In this guide, we have created a list of all Pokemon games in order in which they were released. Bear in mind, this series focuses on the Core Pokemon list and remakes and does not feature any of the spin-off games.
Pokemon has a long root that can be traced back to 1996, when the first games on the list, Red, and Green, were released in Japan for the Game Boy. Since then, the franchise has set its presence in both television and film while continuously releasing new mainline and spin-off games for all generations of Nintendo handhelds and consoles.
Related Blog: The Beginning, Fall, And Rise Of Pokemon Go
1. Pokemon Red and Green
This version of the game was the first part of the Pokemon game, and it’s still a love for several professional gamers. This is another reason to introduce it to the top of our list.
This game aims to become the hero of the league and catch all Pokemon for the end of the Pokédex.
- Release: February 27, 1996
- Platforms: Game Boy
2. Pokemon Red and Blue
The games that began it all: Pokemon Red and Blue are the first names in the long-running Poké franchise. First released in Japan in 1996, these two titles hopped the Pacific in 1998 and quickly split in popularity.
- Platform: Game Boy
- Release Date: September 28, 1998
3. Pokémon Yellow
This release was also given the name Pokémon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition. This is the upgraded version of Pokemon Red and Blue that’s loosely based on the anime series.
- Release: September 12, 1998
- Platforms: Game Boy, Game Boy Color
4. Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Nintendo apprehended they required to up the ante. So in October of 2000, they published Pokemon Gold and Silver to the North American region. These names introduce 100 new Pokemon to the franchise and various new Pokemon characters, like Dark and Steel. Other significant differences include new items, new battle moves, an internal clock system, and more.
- Platform: Game Boy Color
- Release Date: October 15, 2000 (Gold & Silver) July 29, 2001 (Crystal)
5. Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire + Emerald
The Hoenn Region has 135 new characters and 386 total Pokemon to catch and trade for. For the first time, you could battle with 2 of your Pokemon at once. Multi Battles feature with up to four players were also added. The game also has Pokemon Contests, a pageant of classes where the Pokemon show their abilities and style in front of judges.
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Release Date: 2003, March 19 (Ruby & Sapphire), and 2005, May 1 (Emerald)
6. Pokémon Fire Red & Leaf Green
Having 251 Pokemon to collect, breed, and trade in one region are tremendous. You also could search the Sevii Islands, which have Pokemon unique to the area. Pokemon have some other genders in this game, and they can hold items.
- Platform: Game Boy Advance
- Release Date: September 9, 2004
7. Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Following the latest & upgraded Nintendo DS Lite launch, the Pokemon organization released the first games for the DS handheld: Pokémon Diamond & Pearl.
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: April 22, 2007 (Diamond & Pearl) and March 22, 2009 (Platinum)
8. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
The context of these versions is in the Johto region, where the main aim is to catalog, raise, and evolve Pokemon while trying to beat other trainers.
- Release: March 14, 2010
- Platforms: Nintendo DS
9. Pokémon White & Black, White 2 & Black 2
Black 2 and White 2 were released less than a year and a half after the first two games. They feature the identical Unova region and an impressive pool of monsters. Usually, the games got critical acclaim from random players and critics alike.
- Platform: Nintendo DS
- Release Date: March 6, 2011 (Black & White), and October 7, 2012 (Black 2 & White 2)
10. Pokémon X and Y
The objects are to prevent Team Flare’s intentions while trying to challenge the Pokemon League champion. Many locations in the setting of these versions get their motivation from real-world attractions, including the Prism Tower based on the Eiffel Tower and more.
- Release: October 12, 2013
- Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
11. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Face off against Magma and Team Aqua as you struggle to save the world and achieve Pokemon mastery goals. These new versions give improved 3D visuals, new online features, and many excellent easter eggs for you to explore.
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Release Date: November 21, 2014
12. Pokémon Moon & Sun, and Ultra Moon & Ultra Sun
Some great features of this game include: There are 81 new Pokemon to hunt out, A new mini-game named Marine Surf, New moves called Z-Moves along with modernized training and battle mechanics, and There is a unique online mode open named the Battle Agency.
- Platform: Nintendo 3DS
- Release Date: November 18, 2016 (Sun & Moon) November 17, 2017 (Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon)
13. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokemon Shield Sword is the first completely new games to release on the hybrid Switch console. The most apparent changes are the latest and enhanced 3D graphics, Dynamaxing Pokemon, and open-world areas. Modeled after England, the newest Galar region boasts a technical theme with 81 undiscovered Pokemon and many interesting new ventures. Please pick up a copy now and catch all of them.
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Release Date: November 15, 2019
FAQs About Pokemon Games in Order
Q: Which Pokemon game should I play first?
If you aspire to stay classic, play HeartGold/SoulSilver, you will like it. If you desire a Pokemon game with an actual story and sequence, play Black/White then Black 2 / White 2. If you require a new fresh beginning with unique gameplay, then purchase yourself a 3DS and play X/Y.
Q: Which Pokemon game has all generations?
Pokemon Yellow is the only game from the original series to catch all of the known Pokemon at the time.
Conclusion
There you all got is the entire list of Core Pokemon games in order. Although most of these versions have many similarities, the developers built the new versions by improving the old ones and combining more features.