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The Complete Pokémon Games List in Order

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The Complete Pokemon Games List

This is the complete Pokémon games list, from the main series of the franchise.

Amid all the Pokémon hype, there have been several Pokémon games that have managed to slip under the radar over the year.

We thought it would be a good idea to put together a complete list of all the main Pokémon games in order of release. And, that’s exactly what we did! 

So, here’s the complete Pokémon games list in order. 

 

The Complete Pokémon Games List in Order

The list of Pokémon games and figures mentioned below has been compiled from various sources around the web, such as Tech21Century, Gaming Scan & Pro Game Guides.

This list doesn’t include games that aren’t part of the franchise’s main series, such as: Mystery Dungeon, Ranger, Pokemon GO, Battle Revolution, Rumble, Snap, and so on.

Here’s the complete Pokémon games list in order:

 

19. Pokémon Red, Green & Blue: Japan – (1996)

Pokémon Red, Green & Blue were the first installments to be released in the Pokémon franchise. 

The role-playing video games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1996. 

Players control Ash, the series protagonist, from an overhead perspective, navigating him through the fictional region of Kanto to help him in his quest to become a Pokémon master.

Your main goal is to become the champion of the Indigo League by defeating all of the Gym Leaders and the Elite four.  

The games were met with positive reviews upon release, and praise was directed toward their multiplayer options and concept of trading. 

They became some of the “Best selling RPG games,” and Game Boy games of all time!

 

18. Pokémon Red & Blue: U.S. – (1998)

 

Pokémon Red & Blue are the remakes of the original 1996 versions and were re-released across the U.S. in 1998. 

They were the first Pokémon games to be released outside of Japan and were available to play on the Game Boy, Nintendo 3DS, and the Virtual Console. 

They follow the same storyline and objectives as the originals but with slightly improved graphics.

Upon release, Pokémon Red & Blue: U.S. received positive reviews and became two of the best selling role-playing games of all time. 

 

17. Pokémon Yellow – (1999)

 

Pokémon Yellow is the third game in the Pokémon series to be released worldwide for the Game Boy. 

It was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1999. 

In a nutshell, Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of Red and Blue and was inspired by Anime. 

Like its predecessors, it’s played from a third-person overhead perspective and takes place in the Kanto region. It has the same primary objectives as Red and Blue and includes some additional new features. 

Pokémon Yellow was well-received upon release and received two nominations for “Game of the Year” and “Console Game of the Year” at the 3rd Annual AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards. 

Pokémon Yellow also became the fastest-selling Pokémon title in the United Kingdom. 

 

16. Pokémon Gold and Silver – (2000)

 

The next titles on our complete Pokémon games list are Pokémon Gold and Silver.

The games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo in North America for the Game Boy and Game Boy color.

Like their predecessors, Pokémon Gold and Silver follow the protagonist, that you get to name, on his quest to become a Pokémon Master, working their way through numerous battles and challenges along the way. 

However, the two versions bring 100 new species of Pokémon with them, that once captured, can be traded or trained up for battle. 

Pokémon Gold and Silver were critically acclaimed upon release and sold more than 10 million copies worldwide by the end of 2010. 

They’re considered by many to be the best games in the entire Pokémon series.

 

15. Pokémon Crystal – (2001)

 

Pokémon Crystal is the next game in the series and an enhanced version of Pokémon Gold and Silver.

Crystal was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy Color in 2001.

Part of the second-generation of Pokémon video game series, Crystal pretty much follows the same storyline as Gold and Silver but includes some exciting new features. 

For example, players can change the sex of their character, interact with animated sprites, and explore additional subplots.

Upon release, Pokémon Crystal gained positive reviews from critics and sold over 1.8 million Game Boy Color copies in Japan, making it the second best-selling Game Boy color game in the country.

 

14. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire – (2002)

 

Coming in at number fourteen on our complete Pokémon games list are Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. 

Developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, Ruby and Saphire are the first installments in the third generation of the Pokémon video game series

They were released on the Game Boy Advance in Japan in 2002 and internationally in 2003. 

Ruby and Sapphire are both played from the usual third-person overhead perspective and follow the main character as they try to defeat the Elite Four. However, in this installment, the playable character must also overcome a criminal organization that threatens to control the region. 

Ruby and Sapphire were met with mostly positive reviews upon release and went on to sell over 16 million copies worldwide, making them the “best-selling titles” for the Game Boy Advance.

 

13. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – (2004)

 

The next titles on our complete list of Pokémon games are Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen. 

These next two installments are enhanced remakes of the original Red and Blue Pokémon games and were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Game Boy Advance worldwide in 2004. 

They’re both considered part of the third generation of the Pokémon video game series and are the first enhanced remakes of previous games with the franchise. 

They reflect the same style as previous games in the series and follow the protagonist on their journey to Pokémon mastery.

FireRed and LeafGreen received positive reviews from critics, with praise directed toward the games graphics and new features. 

To date, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen have sold approximately 12 million copies worldwide. 

 

12. Pokémon Emerald – (2004)

 

Pokémon Emerald is an enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Saphire and is part of the third generation of the Pokémon video game series

The game was developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in Japan in 2004 and internationally in 2005. 

The game’s storyline remains relatively unchanged from its predecessors; players try to become a Pokémon master by defeating eight Gym Leaders and the Elite Four, while also stopping two criminal gangs from taking control of a legendary Pokémon’s power for themselves. 

Emerald received a positive welcome and critical reception upon release. It became the fourth best-selling game in Japan in 2004, selling more than 372,000 copies on its first day. 

Also read: The Best Pokemon Emerald Cheats

 

11. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl – (2006)

 

Next on the list are Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

The games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in Japan in 2006.

Diamond and Pearl mark the first installments of the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series. 

The games continue with chronicling the adventures of the young Pokémon protagonist as they seek to master the Pokémon world and defend their region from threatening criminal organizations. 

Upon release, praise was given for the addition of Wi-Fi features and its engaging gameplay. 

Diamond and Pearl became a commercial success, selling more than 18 million units worldwide, 2 million more than Ruby and Sapphire, and almost 6 million more than FireRed and LeafGreen

 

10. Pokémon Platinum – (2008)

 

The tenth title on our Pokémon games list is Pokémon Platinum. 

Released two years after Diamond & PearlPlatinum is an enhanced version of its predecessor and part of the fourth generation of the Pokémon video game series. 

As usual, the game was developed by Game Freak and published in Japan in 2008 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo D.S.

The gameplay is similar to previous titles, allowing players control of either a male or female character and the choice of three Pokémon. You’ll be able to explore mountains terrains, vast grasslands, and snowy regions on your quest for Pokémon glory. 

Platinum became the fastest-selling game in Japan in its year of release and sold over 7.6 million copies worldwide by the end of March 2010.

 

9. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver – (2009)

 

Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are part of the fourth generation of the Pokèmon video game series and are enhanced remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver. 

The games were developed by Game Freak and published in Japan in 2009 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo D.S.

The game returns to the region of Kanto and Johto, and players’ number one goal is to become the best Pokémon trainer in each region.

You’ll have to defeat numerous enemies and catalog a lot of Pokémon to do it, but it’s possible. 

Upon release, both games received positive reviews from critics, and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver became the eighth best-selling D.S. video game of all time, with combined sales of more than 12.72 million! 

 

8. Pokémon Black and White – (2010)

 

Pokémon Black and White mark the first installments in the fifth generation of the Pokémon video game series. 

The role-playing video games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo D.S in Japan in 2010.

The plot is similar to previous installments in the series, following trainers that are looking to level up their status in the Pokémon world and put a stop to a scheming criminal organization. 

However, Black and White introduced 156 brand new Pokémon and a ton of new features, including rotation battles, a seasonal cycle, fully animated Pokémon sprites, and triple battles. 

Black and White received positive reviews from critics upon release and was praised for its advancements in gameplay and the introduction of new Pokémon. 

The two titles are now considered among the best-selling games for the Nintendo D.S., with sales of more than 15.6 million! 

 

7. Pokémon Black and White 2 – (2012)

 

Following on from the success of 2010’s Black and White, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company released their direct sequels, which also marked the first-ever sequels in the series!

Set two years after the events of Pokémon Black and White, the sequels take place in new locations on the western side of the Unova region. 

The games include 300 new Pokémon, which are available from the start, and introduces a new game mechanic called “PokeStar Studios” side game, which allows players to participate in the filming of a movie, featuring multiple characters and Pokémon. 

Upon release, Pokémon Black and White 2 was met with generally favorable reviews and managed to reach combined sales of more than 7.8 million copies worldwide by the beginning of 2013, just before the next title in the series. 

 

6. Pokémon X and Y – (2013)

 

The sixth titles on our complete Pokémon games list are Pokémon X and Y. 

These 2013 role-playing video games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo 3DS. 

Pokémon X and Y mark the first installment in the sixth generation of the main Pokémon video game series. 

In these installments, both games continue with following a young Pokémon trainer as they train and battle Pokémon in their quest to be the very best. 

However, X andtake place in the Kalos region, where players try to challenge the Pokémon League Champion and thwart the schemes of Team Flare. 

X and Y were met with positive reviews from critics upon release and became the second best-selling games for the Nintendo 3DS. 

 

5. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – (2014)

 

Next up are Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. 

These two titles are the 2014 remakes of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and are part of the sixth generation of the Pokémon video game series

As usual, the games were developed by Game Freak and published worldwide by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo 3DS in 2014. 

The game’s setting and story are primarily similar to the original Ruby and Sapphire games. However, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire introduce lots of new features, including Primal Reversion for Groudon and Kyogre, and the ability to use Latios or Latias to fly around Hoenn. 

Upon release, the games were met with positive reviews from critics, sold approximately 3 million copies in their first three days, and have sold more than 14 million copies worldwide as of March 2020. 

 

4. Pokémon Sun and Moon – (2016)

 

Next up on our complete Pokémon games list are Pokémon Sun and Moon. 

These two titles marked the first installments in the seventh generation of the Pokémon video game series and were released worldwide for the Nintendo 3DS in 2016 to commemorate the franchise’s 20th anniversary. 

Like previous installments, the two games follow a young Pokémon trainer as they work their way through the region of Alola, based on Hawaii, to complete the island challenge and attempt to battle different Pokémon trainers.

Pokémon Sun and Moon was praised for its gameplay and became one the fastest-selling games in Nintendo’s history! 

 

3. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – (2017)

 

Coming in at number three on our complete Pokémon games list are the enhanced versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon: Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon. 

The games were developed by Game Freak and published worldwide in 2017 by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for the Nintendo 3DS. 

They follow the same journey of a young Pokémon trainer but include an alternate storyline, new characters, Pokémon, and gameplay features. 

Upon release, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were praised for the additional features included over Sun and Moon.

By the end of 2018, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon had sold over eight million copies worldwide! 

 

2. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! – (2018)

 

Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! And Let’s Go, Eevee! are the 2018 remakes of Pokémon Yellow

They were developed by Game Freak and published worldwide by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in 2018 for the Nintendo Switch. 

They’re part of the seventh generation of the Pokémon video game series and were the first games of such to be released on a home games console.

The games take place in the familiar region of Kanto and include many common elements of the main series, like all of the original 151 Pokémon and their Mega Evolved forms.

Upon release, the games were met with mixed reviews from critics but still managed to become one of the best-selling games for the Nintendo Switch, with worldwide sales of more than 11.9 million as of March 2020. 

 

1. Pokémon Sword and Shield – (2019)

 

Pokémon Sword and Shield is the latest installment in the Pokémon franchise, and are the first installments in the eighth generation of the Pokémon video game series. 

The games were developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company in 2019 for the Nintendo D.S. 

Continuing with tradition, Sword and Shield chronicle the journey of a young Pokémon trainer that’s striving to become a Pokémon Champion.

However, this time around, that game is set in the new Galar region, based on the United Kingdom, and sees the playable character try to dethrone the current Pokémon League Champion, in a tournament that various other Gym leaders and rivals also compete in. 

This installment brings with it 81 new Pokémon and 13 regional variants of pre-existing Pokémon. 

Sword and Shield received a positive response from critics overall, with praise directed toward creature design, simplicity, player freedom, and all the new features. 

Pokémon Sword and Shield became the fastest-selling game on the Nintendo Switch, selling more than 17 million copies worldwide to date! 

 

Summary

We hope you enjoyed the complete Pokémon games list in order. 

To say we’re massive fans of Pokémon would be a complete understatement.

Addicted maniacs more like it! We used to play Red & Blue until our batteries ran out, or the buttons fell off our GameBoy. No joke!

Here’s a quick recap of the complete Pokémon games list in order:

  1. Pokémon Sword and Shield – (2019)
  2. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! – (2018)
  3. Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – (2017)
  4. Pokémon Sun and Moon – (2016)
  5. Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – (2015)
  6. Pokémon X and Y – (2013)
  7. Pokémon Black and White 2 – (2012)
  8. Pokémon Black and White – (2011)
  9. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver – (2010)
  10. Pokémon Platinum – (2009)
  11. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl – (2007)
  12. Pokémon Emerald – (2005)
  13. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – (2004)
  14. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire – (2002)
  15. Pokémon Crystal – (2001)
  16. Pokémon Gold and Silver – (2000)
  17. Pokémon Yellow – (1999)
  18. Pokémon Red and Blue: U.S. – (1998)
  19. Pokémon Red, Green and Blue: Japan – (1996)

What’s your favorite Pokémon game? Leave a comment below.

Matt McIntyre is an SEO consultant and certified marketing strategist. When he's not talking about business or marketing, you'll find him playing Diablo 3 and Halo.

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