Pokémon from previous generations could be transferred using , maintaining continuity. Upon launch, Scarlet and Violet faced notable performance challenges, including inconsistent frame rates dipping below 30 FPS, visual pop-in, and clipping issues in the expansive , which publicly acknowledged in a rare apology. The company committed to iterative improvements, with patches like version 1.3.0 in April 2023 enhancing stability, camera responsiveness, and online functionality, though some technical limitations persisted due to the hardware. The games' Expansion Pass, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, extended the experience with two main parts and an : The Teal Mask (released September 13, 2023) explored the Kitakami region with new Pokémon like Ogerpon and festival events; The Indigo Disk (December 14, 2023) delved into the Blueberry Academy's for aquatic and legendary encounters; and the free , Mochi Mayhem (January 11, 2024), reunited protagonists in Kitakami to resolve lingering story threads and introduce Pecharunt. These additions emphasized themes of friendship and while expanding accessibility options, such as adjustable text sizes and color-blind modes. In 2024, announced Pokémon Legends: Z-A during a Pokémon Presents broadcast on February 27, expanding the ninth generation with a release on October 16, 2025, for and Switch 2 systems. This spin-off revisits the Kalos region, focusing on Lumiose City's redevelopment into a harmonious urban space for humans and Pokémon, blending action-RPG elements with real-time battles. Key features include the return of Mega Evolutions, allowing select Pokémon to dynamically transform mid-combat, and mechanics centered on rebuilding infrastructure amid a of coexistence. The game incorporates first-partner Pokémon from past generations (Chikorita, Tepig, Totodile) and supports post-launch DLC, such as the Mega Dimension expansion arriving December 10, 2025, which introduces level progression beyond 100 and additional story content. These developments underscore ongoing efforts toward inclusivity, with diverse character representations and enhanced controller remapping for broader player accessibility.

Games

Main Series Releases

The main series of Pokémon games, also referred to as the core series, encompasses the primary titles that advance the franchise's central narrative through new regions, , and gameplay innovations, distinguishing them from spin-off experiences. Developed exclusively by in collaboration with Creatures Inc. and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company International, these games typically release in paired versions to encourage trading and exploration of complementary content, with enhanced editions, remakes, and the Legends sub-series expanding the Pokédex and lore while maintaining mainline status. Collectively, the main series has shipped over 489 million units worldwide as of March 2025, with additional sales from recent titles, underscoring its commercial dominance. Platforms have evolved from the original to modern hybrids, reflecting advancements in portability and graphics. Generation I (1996–1998)
The inaugural generation launched with Pokémon Red and Green on February 27, 1996, exclusively in for the Game Boy, introducing 151 Pokémon, the Kanto region, and starter choices of , Charmander, or . Pokémon Blue followed on October 15, 1996, in as a refined version with updated graphics. International releases of Red and Blue arrived on September 28, 1998, in , and October 5, 1999, in . The enhanced Pokémon Yellow, released September 12, 1998, in , October 19, 1999, in , and June 16, 2000, in , incorporated anime-inspired elements like a starter and followed its journey across Kanto. These titles established core mechanics like capturing and battling over 150 species, selling more than 31 million combined units. Generation II (1999–2000)
* debuted November 21, 1999, in and October 15, 2000, internationally on the Game Boy Color, adding 100 new Pokémon to reach 251 total, the Johto region, and starters Chikorita, Cyndaquil, or Totodile, while allowing travel back to Kanto. The improved * launched December 14, 2000, in and July 29, 2001, elsewhere, featuring gender selection for trainers and additional story events. These games introduced day-night cycles and breeding, with combined sales exceeding 23 million units. Generation III (2002–2004)
* released November 21, 2002, in and March 19, 2003, internationally on the Game Boy Advance, unveiling Generation III's 135 Pokémon for a total of 386, the Hoenn region, and starters Treecko, Torchic, or Mudkip, emphasizing double battles and natures affecting stats. Remakes * of the first generation followed on January 29, 2004, in and July 26, 2004, worldwide, updating Kanto with modern features. *, the enhanced Hoenn title, arrived September 16, 2004, in and May 1, 2005, elsewhere, adding the Battle Frontier. The generation's titles sold over 30 million units collectively. Generation IV (2006–2009)
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl launched September 28, 2006, in Japan and April 22, 2007, internationally on the Nintendo DS, introducing 107 new Pokémon to total 493, the Sinnoh region, and starters Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup, with online trading via Wi-Fi. Pokémon Platinum enhanced it on September 13, 2008, in Japan and March 22, 2009, worldwide, expanding the Distortion World. Remakes Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver of Generation II released September 12, 2009, in Japan and March 14, 2010, elsewhere, reviving Johto with the Pokéwalker accessory. Physical controls and 3D models debuted here, with sales surpassing 25 million units. Generation V (2010–2012)
* were released September 18, 2010, in , and March 4–10, 2011, internationally, on the , debuting all 156 new Pokémon (total 649) in the Unova region with starters Snivy, Tepig, or Oshawott, focusing on a fresh Pokédex without prior generations until post-game. Sequels Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 followed June 23, 2012, in and October 19, 2012, internationally, expanding Unova's story two years later. Triple battles and rotation battles were added, achieving over 18 million units sold. Generation VI (2013–2014)
* released October 12, 2013, worldwide on the , introducing 72 new Pokémon (total 721), the Kalos region, and starters Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie, with full 3D environments and Mega Evolutions. Remakes Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire of Generation III launched November 21, 2014, globally, revisiting Hoenn with soaring mechanics. Fairy type and character customization marked this era, with combined sales over 20 million units. Generation VII (2016–2017)
* debuted November 18, 2016, worldwide on the , adding 88 new Pokémon (total 809), the Alola region as the first with islands instead of gyms, and starters Rowlet, Litten, or Popplio, shifting to a linear story with trials and Z-Moves. Enhanced Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon followed November 17, 2017, globally, introducing Ultra Beasts and wormholes. Regional forms and a fully voiced Pokédex contributed to over 25 million units sold. Generation VIII (2019–2022)
Pokémon Sword and Shield launched November 15, 2019, worldwide on the Nintendo Switch, debuting 81 new Pokémon (total 890), the Galar region, and starters Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble, featuring Dynamax battles and Wild Areas for open-world catching. Remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl released November 19, 2021, globally, updating Sinnoh faithfully. Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the first Legends entry, arrived January 28, 2022, worldwide, as an action-RPG prequel in ancient Sinnoh with real-time catching and no wild battles, adding 7 new Pokémon (total 897). The generation sold more than 40 million units, with Sword and Shield alone at 26 million. Generation IX (2022–2025)
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet released November 18, 2022, worldwide on the Nintendo Switch, introducing 103 new Pokémon (total 1,000+ via DLC), the Paldea region, and starters Sprigatito, Fuecoco, or Quaxly, pioneering fully open-world exploration and Terastal phenomena. Pokémon Legends: Z-A, set in a modernizing Lumiose City (Kalos remake elements), launched October 16, 2025, globally on Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, blending action-RPG with urban rebuilding and Mega Evolutions. It sold 5.8 million units worldwide in its first week. Open-world Terastal battles and co-op raids defined this era, with Scarlet and Violet selling over 27 million units to date.

Spin-off Titles

The spin-off titles in the Pokémon series diverge from the core RPG format by incorporating genres such as , roguelikes, action-adventure, and multiplayer arenas, often experimenting with unique capture and interaction mechanics while drawing from the shared Pokémon roster. These games have been produced by a range of developers beyond , including , Chunsoft, and , and released across consoles, handhelds, and mobile platforms to broaden the franchise's reach. They serve as creative extensions of the universe, sometimes tying into main series events like Pokémon GO's 2016 launch, which boosted overall brand engagement through exploration. Early spin-offs focused on home console experiences, with the Stadium series—developed by Creatures Inc.—debuting in 1998 with for the , allowing players to view and battle Pokémon in full 3D models imported from cartridges. The series continued with Pokémon Stadium 2 in 2000, adding mini-games and the Johto region's Pokémon, and extended to the with Pokémon Colosseum in 2003, introducing a story-driven mode involving shadow Pokémon purification, followed by Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness in 2005. These titles emphasized spectacle and strategy in battles without advancing the narrative. Photography-themed games represent another experimental branch, beginning with in 1999 for the , developed by , where players ride a rail vehicle through environments to photograph wild Pokémon for scoring based on pose and rarity. The concept was revived over two decades later with in 2021 for , also by , featuring expanded regions, night cycles, and research-focused photography to observe Pokémon behaviors in diverse ecosystems. The Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, launched in 2005 with for and by Chunsoft (now ), adopts a dungeon-crawler format where players control Pokémon in procedurally generated mazes, recruiting allies and completing rescue missions without human trainers. The series has seen multiple entries across generations, including Explorers of Time and Darkness (2007, DS), Gates to Infinity (2012, 3DS), and a of the originals as Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX in 2020 for Switch, emphasizing random encounters, risks, and story-driven team-building. Capture mechanics innovated in the Pokémon Ranger series, starting with in 2006 for by , utilizing the stylus to draw circles around Pokémon for real-time capturing via a "Capture Styler" device, enabling environmental puzzles and partner switches during missions. Sequels like : Shadows of Almia (2008, DS) and Guardian Signs (2010, DS) built on this with multiplayer co-op and time-travel elements, highlighting action-adventure gameplay in regional crises without traditional battling. Fighting game adaptations emerged with Pokkén Tournament in 2016 for Wii U and arcade (later as Pokkén Tournament DX in 2017 for Switch), developed by Bandai Namco Studios with Pokémon Company oversight, blending Pokémon battles with Tekken-style controls in arena-based 1v1 fights using field and battle phases for strategic phasing. This series introduced real-time combos and Pokémon-specific abilities, appealing to competitive players. Mobile spin-offs have proliferated since the mid-2010s, with Pokémon GO (2016, iOS/Android) by Niantic revolutionizing the franchise through GPS-based AR fieldwork, encouraging real-world exploration to catch, battle, and trade Pokémon at landmarks, achieving massive cultural impact with over a billion downloads. Puzzle and MOBA titles followed, including Pokémon Café Mix (later Pokémon Café ReMix) in 2020 for mobile by The Pokémon Company, a match-3 game where players link icons to serve Pokémon in a café setting, and Pokémon UNITE in 2021 for Switch and mobile by TiMi Studio Group, a free-to-play MOBA featuring 5v5 team battles with evolving Pokémon and objective captures. These digital entries leverage touch controls and online features for casual engagement. Other notable series include the Rumble line of action beat-'em-ups, starting with (2009, Wii) by Ambrella, where toy-like Pokémon battle in arenas, and the pinball games like Pokémon Pinball (1999, ) by Jupiter, simulating Poké Ball flipping through boards populated by Pokémon. These spin-offs collectively test franchise boundaries, fostering innovation while maintaining accessibility for fans.

Reception

Critical Response

The Pokémon video game series has received generally favorable critical reception since its debut, with aggregate scores on typically ranging from the mid-70s to high-80s across mainline entries, reflecting praise for its innovative creature-collection mechanics and strategic battles in early generations. The original Pokémon Red and Blue (1996) earned widespread acclaim for introducing a novel blend of and collecting in a portable format, with awarding it a perfect 10/10 score for its addictive gameplay loop and multiplayer trading features that encouraged social interaction. Subsequent generations built on this foundation, maintaining strong scores; for instance, (2013) achieved a Metacritic average of 87, lauded for transitioning the series to full 3D graphics and introducing Mega Evolutions that added fresh strategic depth to battles. Critics have consistently highlighted the series' core strengths, including the satisfaction of building diverse teams through capture and , as well as the depth of competitive battling systems that reward tactical planning. (2019) received an 80 on , with reviewers like (9.3/10) praising its streamlined Wild Area for open-ended exploration and the excitement of Dynamax battles, though it faced backlash over the controversial omission of a full National Pokédex, limiting transfers from older games and sparking debates on completeness. The spin-off (2016) garnered significant awards recognition, winning the BAFTA for of the Year in 2017 for its innovation that blended real-world movement with collection mechanics. Later entries have drawn more mixed responses, particularly regarding technical execution and narrative repetition. (2022) scored in the low 70s on (72 for Scarlet, 71 for Violet), with (6/10) criticizing persistent performance issues like frame rate drops, clipping, and pop-in that undermined the ambitious open-world structure, despite commendations for its freedom in exploration and story progression. Common critiques across the series include formulaic storytelling that prioritizes world-building over character depth, as noted in reviews of entries like Sun and (2016), and the reliance on paid DLC expansions—such as Sword and Shield's Isle of Armor (2020)—to deliver substantial post-launch content. Innovative spin-offs have helped refresh the formula, with Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) earning an 83 on Metacritic for its action-oriented departure from turn-based traditions, emphasizing real-time catching and seamless world traversal that critics hailed as a bold evolution. Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025) received an 82 on Metacritic, praised for its engaging real-time combat and worldbuilding in an urban Kalos setting, though some noted minor technical glitches similar to prior open-world entries. Overall, reviewers agree on the series' enduring appeal through its accessible yet deep gameplay, even as flaws like graphical inconsistencies and iterative design persist, positioning Pokémon as a resilient franchise that continues to captivate despite calls for greater ambition.

Commercial Success

The Pokémon video game series stands as one of the most commercially successful franchises in gaming history, with total shipments surpassing 489 million units worldwide as of March 2025. This figure encompasses both main series titles and spin-offs, reflecting sustained demand across generations and platforms. The main series alone accounts for the bulk of these sales, driven by core games that introduce new Pokémon and regions, while spin-offs like and stadium battle titles contribute supplementary revenue through diverse experiences. Individual titles have set benchmarks for the industry, particularly on Nintendo hardware. Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue remain the best-selling entries with over 31 million units shipped, a record held since their 1996–1998 releases. More recent releases continue this momentum: sold 26.96 million units as of September 2025, benefiting from being the first main series games on the , while achieved 27.61 million units by September 2025, marking them as the second-highest sellers overall. The ninth exemplifies ongoing growth, with Scarlet and Violet's sales combined with Pokémon Legends: Z-A's over 5.8 million units since its October 2025 release pushing generational totals beyond 33 million as of late 2025. breakdowns by generation highlight this progression—for instance, the first generation amassed around 47 million units collectively, while later generations like the eighth exceeded 60 million through core titles and spin-offs such as Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Top-Selling Pokémon GamesUnits Sold (millions)Release YearPlatform
Pokémon Red/Green/Blue31.051996–1998
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet27.612022
Pokémon Sword/Shield26.962019
Revenue extends beyond unit sales through diversified streams, including digital expansions and mobile integrations. The Expansion Pass for and , featuring DLC packs like The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, enhanced post-launch monetization and contributed to the titles' overall financial success, with the base games alone generating an estimated $1.6 billion. has been a standout, amassing over $8.8 billion in player spending by mid-2025, primarily from in-app purchases and events, underscoring the franchise's pivot to mobile ecosystems. Hardware bundling amplifies this impact; for example, bundles with the propelled the games to over 16 million units sold and accelerated 3DS adoption as the fastest-selling handheld title at launch, while the Switch 2 bundle for Legends: Z-A accounted for roughly half of its debut-week sales. Nintendo's strategic release cadence, emphasizing global localization in multiple languages and timed anniversaries for remakes, has sustained market dominance, with particularly strong performance in and alongside . This approach ensures consistent hardware synergies and broad accessibility, cementing Pokémon's economic footprint in the gaming sector.

Cultural Impact

The Pokémon franchise has significantly influenced through its expansive media adaptations. The series, which debuted in on April 1, 1997, has aired over 1,300 episodes across 28 seasons as of 2025, chronicling the journeys of young trainers capturing and battling Pokémon in a vibrant that mirrors the video games. Complementing this, various series, such as the long-running (also known as Pokémon Special in ), have serialized detailed narratives expanding on the game's lore, with 64 volumes published since 1997 and translated into multiple languages for international audiences. The , introduced in 1996, has amassed over $10 billion in revenue by fostering a global community of collectors and strategists, with over 75 billion cards produced worldwide as of March 2025. Beyond entertainment, the series has contributed to societal effects by raising awareness of and environmental themes. Many Pokémon species draw inspiration from real-world and , such as Bulbasaur resembling a seed-based plant-animal hybrid, prompting educational initiatives that use the franchise to teach and conservation to children. It has also pioneered esports within gaming, with the established in 2004 as an annual invite-only event drawing thousands of international competitors in battles, tournaments, and other formats, solidifying Pokémon's role in competitive gaming culture. Iconic phrases like "" have evolved into enduring memes, symbolizing ambition and obsession in and beyond. Pokémon's global reach is demonstrated by its localization into nine core languages—Japanese, English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese—enabling widespread accessibility and cultural adaptation across continents. Vibrant fan communities flourish through online platforms and large-scale events, such as the annual Pokémon GO Fest gatherings that attract tens of thousands to cities worldwide for hunts and social interactions. However, the franchise has faced controversies, notably the 1997 anime episode "," where rapid red-and-blue flashing lights triggered photosensitive epileptic seizures in approximately 685 Japanese viewers, primarily children, resulting in its permanent ban outside and prompting stricter guidelines for animated content safety. The legacy of Pokémon extends to shaping the monster-collecting genre, inspiring contemporaries like , which launched in 1997 with digital pet mechanics and evolution themes that paralleled but differentiated from Pokémon's capture-and-train model, influencing a wave of similar media properties. In , the series serves as a tool for teaching strategy and mathematics in schools; for instance, Pokémon battles illustrate concepts like probability, , and optimization, with curricula incorporating to engage students in modeling real-world problem-solving.

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