POKEMON has been a fan-favourite for gamers worldwide for more than 25 years.
While the game was initially designed for Japan, it has taken the globe by storm.
There is no official chronology, but experts over the years have taken a good stab at working out where each game lies in the Pokemon universe’s history
The first Pokemon game was released over two decades ago on Nintendo Game Boy, and was originally exclusive to Japan.
Since then, the developers Game Freak, have continued the series on each generation of Nintendo consoles.
How to play the Pokemon games in chronological order
- Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow
- Bonus: Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
- Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
- Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
- Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Pokemon Black and White
- Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
- Pokemon X and Y
- Pokemon Sun and Moon
- Pokemon Sword and Shield
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
There is no official chronology, but experts over the years have taken a good stab at working out where each game lies in the Pokemon universe’s history.
Pokemon games release date order
- Pokemon Red and Green – February 1997
Released in Japan, it featured 151 species of Pokemon and the ultimate goal was to become the best by conquering the league and completing the Pokédex.
- Pokemon Red and Blue – September 1998
After its success in Japan, Pokemon Red and Blue was designed to take the rest of the world by storm.
- Pokemon Yellow – October 1999
This game was the first to feature Pikachu as an on-screen companion that followed players as they roamed around the game.
- Pokemon Gold and Silver – October 2000
Pokemon Gold and Silver launched a new look for the game on the Game Boy Color and added 100 new Pokemon for gamers to catch.
- Pokemon Crystal – July 2001
Starting with this game, Pokemon began to focus more on giving players options to customise their gaming experience, including choosing a gender.
- Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire – March 2003
This was the first game released on Nintendo Game Boy Advance and it added 135 species to the franchise, while also introducing two-vs-two battles.
- Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen – September 2004
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen was essentially a remake of the first Pokémon games for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance.
- Pokemon Emerald – May 2005
Emerald was the first Pokemon game to add the Battle Frontier area where trainers had a chance to battle other trainers for Battle Points.
- Pokemon Diamond and Pearl – April 2007
Pokemon Diamond and Pearl was Pokemon’s first appearance on Nintendo DS.
- Pokemon Platinum – March 2009
Pokémon Platinum was a follow-up title for Diamond and Pearl, inviting players back to Sinnoh in an alternate dimension.
- Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver – March 2010
As the first remake in the series was a remarkable success – creators decided to remake the original Gold / Silver.
- Pokemon Black and White – March 2011
Pokemon Black and White added 156 new entries to the Pokédex, a new region named Unova, and new battle types including Triple Battle and Rotation.
- Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 – October 2012
A sequel to Pokemon Black and White, it brought players back to the Unova region two years after the first Black and White games.
- Pokemon X and Y – October 2013
Pokemon X and Y was the first game released on the Nintendo 3DS, with many customisation options – including choosing your hairstyle, clothing, and skin colour.
- Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – November 2014
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire was yet another remake of an original game.
- Pokemon Sun and Moon – November 2016
Pokémon Sun and Moon launched 81 new Pokémon species and changed the storyline – requiring players to complete trials before they could challenge an island’s Kahuna.
- Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – November 2017
This was a sequel to Pokémon Sun and Moon, featuring an alternate storyline with new characters and Pokémon species.
- Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! was created for the Nintendo Switch.
- Pokemon Sword and Shield – November 2019
Pokemon Sword introduced the eighth generation of Pokémon and impressive 3D mechanics.
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – November 2021
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were remakes of the original Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, with more Pokemon available.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus – January 2022
