All Pokemon Games In Order - A Comprehensive And Updated List

How many Pokemon games are there? Where do you start playing? Here are all Pokemon games in order.

All Pokemon Games in Chronological Order

Here is a compilation of all the mainstream Pokemon games in the order of their original release date in Japan:

Generation 1 (1996)

Pokemon Red, Green, and Blue

In February 1996, Pokemon Red and Green launched in Japan, the very first Pokemon games for the Game Boy.

A few months later, Pokemon Blue was released. These 3 games were combined into the international Pokémon Red and Blue versions.

These games introduced us to the world of Pokemon through the Kanto Region and it came with the first original 151 Pokemon.

The first three starters were Charmander, Bulbasaur, and Squirtle.

During this generation, the Pokemon anime and Trading Cards were released, making Pokemon explode in popularity.

Pokemon Yellow

Because of the anime, Pikachu quickly became a fan favorite. Pokemon Yellow Special Pikachu Edition was the company’s answer to this demand.

It was based on the anime and lets you start your journey with a Pikachu and later on, get all three starter Pokemon.

Generation 2 (1999-2002)

Pokemon Gold and Silver

In November 1999, Pokemon Gold and Silver were released for the GBC as the second generation of Pokemon Games.

They take place in the Johto Region and added 150 new Pokemon while still retaining the original 151.

You can choose between Totodile, Cyndaquil, and Chikorita as your starters.

The most notable new feature in this game is the PokeGear. A handy gadget that serves as your map, phone, calendar, and clock.

Time is important in Gen 2 because of the new night and day cycle that affects the type of Pokemon you encounter. Shiny Pokemon were also first introduced in these games.

Pokemon Crystal

Pokemon Crystal was released the following year and added a few minor tweaks to gameplay. But the most notable addition was the gender option.

Here we were first allowed to choose to play as a boy or a girl.

Generation 3 (2002-2006)

Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire

In late 2002, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire kicked off Gen 3 of Pokemon through the Gameboy Advance.

The biggest addition these games brought was Double Battles, which allowed you to send out 2 Pokemon in certain battles.

Pokemon Contests were also introduced as a nice change of pace. Treeko, Mudkip, and Torchic were the starter Pokemon in these games.

Nature and Abilities were also first seen in this generation.

Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen

In 2004, we saw our first Pokemon game remakes. Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen buffed up the Gen 1 games by being a colored version of these games with Gen 3 elements and features. Wireless trading was now made available.

Pokemon Emerald

Pokemon Emerald is an enhanced version of Ruby and Sapphire. But the main change takes place in the game’s story.

In Ruby and Sapphire, you would fight against either Team Magma or Team Aqua.

In Emerald, you need to stop both and become a mediator with the help of another Legendary Pokemon.

Generation 4 (2006 – 2010)

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl

Pokemon Diamond and Pearl was released in 2006 and took us to the Sinnoh Region . This is where Pokemon entered the DS scene and we saw our first 3D Pokemon game.

It comes with around 100 new Pokemon and it brought back the day-night cycle from Gen 2 but added more time periods.

The old Pokegear was upgraded to a Poketch with more apps such as a pedometer, calculator, and memo pad.

Pokemon Platinum

This is an enhanced version of the first two Gen 4 games but focused on utilizing WiFi features.

It also added the Distortion World which highlighted the power of 3D and allows you to meet a dark Legendary Pokemon.

Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver

These are remakes of the Gen 2 Gold and Silver games with Gen 4 functionalities and gameplay.

This also brought back the feature where your lead Pokemon can follow behind you in the overworld.

Generation 5 (2010 – 2013)

Pokemon Black and White

Pokemon Black and White takes us to the Unova Region with 156 new Pokémon. If Double Battles weren’t enough for you, this generation has the answer.

It introduced not only Triple Battles but Rotating Battles where Pokemon take turns attacking in a rotating circle.

Seasons were also introduced in Generation 5. Though this game is also on the DS, the graphics and “3Dness” of Black and White are night and day compared to Generation 4.

Pokemon Black 2 and White 2

If you were like me who was expecting Pokemon Grey, this is where you’d be surprised. Getting two enhanced versions was a first with Black 2 and White 2.

Two notable additions were the Pokestar Studios and Pokemon World Tournament.

The first one lets you record films with your Pokemon and the latter gives you the chance to battle against Trainers and Gym Leaders from other regions.

Generation 6 (2013 – 2016)

Pokemon X and Y

Pokemon X and Y brought the biggest changes ever in Pokemon history. First off, it was a 3DS game that took the graphics of the game to a whole new level.

After a decade, a new type (Fairy) has finally been added to the game.

This is also where Mega Evolution made its debut- a battle mechanic that gives your Pokemon a temporary evolution with huge buffs (this is my favorite so far).

In this generation, you can finally battle in different environments and locations. Previously, Pokemon were always on the ground. Now, flying types can have sky battles where they fight in the air.

You can also bond more with your Pokemon by feeding them and petting them. You can also use Super Training to increase their base stats.

The Player Search System (PSS) and the Global Trade System (GTS) allowed trainers to trade and battle with players from all over the world.

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were Gen 6 remakes of the original Gen 3 games.

Now, you can re-experience Hoenn and bring the powers and wonders of Mega Evolution with you. This is where we saw the new Primal forms of Legendaries.

Generation 7 (2016 – 2019)

Pokemon Sun and Moon

The next generation in the 3DS was Sun and Moon. This was not your typical 8 badges playthrough as it is more similar to the Orange Islands in the anime.

While the goal is still battling and catching ‘em all, you go through various islands where you must trials.

Traveling across this Hawaii-inspired region, you’ll meet lots of new Pokemon and the Alolan forms of older ones with unique appearances and typings.

Z-moves was a new battle mechanic introduced in this generation.

Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

The enhanced edition of the Gen 7 games Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon added more Alolan forms and mini-games. But the best part is the addition of Ultra Beasts and Wormholes.

You can ride a Legendary Pokemon through these wormholes and defeat the beasts that lurk inside them.

Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu

Pokemon let's go pikachu official box art

For the first time, we saw remakes released before a new game.

Pokemon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu were the first Nintendo Switch Pokemon Games and overhauled the original Pokemon Yellow game. This time, you can choose between Pikachu and Eevee as your starter.

Let’s Go was linked with Pokemon Go as you can capture Pokemon the same way, and you can transfer your Pokemon from your phone to your Nintendo Switch.

Generation 8 (2019 – 2022)

Pokemon Sword and Shield

The new Gen 8 region was Galar. Here, we saw Pokemon embrace real open-world gameplay.

The Wild Area lets you freely explore the overworld like most Triple-A games. It’s a whole new experience and we’ve really come so far from the up-down-left-right days of Gen 1.

Dynamax was also introduced– a battle mechanic that turns your Pokemon into a giant mid-battle.

Instead of enhanced versions, Pokemon Sword and Shield received two expansions.

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Pokemon brilliant diamond official box art

For the first time, we’ll be seeing a Pokemon game not developed by GameFreak. Its developer ILCA had something else in mind for these remakes.

Instead of letting you play through the original Diamond and Pearl story again, they will take you on a journey to the past; way back when the Sinnoh Region was called Hisui.

Meet new Pokemon and their Hisuian forms and experience a whole new story on the Nintendo Switch.

Pokemon Legends Arceus

In January 2022, Pokemon Legends Arceus was released for the Nintendo Switch.

From the Chibi style of the previous games, we go to an even better open-world, set in the ancient times where regions are still scarcely explored by people.

Battles are now looking more epic and realistic with more actions and animation. You still play in the Hisui region, and can choose between Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott as your starter.

Generation 9 (2022 – Present)

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

In November 2022, we got the latest Pokemon games Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Explore the new Paldea region and meet 120 new Pokemon along with their regional forms.

You can also find Pokemon that are time-displaced known as Paradox Pokémon.

A new battle mechanic was introduced– the Terastal phenomenon. This lets your Pokemon transform to another type (exclusive Tera type) during battle which overhauls the battle system once again.

Remakes are currently unpopular as the last two games have only received expansions.

Pokemon Legends: Z-A

In February 2024, the next Pokemon game was announced as Pokemon Legends: Z-A. I’m hyped to see this in 2025 when it will finally be released.

All Pokemon Games in Order – Conclusion

Those are all the core series Pokemon games in chronological order.

You can decide to play the game in order or start with any game you want. Pokemoncoders will be your complete guide in your adventures.

Whether you’re looking for tips, guides, walkthroughs, and cheats for your gameplay, we got you covered.

Which was your first Pokemon game? Which one do you love most? Tell us in the comments section below.