List of Pokémon Video Games: Pokémon, one of the most iconic franchises in the world, has delivered countless video games that have captivated players for over two decades. Whether you’re a fan of classic Game Boy adventures or the modern-day open-world experience, the world of Pokémon offers something for every type of gamer. In this article, we’ll explore an extensive list of Pokémon video games, providing a complete guide for all fans.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction to Pokémon Video Games
Since its launch in 1996, the Pokémon franchise has become a global sensation. Originally created by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, Pokémon video games have evolved significantly over the years, spanning multiple generations and gaming platforms. Whether you’re catching, battling, or trading, Pokémon games always deliver an engaging experience, blending strategy and exploration with the joy of collecting hundreds of unique creatures.
2. The Original Game Boy Era (1996–2001)
2.1 Pokémon Red and Blue
Released in 1996 (Japan) and 1998 (internationally), Pokémon Red and Blue introduced the world to the concept of catching and battling Pokémon. Players embarked on a journey through the Kanto region, aiming to become the Pokémon Champion by defeating eight Gym Leaders and the Elite Four. These games set the foundation for the franchise with 151 Pokémon to capture.
2.2 Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition
In 1999, Pokémon Yellow was released as a special edition following the success of Red and Blue. This game closely followed the storyline of the Pokémon animated series, with Pikachu as your main companion, offering enhanced graphics and new features.
2.3 Pokémon Gold and Silver
Released in 1999 (Japan) and 2000 (internationally), Pokémon Gold and Silver expanded the Pokémon universe with 100 new creatures and a new region, Johto. It introduced new mechanics such as day and night cycles, breeding, and held items.
3. Game Boy Advance Era (2002–2006)
3.1 Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire
In 2002, Ruby and Sapphire took the Pokémon franchise to the Game Boy Advance. With a new region (Hoenn) and 135 new Pokémon, these games introduced abilities, double battles, and the concept of Pokémon natures.
3.2 Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Remakes)
Remakes of Red and Blue, FireRed and LeafGreen were released in 2004. They brought updated graphics and mechanics to the classic games, making them more accessible for newer audiences.
3.3 Pokémon Emerald
Released in 2005, Pokémon Emerald was an enhanced version of Ruby and Sapphire, introducing the Battle Frontier, a post-game challenge that tested players’ battle skills.
4. Nintendo DS Era (2007–2013)
4.1 Pokémon Diamond and Pearl
The fourth generation, Diamond and Pearl (2007), introduced the Sinnoh region and 107 new Pokémon. These games utilized the DS’s dual screens and touch controls, while adding Wi-Fi connectivity for global trading and battling.
4.2 Pokémon Platinum
Pokémon Platinum (2009) was an enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl, introducing new characters, features, and a parallel dimension known as the Distortion World.
4.3 Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver
Remakes of Gold and Silver, HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009) brought enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics, such as the Pokéwalker, a pedometer accessory that let players interact with their Pokémon on the go.
4.4 Pokémon Black and White
Released in 2010, Black and White introduced the Unova region and 156 new Pokémon. These games were praised for their narrative depth and the introduction of fully animated battle sprites.
4.5 Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
As direct sequels to Black and White, Black 2 and White 2 (2012) offered a new storyline and expanded gameplay features in the same Unova region.
5. Nintendo 3DS Era (2013–2019)
5.1 Pokémon X and Y
Released in 2013, X and Y introduced the 3D polygonal models for Pokémon battles, as well as the new Fairy-type. The games were set in the Kalos region and featured Mega Evolutions.
5.2 Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
Remakes of Ruby and Sapphire, these games were released in 2014. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire added new mega evolutions and an expanded storyline with new characters.
5.3 Pokémon Sun and Moon
Sun and Moon (2016) were set in the tropical Alola region, introducing regional variants of Pokémon and the Z-Move mechanic. These games marked a significant departure from the traditional Gym structure.
5.4 Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
Released in 2017, these enhanced versions of Sun and Moon introduced new story elements, expanded features, and additional Pokémon.
5.5 Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee
These 2018 remakes of Yellow brought the series to the Nintendo Switch, combining elements from Pokémon GO with traditional gameplay.
6. Nintendo Switch Era (2019–Present)
6.1 Pokémon Sword and Shield
Released in 2019, Sword and Shield were set in the Galar region and introduced the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, along with 81 new Pokémon. The games were praised for their Wild Area, an open-world section with dynamic weather.
6.2 Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (Remakes)
Released in 2021, these are remakes of Diamond and Pearl with updated graphics and gameplay features that stayed true to the originals while modernizing them for the Switch.
6.3 Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Released in 2022, Legends: Arceus was a significant departure from the mainline games, focusing on open-world exploration and capturing Pokémon in real-time.
6.4 Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Released in 2022, Scarlet and Violet introduced a fully open-world experience, multiplayer exploration, and new Pokémon forms, pushing the boundaries of the traditional formula.
7. Spin-off Pokémon Games
7.1 Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Series
The Mystery Dungeon series focuses on dungeon-crawling gameplay where players take control of Pokémon rather than trainers.
7.2 Pokémon Ranger Series
In the Pokémon Ranger series, players take on the role of a Pokémon Ranger tasked with protecting the environment and capturing Pokémon using a Capture Styler.
7.3 Pokémon Rumble Series
The Rumble series is a beat-’em-up style game featuring toy-like Pokémon battling through different levels.
8. Mobile Pokémon Games
8.1 Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO (2016) is a mobile game that took the world by storm with its augmented reality gameplay. Players explore real-world locations to catch Pokémon using their smartphones.
8.2 Pokémon Masters EX
A mobile strategy game that brings together famous trainers from different generations, offering team-based battles with iconic characters.
8.3 Pokémon Café ReMix
In this puzzle game, players manage a café alongside Pokémon, solving puzzles to serve dishes to Pokémon customers.
9. Why Pokémon Games Remain Popular
The enduring appeal of Pokémon games comes from their blend of strategy, exploration, and nostalgia. Players can battle, trade, and explore new regions, with each game introducing new mechanics while retaining the charm of the original games. The franchise also benefits from its vast media empire, including TV shows, movies, and merchandise, keeping the brand in the spotlight.
| Generation | Game | Year Released | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Game Boy Era | Pokémon Red and Blue | 1996 (Japan), 1998 (International) | Original 151 Pokémon, set the foundation for the franchise |
| Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition | 1999 | Pikachu as main companion, follows animated series closely | |
| Pokémon Gold and Silver | 1999 (Japan), 2000 (International) | 100 new Pokémon, day/night cycle, breeding | |
| Game Boy Advance Era | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | 2002 | Abilities, double battles, 135 new Pokémon |
| Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Remakes) | 2004 | Remakes of Red/Blue with updated graphics | |
| Pokémon Emerald | 2005 | Enhanced Ruby/Sapphire, Battle Frontier | |
| Nintendo DS Era | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | 2007 | Wi-Fi connectivity, 107 new Pokémon |
| Pokémon Platinum | 2009 | Enhanced Diamond/Pearl, Distortion World | |
| Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (Remakes) | 2009 | Remakes of Gold/Silver, included Pokéwalker accessory | |
| Pokémon Black and White | 2010 | Fully animated sprites, 156 new Pokémon | |
| Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | 2012 | Direct sequels to Black/White, expanded storyline | |
| Nintendo 3DS Era | Pokémon X and Y | 2013 | 3D models, Fairy-type, Mega Evolutions |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (Remakes) | 2014 | Remakes with Mega Evolutions | |
| Pokémon Sun and Moon | 2016 | Regional variants, Z-Moves | |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | 2017 | Enhanced versions of Sun/Moon with new features | |
| Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee (Remakes) | 2018 | Combines Pokémon GO mechanics with traditional gameplay | |
| Nintendo Switch Era | Pokémon Sword and Shield | 2019 | Dynamax/Gigantamax mechanics, open-world Wild Area |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (Remakes) | 2021 | Updated graphics, faithful remakes of Diamond/Pearl | |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Open-world gameplay, real-time capturing | |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | 2022 | Fully open-world, multiplayer exploration | |
| Mobile Pokémon Games | Pokémon GO | 2016 | Augmented reality, real-world exploration |
| Pokémon Masters EX | 2019 | Strategy game featuring iconic trainers | |
| Pokémon Café ReMix | 2020 | Puzzle-based gameplay |
Main Series Pokémon Games
The main series games follow the traditional Pokémon formula where players train, battle, and trade Pokémon to become the Pokémon Champion. Here’s a list by generation:
1. Generation I (Game Boy)
- Pokémon Red and Blue (1996, Japan; 1998, USA)
- Pokémon Yellow (1998, Japan; 1999, USA) – A special Pikachu edition inspired by the anime.
2. Generation II (Game Boy Color)
- Pokémon Gold and Silver (1999, Japan; 2000, USA)
- Pokémon Crystal (2000, Japan; 2001, USA) – Introduced animated sprites.
3. Generation III (Game Boy Advance)
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002, Japan; 2003, USA)
- Pokémon Emerald (2004, Japan; 2005, USA) – An enhanced version with extra features.
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) – Remakes of Generation I games.
4. Generation IV (Nintendo DS)
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006, Japan; 2007, USA)
- Pokémon Platinum (2008, Japan; 2009, USA) – Enhanced version of Diamond and Pearl.
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (2009) – Remakes of Generation II games.
5. Generation V (Nintendo DS)
- Pokémon Black and White (2010, Japan; 2011, USA)
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012) – Direct sequels, a rare feature in the series.
6. Generation VI (Nintendo 3DS)
- Pokémon X and Y (2013) – First games with 3D graphics.
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (2014) – Remakes of Generation III games.
7. Generation VII (Nintendo 3DS)
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017) – Enhanced versions with new storylines.
- Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (2018, Nintendo Switch) – Remakes inspired by Pokémon Yellow with simplified mechanics.
8. Generation VIII (Nintendo Switch)
- Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021) – Remakes of Generation IV games.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) – A unique, open-world-inspired adventure set in the past.
9. Generation IX (Nintendo Switch)
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022) – Open-world with extensive exploration.
Popular Pokémon Spin-Off Games
If you’re looking for something beyond the main series, Pokémon also offers a variety of spin-offs that bring fresh gameplay mechanics and stories:
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Series – Players explore dungeons as Pokémon, rescuing friends and battling foes.
- Pokémon Snap (Nintendo 64, Nintendo Switch) – A unique photo-taking adventure where you capture pictures of Pokémon in their habitats.
- Pokémon GO – A mobile sensation that lets players catch Pokémon in real-world locations using augmented reality.
- Pokémon Unite – A team-based battle game (MOBA) where players work together to control the map and score points.
How to Choose the Right Pokémon Game for You?
- For Classic Pokémon Battles: Start with any main series game based on your preferred console.
- For Unique Pokémon Experiences: Try spin-offs like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon Snap, or Pokémon Unite.
- For Open-World Exploration: Check out Pokémon Legends: Arceus or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Explore these games to find which style suits you best, and enjoy the adventure in the world of Pokémon!
| Generation | Games | Release Year (Japan) | Release Year (USA) | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Generation I | Pokémon Red and Blue | 1996 | 1998 | Game Boy |
| Pokémon Yellow (Special Pikachu Edition) | 1998 | 1999 | Game Boy | |
| Generation II | Pokémon Gold and Silver | 1999 | 2000 | Game Boy Color |
| Pokémon Crystal | 2000 | 2001 | Game Boy Color | |
| Generation III | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | 2002 | 2003 | Game Boy Advance |
| Pokémon Emerald | 2004 | 2005 | Game Boy Advance | |
| Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (remakes) | 2004 | 2004 | Game Boy Advance | |
| Generation IV | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | 2006 | 2007 | Nintendo DS |
| Pokémon Platinum (enhanced) | 2008 | 2009 | Nintendo DS | |
| Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver (remakes) | 2009 | 2009 | Nintendo DS | |
| Generation V | Pokémon Black and White | 2010 | 2011 | Nintendo DS |
| Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (sequels) | 2012 | 2012 | Nintendo DS | |
| Generation VI | Pokémon X and Y | 2013 | 2013 | Nintendo 3DS |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (remakes) | 2014 | 2014 | Nintendo 3DS | |
| Generation VII | Pokémon Sun and Moon | 2016 | 2016 | Nintendo 3DS |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | 2017 | 2017 | Nintendo 3DS | |
| Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! (remakes) | 2018 | 2018 | Nintendo Switch | |
| Generation VIII | Pokémon Sword and Shield | 2019 | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (remakes) | 2021 | 2021 | Nintendo Switch | |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | 2022 | 2022 | Nintendo Switch | |
| Generation IX | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | 2022 | 2022 | Nintendo Switch |
Popular Pokémon Spin-Off Games
| Spin-Off Title | Description | Console |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Mystery Dungeon | Players explore dungeons as Pokémon in a turn-based adventure | Multiple (DS, Switch) |
| Pokémon Snap | A photography game capturing Pokémon in their natural habitats | Nintendo 64, Switch |
| Pokémon GO | An augmented reality game for catching Pokémon in real-world locations | Mobile |
| Pokémon Unite | A team-based Multiplayer Online Battle Arena (MOBA) game | Mobile, Switch |
Conclusion
The world of Pokémon video games is vast and ever-expanding. Whether you’re diving into the latest Nintendo Switch release or revisiting a Game Boy classic, there’s always a new adventure awaiting. Pokémon has evolved in many ways over the years, but the core excitement of catching, battling, and exploring remains as strong as ever.
FAQs
-
What was the first Pokémon video game?
Pokémon Red and Blue, released in 1996, were the first Pokémon video games. -
What is the newest Pokémon game?
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, released in 2022, are the latest entries in the main series. -
Which Pokémon game introduced Mega Evolution?
Mega Evolution was first introduced in Pokémon X and Y. -
What is the highest-selling Pokémon game?
Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green combined have sold the most copies worldwide. -
What makes Pokémon games so popular?
The mix of exploration, strategy, and the joy of collecting Pokémon appeals to fans of all ages.
