Pokémon (video game series)#Gameplay

Each game in the Pokémon series takes place in a fictional region of the Pokémon world, typically based on a real-world location, and begins with the player receiving a starter Pokémon, usually from that region's Pokémon Professor. Players have the option to choose one of three different types of Pokémon.{{cite web |last=Padilla |first=Raymond |title=Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire |url=http://uk.gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/pokemon-ruby-version/498107p1.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002205143/http://uk.gba.gamespy.com/gameboy-advance/pokemon-ruby-version/498107p1.html |archive-date=2013-10-02 |access-date=2006-05-30 |publisher=GameSpy}} Many games include a rival character who acts as a roadblock or boss opponent throughout the game.{{Cite web |last=O'Connor |first=James |title=Pokemon Rivals Are Always Better When They're Assholes |url=https://www.fanbyte.com/games/features/pokemon-rivals-are-always-better-when-theyre-assholes/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220916165944/https://www.fanbyte.com/games/features/pokemon-rivals-are-always-better-when-theyre-assholes/ |archive-date=2022-09-16 |access-date=2024-03-04 |website=Fanbyte |language=en}} A major subplot of most games is to defeat a criminal organization, whose intents are usually trying to take over the world through the misuse of powerful Pokémon known as Legendary Pokémon.{{Cite web |last=Hovermale |first=Christopher |date=2018-02-18 |title=Why Pokemon's evil teams rarely take over the whole story |url=https://www.destructoid.com/why-pokemons-evil-teams-rarely-take-over-the-whole-story/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=Destructoid |language=en-US}}

Battles between Pokémon are the central game mechanic of the Pokémon games. Within the game, they are used to train Pokémon to gain experience and become stronger and to progress through the game's story.{{cite book |last=Allison |first=Anne |title=Millennial Monsters: Japanese Toys and the Global Imagination |date=May 2006 |publisher=University of California Press |isbn=9780520938991 |pages=192–197}} Battles can also be done between players by connecting two game systems. Pokémon uses a turn-based system. The player may carry between one and six Pokémon in their active party; the first Pokémon in the lineup is automatically sent into battle when one begins. At the start of each turn, both sides may use a move, use an item, switch their active Pokémon out for another in their party, or attempt to flee from battle if against a wild Pokémon. Each Pokémon uses attacks to reduce their opponent's Hit Points (HP) to zero, at which point the Pokémon faints and is unable to battle. Pokémon also have in-battle "abilities," which give them different attributes in battle.Official Pokémon Scenario Guide Diamond and Pearl version p. 277 When an opponent's Pokémon faints, the player's Pokémon receives experience points; when a Pokémon accumulates enough, then its level increases.{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Fastest Ways to Farm Exp. Points |url=https://www.cnet.com/tech/gaming/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-the-fastest-ways-to-farm-exp-points/ |access-date=2024-08-30 |website=CNET |language=en}} If the player's Pokémon faints, they may select another Pokémon from their active party to battle; in battles against wild Pokémon, the player may attempt to flee instead. If all of a player's Pokémon faint, the player loses the battle. This causes the player to lose some money and return to the last Pokémon Center they visited.File:Pokemon Type Chart.svgA Pokémon's type is an elemental attribute determining the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon and its moves. These types interact in rock–paper–scissors-style relationships: Pokémon take double damage from attacking moves of types they are weak to and half damage from moves of types they resist.{{Cite web |last=Ramos |first=Jeff |date=2019-11-16 |title=Pokémon Sword and Shield type strength and weakness chart |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-sword-shield-guide/2019/11/16/20968169/type-strength-weakness-super-effective-weakness-chart |access-date=2022-10-13 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Some types have special properties unrelated to the damage chart; for example, certain types cannot be affected by certain status conditions.{{Cite web |last=Rahaman |first=Reyadh |date=2021-09-22 |title=Pokemon: Everything You Need To Know About Paralysis (Status Condition) |url=https://gamerant.com/pokemon-everything-about-paralysis-status-condition/ |access-date=2022-11-21 |website=Game Rant |language=en-US}}

File:Pokéball.png

Players can catch Pokémon in the wild, engaging with them in a Pokémon battle. In most Pokémon games, players aim to weaken wild Pokémon in battle to then throw a Poké Ball, which are used to capture the Pokémon and add it to the player's team or get sent to storage.{{Cite web |last=Valentine |first=Rebekah |date=2022-03-05 |title=Pokémon Violet and Scarlet Might Return to Traditional Catching Mechanics |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-violet-scarlet-return-traditional-catching-mechanics |access-date=2022-10-17 |website=IGN |language=en}} Pokémon can "evolve" once they reach a certain benchmark, such as by reaching a certain level, having an item used on them, or by having a high level of friendship. This changes their form and appearance and causes them to grow stronger.{{Cite web |last=Greenbaum |first=Aaron |date=2021-09-01 |title=Why Eevee Is the Most Realistic Pokémon Ever |url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/pokemon-eevee-realistic-evolutions-explained/ |access-date=2024-10-19 |website=Den of Geek |language=en-US}} Players have the ability to trade their Pokémon with one another by connecting two compatible games.{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Camden |date=2019-11-16 |title=Pokemon Sword and Shield online trading {{!}} Can you trade for specific Pokemon on the GTS? |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/guides/617414-pokemon-sword-and-shield-online-trading-specific-gts-link-surprise-trade |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=GameRevolution |language=en-US}} Because of the Pokémon series revolving around catching as many Pokémon as possible, trading is considered an important aspect of Pokémon.{{Cite web |last=Frank |first=Allegra |date=2018-07-02 |title=Trading Pokémon in Pokémon Go guide: How it works, who you can trade and more |url=https://www.polygon.com/guides/2018/7/2/17500714/pokemon-go-trade-guide |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Certain Pokémon are only able to evolve by trading as well.{{Cite web |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=2022-02-02 |title=Pokémon Legends Arceus guide: How to trade Pokémon |url=https://www.polygon.com/pokemon-legends-arceus-guide-pla/22914718/trade-trading-link-code-linking-cord-simona-jubilife-village |access-date=2022-10-24 |website=Polygon |language=en-US}} Players also may encounter alternately colored Pokémon known as "Shiny Pokémon," which are significantly rarer than a standard Pokémon.{{cite web |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=2 February 2016 |title=One Man's Five-Year Quest To Find A Shiny Pokémon |url=https://kotaku.com/one-mans-five-year-quest-to-find-a-shiny-pokemon-1603763304 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171216034516/https://kotaku.com/one-mans-five-year-quest-to-find-a-shiny-pokemon-1603763304 |archive-date=16 December 2017 |access-date=15 December 2017}}

Various facilities can be found throughout the Pokémon world such as Pokémon Centers, Poké Marts, and Pokémon Gyms. At a Pokémon Center, the player can have their Pokémon healed for free and access the PC, where players can organize their collection of Pokémon and store and withdraw items. Poké Marts are shops where players can buy items with the money they win during battles; certain cities may have specialized shops, like a pharmacy or a department store. Periodically, a town will contain a Pokémon Gym, which houses a powerful Trainer known as a Gym Leader that functions as a boss. Victory against them grants the player a Gym Badge; after collecting eight Gym Badges, the player may challenge the region's Elite Four and Champion (in Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Elite Four is replaced by the Champion Cup, a single-elimination tournament that determines who gets the right to challenge the Champion). Gyms are absent in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, being replaced by trials that serve a similar purpose. Many games also have facilities dedicated to battling, such as the Battle Frontier, Battle Tower, and Battle Maison, that unlock after the game is beaten. Afterward, the game remains virtually open-ended, with the ultimate goal of the player being to obtain at least one member of each of the different species of Pokémon, thus completing a fictional encyclopedia of all Pokémon species known as a Pokédex.

{{Timeline of release years

| title =

| subtitle = First entry in generation in bold

| align =

| compressempty =

| range1 = 1996 -

| range1_color = #fdd835 #fff9c4

| 1996a = Red and Green

| 1996b = Blue

| 1998a = Yellow

| 1998b = Red and Blue

| 1999 = Gold and Silver

| 2000 = Crystal

| 2002 = Ruby and Sapphire

| 2004a = FireRed and LeafGreen

| 2004b = Emerald

| 2006 = Diamond and Pearl

| 2008 = Platinum

| 2009 = HeartGold and SoulSilver

| 2010 = Black and White

| 2012 = Black 2 and White 2

| 2013 = X and Y

| 2014 = Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

| 2016 = Sun and Moon

| 2017 = Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

| 2018 = Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

| 2019 = Sword and Shield

| 2020a = Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor (DLC)

| 2020b = Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra (DLC)

| 2021=Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

| 2022a=Legends: Arceus

| 2022b = Scarlet and Violet

| 2023a = The Teal Mask (DLC)

| 2023b = The Indigo Disk (DLC)

| 2025 = Legends: Z-A

}}

All of the licensed Pokémon properties overseen by The Pokémon Company are divided roughly by generation. These generations are roughly chronological divisions by release; when an official sequel in the main role-playing game series is released that features new Pokémon, characters, and possibly new gameplay concepts, that sequel is considered the start of a new generation of the franchise. The main games and their spin-offs, the anime, manga, and trading card game are all updated with the new Pokémon properties each time a new generation begins. The franchise began its ninth and current generation with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which were released worldwide for the Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.

{{Further|Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow|label1=Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow}}

File:Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow battle screenshot.png, released in 1996 for the Game Boy, were the first games in the series.]]

The original Pokémon games are Japanese role-playing video games (RPGs) with an element of strategy and were created by Satoshi Tajiri for the Game Boy. The Pokémon series began with the release of Pocket Monsters Red and Green for the Game Boy in Japan. When these games proved popular, an enhanced Blue version was released sometime after, and the Blue version was reprogrammed as Pokémon Red and Blue for international release. The original Green version was not released outside Japan.{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Green Version |url=https://www.ign.com/games/pokemon-green-version |access-date=2019-12-06 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206163110/https://www.ign.com/games/pokemon-green-version |url-status=live |language=en |archive-date=December 6, 2019 |website=IGN |publisher=News Corporation}} Afterwards, a second enhanced remake, Pokémon Yellow, was released to use the color palette of the Game Boy Color and more of a stylistic resemblance to the popular Pokémon anime.

This first generation of games introduced the original 151 species of Pokémon (in National Pokédex order, encompassing all Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew), as well as the basic game concepts of capturing, training, battling and trading Pokémon with both computer and human players. These versions of the games take place within the fictional Kanto region, though the name "Kanto" was not used until the second generation.

Spin-off first-generation titles include Pokémon Pinball; an adaptation of the Pokémon Trading Card Game for Game Boy Color; an on-rails photography simulator for Nintendo 64 titled Pokémon Snap; a Nintendo 64 Pokémon-themed adaptation of Tetris Attack, Pokémon Puzzle League. A 3D Nintendo 64 incarnation of the handhelds' battle system, Pokémon Stadium; and a co-starring role for several species in the Nintendo 64 fighting game Super Smash Bros..{{Citation |title=Super Smash Bros. |asin=B00000J2W7 |asin-tld=co.uk |publisher=Nintendo}} At the Nintendo Space World in 2000, a game was revealed briefly with Meowth and Team Rocket singing a song. This was one of the earliest introductions of the Pokémon Togepi and Bellossom. This game was called Meowth's Party, but was not developed into a playable game. Instead, the song/video was played at the end of an episode of Pokémon, and a CD was made for retail in Japan for a limited time. This is the first time MissingNo. was discovered.

{{Further|Pokémon Gold and Silver|Pokémon Crystal|label1=Pokémon Gold and Silver}}

File:Kanto in Pokémon Gold Silver.png, released in 1999 for the Game Boy Color, introduced a real-time day-night cycle to the series.]]

The second generation of Pokémon video games began in 1999 with the Japanese release of Pokémon Gold and Silver for the Game Boy Color, with Australia and North America getting the game in October 2000 and European release date of April 2001. Like the previous generation, an enhanced version, titled Pokémon Crystal, was later released.

This generation introduced 100 new species of Pokémon (starting with Chikorita and ending with Celebi), for a total of 251 Pokémon to collect, train, and battle. New gameplay features include a day-and-night system (reflecting the time of the day in the real world) which influences events in the game; full use of the Game Boy Color's color palette; an improved interface and upgraded inventory system; better balance in the collection of Pokémon and their moves, statistics and equipable items (a new addition); the addition of two new Pokémon types (Dark and Steel) to better balance the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon; Pokémon breeding; and a new region named Johto. After exploring Johto, the player can travel east to explore the adjacent Kanto region.

Spin-off games in the second-generation include Pokémon Puzzle Challenge, the adaptation of Pokémon Puzzle League—a puzzle game created by Zoppf industries—made specifically for the Game Boy Color; the Nintendo 64 pet simulator Hey You, Pikachu!; the Pokémon Stadium sequel, Pokémon Stadium 2, for Nintendo 64; several Pokémon mini-games for the e-Reader; and a co-starring role for several Pokémon species in the Super Smash Bros. sequel Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube.[https://web.archive.org/web/20070522111145/http://www.nintendo.com/codegallery?gameid=m-Game-0000-587#m-CodeItem-0000-5887 Super Smash Bros. Melee Unlockable character guide] Nintendo.com. Retrieved April 19, 2006. The Pokémon Mini is a handheld game console released in December 2001 in Japan and 2002 in Europe and North America. This generation started a trend among even-numbered generations, giving the Pokémon Eevee new type evolutions beyond the original three of the first generation.

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{{Further|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire|Pokémon Emerald|label1=Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire}}

File:Pokémon Emerald battle screenshot.png, released in 2002 for the Game Boy Advance, introduced double battles to the series, in which the opposing parties each use two Pokémon at the same time.|alt=]]

Pokémon entered its third generation with the 2002 release of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire for Game Boy Advance and continued with the Game Boy Advance remakes of Pokémon Red and Green, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Red and Green representing the original Japanese first generation games; territories outside Japan instead saw releases of Red and Blue). An enhanced version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire titled Pokémon Emerald followed after.

The third generation introduced 135 new Pokémon (starting with Treecko and ending with Deoxys) for a total of 386 species. It also features a more visually detailed environment compared to previous games, "natures" which affect Pokémon stats, a new 2-on-2 Pokémon battling mechanic, a special ability system applying to each Pokémon in battle, the Pokémon Contest sub-game, the new region of Hoenn, the ability to select the protagonist's gender and Secret Bases: customizable "rooms" where the player can display items they have collected in-game and battle against real friends. Secret Bases can be found in bushes, trees, or small cave openings in landscapes by using the Pokémon move, Secret Power, which can be taught to virtually all Pokémon. However, this generation also garnered some criticism for leaving out several gameplay features, including the day-and-night system introduced in the previous generation (which was removed due to internal-battery save problems), and it was also the first installment that encouraged the player to collect merely a selected assortment of the total number of Pokémon rather than every existing species (202 out of 386 species are catchable in the Ruby and Sapphire versions). It was around this time that the franchise was regaining its popularity, managing to ship over 100 million games worldwide.{{Citation|title=Pokemon In 2005 - IGN|date=December 30, 2004|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/30/pokemon-in-2005|language=en|access-date=2021-07-05|archive-date=June 19, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619143913/https://www.ign.com/articles/2004/12/30/pokemon-in-2005|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|title=Pokémon ships 100 million worldwide|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-ships-100-million-worldwide/1100-6126710/|access-date=2021-07-05|website=GameSpot|language=en-US|archive-date=July 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709183324/https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pokymon-ships-100-million-worldwide/1100-6126710/|url-status=live}}

Third-generation spin-off titles include Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire for Game Boy Advance; Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team for Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS; Pokémon Dash, Pokémon Trozei! and Pokémon Ranger for Nintendo DS; Pokémon Channel and Pokémon Box: Ruby and Sapphire for GameCube; and two role-playing games for the GameCube, consisting of the games Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness.

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{{Further|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl|Pokémon Platinum|label1=Pokémon Diamond and Pearl}}

File:Outside Pokémon Platinum Battle Tower.png, released in 2006 for the Nintendo DS, introduced 3D graphics for background elements to the series, while foreground elements retained the classic 2D look.]]

In 2006, Japan began the fourth generation of the franchise with the release of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for Nintendo DS. The games were released in North America on April 22, 2007, and in Australia on June 21, 2007. The game was released in the UK and Europe on July 27, 2007.[http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemondiamond/news.html?sid=6163662 "New Pokémon to Make Diamond-and-Pearl-Studded Debut"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090522020619/http://www.gamespot.com/ds/rpg/pokemondiamond/news.html?sid=6163662 |date=May 22, 2009 }}. Retrieved February 7, 2007. Other main series games in the fourth generation include Pokémon Platinum, a director's cut version of Diamond and Pearl in the same vein as Pokémon Yellow, Crystal, and Emerald.{{Cite magazine|last=Vore |first=Bryan |title=Pokémon Platinum review |magazine=Game Informer |date = April 2009|issue=192 |page=90 }}{{cite web|url=http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/pokemon-platinum-revealed-set-for-fall-release-in-japan/|title=Pokemon Platinum revealed, set for fall release in Japan – Joystiq|access-date=May 26, 2008|archive-date=May 27, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527003620/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/18/pokemon-platinum-revealed-set-for-fall-release-in-japan/|url-status=live}} It was released for the Nintendo DS in Japan on September 13, 2008,{{cite web|url=http://www.1up.com/news/running-gamut-famitsu-rpg-reviews|title=Running the Gamut of Famitsu RPG Reviews|website=1UP.com|first=Kevin|last=Gifford|date=September 3, 2008|access-date=September 21, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016142722/http://www.1up.com/news/running-gamut-famitsu-rpg-reviews|archive-date=October 16, 2012}} in North America on March 22, 2009,{{cite web|title=Pokémon Platinum Version|work=pokemon.com|url=http://www.pokemon.com#news_/XML/news_333.xml|access-date=December 17, 2008|archive-date=January 13, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130113081103/http://www.pokemon.com/#news_/XML/news_333.xml|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pokemonplatinum.com/#/updates/|title=Pokémon Platinum Version|publisher=Nintendo|access-date=March 22, 2009|archive-date=July 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190714030821/http://www.pokemonplatinum.com/#/updates/|url-status=live}} and in Australia and Europe on May 14, 2009,{{cite web|url=http://gonintendo.com/?p=76670|title=Pokemon Platinum hits Australia this May|publisher=GoNintendo|date=March 24, 2009|access-date=March 24, 2009|archive-date=September 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110914085554/http://gonintendo.com/?p=76670|url-status=live}} and May 22, 2009,{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7145%3Fcid|title=News: Pokemon Platinum Release Date Confirmed|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|first=Tom|last=East|date=December 2, 2009|access-date=March 22, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090329060817/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=7145%3Fcid|archive-date=March 29, 2009|url-status=dead}} respectively. It was also announced that Pokémon Gold and Silver would be remade for the Nintendo DS as Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.{{cite web|url=http://ds.ign.com/articles/980/980931p1.html|title=New Pokemon Games Confirmed|website=IGN|first=John|last=Tanaka|date=May 7, 2009|access-date=August 8, 2009|archive-date=November 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104132914/http://www.ign.com/articles/2009/05/08/new-pokemon-games-confirmed|url-status=live}} Released in Japan on September 12, 2009, the games were later released to North America, Australia, and Europe during March 2010.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?lang=en&pageNum=9&id=2462638 |publisher=Nintendo Canada |title=Nintendo unveils its video game lineup for early 2010 |date=December 14, 2009 |access-date=December 14, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125203230/http://nintendo.ca/cgi-bin/usersite/display_info.cgi?lang=en&pageNum=9&id=2462638 |archive-date=November 25, 2010 }}{{cite web |url=https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=71 |publisher=Nintendo of Australia |title=Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version release date announced! |date=January 22, 2010 |access-date=January 22, 2010 |archive-date=July 23, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723004111/https://www.nintendo.com.au/index.php?action=news&nid=71 |url-status=live }}{{cite magazine|url=http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=14483|magazine=Official Nintendo Magazine|title=News: Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver UK release date revealed|date=January 12, 2010|access-date=January 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100115162621/http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=14483|archive-date=January 15, 2010|url-status=dead}}

The fourth-generation introduces another 107 new species of Pokémon (starting with Turtwig and ending with Arceus), bringing the number of Pokémon species to 493. This generation is the first to have 3D graphics in the main series game, although it is still a mixture of both 3D graphics and sprites. New gameplay concepts include a restructured move-classification system, online multiplayer trading and battling via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the return (and expansion) of the second generation's day-and-night system, the expansion of the third generation's Pokémon Contests into "Super Contests", and the new region of Sinnoh, which has an underground component for multiplayer gameplay in addition to the main overworld. Secret Bases also appear in Sinnoh but can only be created and housed in Sinnoh's underground. HeartGold and SoulSilver also introduced the Pokéathlon to the Johto region, which consists of many Pokémon based sporting events making use of the stylus.

Spin-off games in the fourth generation include the Pokémon Stadium follow-up Pokémon Battle Revolution for Wii (which has Wi-Fi connectivity as well"[http://www.cubed3.com/news/5349 Cubed3 Pokémon Battle Revolution Confirmed for Wii] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070324230945/http://www.cubed3.com/news/5349 |date=March 24, 2007 }}" Cubed3.com. Retrieved June 7, 2006.), Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs for Nintendo DS, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness and their sister game, Explorers of Sky all for the Nintendo DS, a co-starring role for Pikachu, Jigglypuff, Lucario, and a Pokémon Trainer (who uses Squirtle, Ivysaur, and Charizard for fighting) in the 2008 Wii fighter Super Smash Bros. Brawl as well as a great adventure for Pikachu and friends in PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure.

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{{Further|Pokémon Black and White|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2|label1=Pokémon Black and White|label2=Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}}

File:Pokémon Black and White seasons comparison.jpg, released in 2010 for the Nintendo DS, introduced a real-time seasonal cycle to the series, in addition to featuring the day-night cycle introduced in Gold and Silver.]]

The fifth generation of Pokémon began on September 18, 2010, with the release of Pokémon Black and White in Japan. They were then released in North America, Europe, and Australia in March 2011. They have released on the Nintendo DS, the same console as its predecessing generation. The games take place in the Unova region. New features include the C-Gear, a feature where players can use Wi-Fi options and customizations; two new battle methods ("Triple Battles", where three Pokémon are sent out at once, and Rotation Battles, where three Pokémon are also sent out at the same time, but the trainer can switch one Pokémon out of the three that are present); "Battle Tests", where trainers battle each other to see who has stronger Pokémon; the Pokémon Musicals (similar to Pokémon Contests), which have trainers use their Pokémon to dance in a theater with other Pokémon; and the ability to not waste Technical Machines (TMs), also when found the first time. The other main series games, and the additions to Black and White, titled Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, are direct sequels. They take place in the Unova region two years later and were released in Japan on June 23, 2012, and in North America, Australia, and Europe in October of that year for Nintendo DS. They are somewhat different of their predecessors; there are different protagonist trainers, and many of the other important characters have changed as well. The games also introduced a new feature, the "Pokémon World Tournament", where trainers can battle gym leaders and champions from older regions, including Unova. The games also broke the tradition of releasing a third version as an addition to the primary versions.

This generation introduced a total of 156 new Pokémon (beginning with Victini and ending with Genesect), the most of any generation so far. It was also the first generation where the first new Pokémon in National Pokédex order (Victini) is not a starter. It also introduced another new feature, the seasons, which two Pokémon (Deerling and Sawsbuck) represent. Unlike previous generations, which would introduce some species of Pokémon that were evolutionary relatives of older-generation Pokémon, the fifth generation's selection was all-original, in an attempt to make the primary versions feel like a brand-new game.

Spin-off fifth generation games include sequels Pokémon Rumble Blast and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity for Nintendo 3DS, PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond for Wii, and Pokémon Rumble U for Wii U, a downloadable game. Others include Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure (a typing game) and Pokémon Conquest (a crossover game) for Nintendo DS, and downloadable reference applications Pokédex 3D, Pokédex 3D Pro (for Nintendo 3DS), and Pokédex for iOS (for iOS devices), which allows players to view information of Pokémon species while they have 3D models. Various fifth generation Pokémon have appeared in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate including Reshiram and Zekrom, Klinklang, Axew, Druddigon, and more.

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{{Further|Pokémon X and Y|label1=Pokémon X and Y}}

File:Pokémon X and Y battle.jpg, released in 2013 for the Nintendo 3DS, introduced full 3D graphics to the series.]]

On December 24, 2012, Japanese magazine Nintendo Dream posted a greetings card sent out by Game Freak. In the card, Junichi Masuda exclaimed that during 2013, they intend to further evolve the world of Pokémon. On December 29, 2012, a new Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 commercial aired in Japan, and ending with a message, informing Pokémon fans that the latest news would be announced on January 8, 2013. On January 4, 2013, both the Japanese and English Pokémon website confirmed that an announcement would be made on January 8. On January 7, 2013, the Japanese website explained that the Nintendo president, Satoru Iwata would hold a 10-minute "Pokémon Direct" video conference to announce the big Pokémon news. On January 8, 2013, Satoru Iwata announced the sixth generation of Pokémon, with the new paired games, Pokémon X and Y, which were released on the Nintendo 3DS on October 12, 2013, worldwide.{{cite web|last=Goldfarb|first=Andrew|title=E3 2013: Pokemon X & Y Release Date Announced|url=http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-pokemon-x-y-release-date-announced|website=IGN|access-date=October 15, 2013|date=June 11, 2013|archive-date=October 15, 2013|archive-url=https://archive.today/20131015103102/http://au.ign.com/articles/2013/06/11/e3-2013-pokemon-x-y-release-date-announced|url-status=live}} The X and Y games are rendered in full 3D;{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/01-08-2013/|title=Pokémon X and Pokémon Y announcement on Nintendo Direct|work=nintendo.com|access-date=July 22, 2016|archive-date=September 14, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160914172125/http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/01-08-2013/|url-status=live}} however, only select parts of the game can be displayed in stereoscopic 3D.{{cite web|last=Quillen|first=Dustin|title=Pokémon X & Y Versions Revie|url=http://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-xy-versions-review|publisher=US Gamer|access-date=October 15, 2013|date=October 4, 2013|archive-date=October 14, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131014051920/http://www.usgamer.net/articles/pokmon-xy-versions-review|url-status=live}} The video introduced the player characters, the starter Pokémon; Grass-type Chespin (Japanese: {{nihongo||ハリマロン|Harimaron}}), the Fire-type Fennekin (Japanese: {{nihongo||フォッコ|Fokko}}), and the Water-type Froakie (Japanese: {{nihongo||ケロマツ|Keromatsu}}), and two other Pokémon, not named until later; a bird-like Pokémon called {{nihongo|Yveltal|イベルタル|Iberutaru}} having a shape similar to the letter Y and a deer-like Pokémon called {{nihongo|Xerneas|ゼルネアス|Zeruneasu}} with X-shapes in its eyes. A month later, Sylveon (Japanese: {{nihongo|Nymphia|ニンフィア|Ninfia}}), a new evolved form of Eevee belonging to the games' new Fairy-type was revealed and is currently the last Eeveelution to be revealed.CoroCoro Comic, March 2013 Issue, Shogakukan.{{cite web|title=Meet Sylveon, Pokémon X And Pokémon Y{{'}}s Eighth Eeevee Evolution|date=February 14, 2013|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2013/02/14/meet-sylveon-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-ys-eight-eeevee-evolution/|publisher=Siliconera|access-date=February 14, 2013|archive-date=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013105338/http://www.siliconera.com/2013/02/14/meet-sylveon-pokemon-x-and-pokemon-ys-eight-eeevee-evolution/|url-status=live}} On May 7, 2014, Nintendo revealed the games Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire in a teaser trailer, remakes of the third generation games Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. They were released worldwide in November 2014.{{cite web |last=Scullion |first=Chris |date=May 7, 2014 |title=Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire remakes coming to 3DS |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/462503/pokemon-ruby-sapphire-remakes-coming-to-3ds/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-News-RSS |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140508061717/http://www.computerandvideogames.com/462503/pokemon-ruby-sapphire-remakes-coming-to-3ds/?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-News-RSS |archive-date=May 8, 2014 |access-date=May 7, 2014 |work=CVG Online}}

This generation introduced a total of 72 new Pokémon, the new Fairy type, Mega Evolution, the Kalos region, Trainer customization, Super Training, and three new battle modes: Sky Battles, Horde Encounters, and Inverse Battle. This generation is also the first to be compatible with Pokémon Bank.

Greninja, the final evolved form of Froakie, would later go on to represent the sixth generation of Pokémon in the hit fighting game, Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U. On August 26, 2014, Pokkén Tournament was announced and was released on July 16, 2015, in Japanese arcades and was released on March 18, 2016, worldwide for Wii U. It was developed by Bandai Namco Entertainment.{{cite web|title=Pokkén Tournament, A Pokémon Fighting Game, Announced For Arcades|url=http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/26/pokken-tournament-announced-arcades/|website=Siliconera|date=August 26, 2014 |access-date=August 26, 2014|archive-date=July 23, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180723034144/http://www.siliconera.com/2014/08/26/pokken-tournament-announced-arcades/|url-status=live}} In July 2016, Niantic and Nintendo released a free-to-play augmented reality game titled Pokémon Go which was released for Android and iOS devices.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/5/12102432/pokemon-go-release-date-ios-android-app-available|title=Pokémon Go is now rolling out for iOS and Android|last=Statt|first=Nick|date=2016-07-05|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-11-05|archive-date=March 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190327182254/https://www.theverge.com/2016/7/5/12102432/pokemon-go-release-date-ios-android-app-available|url-status=live}}

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{{Further|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|label1=Pokémon Sun and Moon|label2=Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}

During a Nintendo Direct presentation on February 26, 2016, two new Pokémon titles were announced, titled Pokémon Sun and Moon. The games were released on the Nintendo 3DS on November 18, 2016, in Japan, North America, and Australia, and in Europe on November 23, 2016.{{cite web|last1=Frank|first1=Allegra|title=Pokémon Sun and Moon officially unveiled, out later this year|url=http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/26/11119466/pokemon-sun-and-moon-release-date-nintendo-direct-announcement|website=Polygon|publisher=Vox Media|access-date=February 27, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160227172758/http://www.polygon.com/2016/2/26/11119466/pokemon-sun-and-moon-release-date-nintendo-direct-announcement|archive-date=February 27, 2016|url-status=live|date=February 26, 2016}} The games were the first since the second generation to be backwards-compatible with other titles, including Pokémon X and Y; Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire; and the Virtual Console re-releases of Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow. On June 6, 2017, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were announced. The two games offer new additions to the story of Pokémon Sun and Moon, including new features, and was released worldwide on the Nintendo 3DS on November 17, 2017.{{Cite web|url=http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-ultra-sun-and-pokemon-ultra-moon/|title=Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon {{!}} Pokémon Video Games|website=www.pokemon.com|language=en|access-date=June 26, 2017|archive-date=July 5, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170705003158/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/pokemon-ultra-sun-and-pokemon-ultra-moon/|url-status=live}} On May 29, 2018, two new Pokémon games in the main Pokémon franchise, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, were announced. They are remakes of Pokémon Yellow with gameplay mechanics borrowed from Pokémon Go and were released worldwide on the Nintendo Switch on November 16, 2018.

In total, this generation introduced 88 new Pokémon, Alolan forms, trials, Z-moves, Poké Pelago, and Festival Plaza. It was also the first one to introduce Pokémon mid-generation, with five new Pokémon making their debut in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, and two new Pokémon debuting in Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

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{{Further|Pokémon Sword and Shield|Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Isle of Armor|Pokémon Sword and Shield: The Crown Tundra|label1=Pokémon Sword and Shield|label2=The Isle of Armor|label3=The Crown Tundra}}

During E3 2017, Nintendo and The Pokémon Company announced that Game Freak was developing a new core Pokémon role-playing game set to release for the Nintendo Switch{{cite news|last1=Gartenberg|first1=Chaim|title=A proper Pokémon game is coming to the Nintendo Switch|url=https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15778774/new-pokemon-nintendo-switch-game-freak-announced-e3-2017|access-date=June 13, 2017|work=The Verge|date=June 13, 2017|archive-date=June 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170613180218/https://www.theverge.com/2017/6/13/15778774/new-pokemon-nintendo-switch-game-freak-announced-e3-2017|url-status=live}} in "2018 or later."{{cite web|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/07/pokemon_on_nintendo_switch_is_due_2018_or_later_but_thats_no_surprise|title=Pokémon on Nintendo Switch is Due '2018 or Later', But That's No Surprise|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430085516/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2017/07/pokemon_on_nintendo_switch_is_due_2018_or_later_but_thats_no_surprise|url-status=live|date=July 26, 2017|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=April 30, 2018}}{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/04/26/pokemon-switch-release-date|title=Nintendo Still Lists Pokemon Switch Release Date as "2018 or Later"|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430085522/http://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/04/26/pokemon-switch-release-date/|url-status=live|date=April 26, 2018|access-date=April 30, 2018|archive-date=April 30, 2018}} The game is the eighth generation of Pokémon.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/official_nintendo_magazine_confirms_pokemon_on_switch_will_be_generation_eight |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180430093509/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2018/04/official_nintendo_magazine_confirms_pokemon_on_switch_will_be_generation_eight |title=Official Nintendo Magazine Confirms Pokémon On Switch Will Be 'Generation Eight' |last=Craddock |first=Ryan |website=Nintendo Life |date=April 16, 2018 |access-date=April 30, 2018 |archive-date=April 30, 2018 |url-status=live}} Along with the announcement of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! it was confirmed that another core Pokémon role-playing game would be released in late 2019. It was clarified that the 2019 game was the one mentioned during E3 2017, not the Let's Go games. Game director Junichi Masuda stated that it would also "follow in the tradition of Pokémon X and Y and Pokémon Sun and Moon".{{Cite news |url=https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17380526/pokemon-switch-2019-core-rpg-nintendo |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530042153/https://www.theverge.com/2018/5/29/17380526/pokemon-switch-2019-core-rpg-nintendo |title=Another Pokémon game is still coming in 2019 |last=Farokhmanesh |first=Megan |website=The Verge |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/30/core-pokemon-rpg-coming-to-nintendo-switch-2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180530040544/http://www.ign.com/articles/2018/05/30/core-pokemon-rpg-coming-to-nintendo-switch-2019 |title=Core Pokemon RPG Coming to Nintendo Switch 2019 |last=DeFreitas |first=Casey |date=May 29, 2018 |access-date=May 30, 2018 |archive-date=May 30, 2018 |website=IGN |url-status=live}} The CEO of The Pokémon Company, Tsunekazu Ishihara, also confirmed that the upcoming core title would not have influences from Pokémon Go like Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! had.{{Cite web |url=https://aminoapps.com/c/nintendo-switch-1/page/blog/pokemon-2019-wont-be-influenced-by-pokemon-go/pXVb_RLkcQun23gJkXZalZnmY8dkmavpkLM |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601062327/https://aminoapps.com/c/nintendo-switch-1/page/blog/pokemon-2019-wont-be-influenced-by-pokemon-go/pXVb_RLkcQun23gJkXZalZnmY8dkmavpkLM |title=Pokèmon 2019 won't be influenced by Pokémon GO. |date=May 31, 2018 |website=Amino |access-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |url-status=live}}{{Cite web |url=https://gamingintel.com/2018/05/31/pokemon-switch-2019-not-influenced-by-pokemon-go |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180601063014/https://gamingintel.com/2018/05/31/pokemon-switch-2019-not-influenced-by-pokemon-go |title=Core RPG Pokemon Switch 2019 Game 'Will NOT Be Influenced by Pokemon Go' |date=May 31, 2018 |website=Gaming INTEL |access-date=June 1, 2018 |archive-date=June 1, 2018 |url-status=dead }} On February 27, 2019, on the 23rd anniversary of the franchise, Pokémon Sword and Shield were confirmed for Nintendo Switch, which were released worldwide on November 15, 2019.{{cite news|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/27/18241239/nintendo-switch-pokemon-sword-and-shield-launch-announcement|title=Pokémon Sword and Shield are coming to the Switch this year|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=February 27, 2019|work=The Verge|access-date=February 27, 2019|archive-date=February 27, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190227144812/https://www.theverge.com/2019/2/27/18241239/nintendo-switch-pokemon-sword-and-shield-launch-announcement|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/5/18652594/pokemon-sword-shield-nintendo-switch-release-date-trailer-raids-e3-2019|title=Pokémon Sword and Shield will launch on November 15th|last=Webster|first=Andrew|date=2019-06-05|website=The Verge|language=en|access-date=2019-10-04|archive-date=December 16, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216214236/https://www.theverge.com/2019/6/5/18652594/pokemon-sword-shield-nintendo-switch-release-date-trailer-raids-e3-2019|url-status=live}} Pokémon Sword and Shield takes place in the Galar region introducing new Pokémon, Galarian forms, the Champion Cup, Dynamax, Gigantamax forms, Max Raid battles, and Pokémon Camp. On January 9, 2020, two expansion packs titled The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra were announced. The Isle of Armor was released on June 17, 2020, and The Crown Tundra was released on October 22, 2020.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/09/pokemon-sword-shield-expansion-pass/ |title='Pokémon Sword' and 'Shield' are getting an expansion pass |last=Bonifacic |first=Igor |work=Engadget |date=January 9, 2020 |access-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-date=January 9, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109182200/https://www.engadget.com/2020/01/09/pokemon-sword-shield-expansion-pass/ |url-status=live }} On February 26, 2021, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were announced, remakes of the fourth generation games Pokémon Diamond and Pearl developed by ILCA and set to release later that year. On the same day, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was announced, a prequel to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl were released on November 19, 2021, while Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released on January 28, 2022.

This generation introduced a total of 96 new Pokémon with 81 revealed in Sword and Shield, 8 revealed in the expansion packs, and 7 revealed in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

On March 6, 2020, the remake of the Mystery Dungeon, Red and Blue Rescue Team was released titled Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX. On November 26, 2020, at the Macy's Thanksgiving parade, Pokémon teased its 2021 25th anniversary logo and details for its special celebration "soon".{{cite tweet|title=Need one more thing to be thankful for today, Trainers? Our Pokémon 25th Anniversary celebration kicks off in 2021! Stay tuned for more details 😉 #Pokemon25|number=1331987836963348485|author=Pokémon|user=Pokemon|date=November 26, 2020|access-date=2020-11-29|language=en|archive-date=November 28, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201128023649/https://twitter.com/Pokemon/status/1331987836963348485|url-status=live}}

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{{Further|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|label1=Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero|label2=The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero}}

On February 27, 2022, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were announced for the Nintendo Switch, with a late 2022 release date.{{cite web |title=Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet Announced for Late 2022 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-announced-for-late-2022 |website=IGN |date=February 27, 2022 |access-date=27 February 2022 |archive-date=February 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227142718/https://www.ign.com/articles/pokemon-scarlet-and-pokemon-violet-announced-for-late-2022 |url-status=live }} The games were released on November 18, 2022. On February 27, 2023, a two-part expansion pack was announced titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Part One, The Teal Mask, was released on September 13, 2023. Part Two, The Indigo Disk, was released on December 14, 2023.{{Cite web |title=New ways to play and more exciting details announced for the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 2: The Indigo Disk - News - Nintendo Official Site |url=https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/new-ways-to-play-and-more-exciting-details-announced-for-the-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-part-2-the-indigo-disk/ |access-date=2023-12-11 |website=www.nintendo.com |language=en-US |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211220716/https://www.nintendo.com/us/whatsnew/new-ways-to-play-and-more-exciting-details-announced-for-the-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-part-2-the-indigo-disk/ |url-status=live }} An epilogue, Mochi Mayhem, was released on January 11, 2024.{{Cite news |last=Hagues |first=Alana |date=January 15, 2024 |title=Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: How To Start Mochi Madness Epilogue & Catch The New Mythical Pokémon |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-start-mochi-madness-epilogue-and-catch-the-new-mythical-pokemon |access-date=February 21, 2024 |work=NintendoLife |archive-date=February 21, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240221142334/https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-how-to-start-mochi-madness-epilogue-and-catch-the-new-mythical-pokemon |url-status=live }}

This generation introduced a total of 120 new Pokémon so far with 103 revealed in Scarlet and Violet, 2 revealed in special Tera Raids, 7 revealed in The Teal Mask, 7 revealed in The Indigo Disk, and 1 revealed in Mochi Mayhem, with an overall total of 1025 Pokémon.

On February 27, 2024, Pokémon Legends: Z-A was announced to have a 2025 release on the Nintendo Switch.{{Cite web |last=Bailey |first=Kat |date=2024-02-27 |title=New Pokémon Legends Announced for 2025 - Pokémon Presents 2024 |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/new-pokemon-game-pokemon-presents-2024 |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=IGN |language=en |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227144946/https://www.ign.com/articles/new-pokemon-game-pokemon-presents-2024 |url-status=live }} It will feature a return to Lumiose City of the Kalos region from Pokémon X and Y, and will be the first appearance of Mega Evolution in a Pokémon game since Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!{{Cite web |last=Michael |first=Cale |date=2024-02-27 |title=Pokémon Legends: Z-A coming 2025, features return to Kalos and Mega Evolution |url=https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/pokemon-legends-z-a-coming-2025-features-return-to-kalos-and-mega-evolution |access-date=2024-02-27 |website=Dot Esports |language=en-US |archive-date=February 27, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240227160211/https://dotesports.com/pokemon/news/pokemon-legends-z-a-coming-2025-features-return-to-kalos-and-mega-evolution |url-status=live }}

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{{Main|List of Pokémon video games{{!}}List of Pokémon video games}}

{{Chart top|width=100%|Summary of main series titles}}

{{Chart/start|align=center|summary="Pokémon main series games family tree"}}

{{Chart|Syst |-|Genr | |Main | |Derv | |UDLC | | | | | |Remk| |Lgnd |Syst=System |Genr=Generation |Main=Main titles |Derv=Derivative titles |UDLC=Upper versions/DLCs |Remk=Remake titles |Lgnd=Legends titles}}

{{Chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | }}

{{Chart|DMG |-|1st |-|RdGr |-|Blue |-|Yllw |P|T| | | | | | | |DMG=Game Boy |1st=First |RdGr={{ubl|Red & Green|(1996)}} |Blue={{ubl|Blue|(1996)}} |Yllw={{ubl|Yellow|(1998)}}

|boxstyle_RdGr = background-color: #faa;

|boxstyle_Blue = background-color: #aaf;

|boxstyle_Yllw = background-color: #ffa;}}

{{Chart| | | | | | | | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|a2|~|~|7| | | | }}

{{Chart|GBC |-|2nd |-|GlSl |-|-|-|-|-|Crys | |Q| | |:| | | | |GBC=Game Boy Color |2nd=Second |GlSl={{ubl|Gold & Silver|(1999)}} |Crys={{ubl|Crystal|(2000)}}

|boxstyle_GlSl = background-color: #dda;

|boxstyle_Crys = background-color: #eee;}}

{{Chart| | | | | | | | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|a2|~|7|:| | | | }}

{{Chart|AGB |-|3rd |-|RbSp |-|-|-|-|-|Emrl | |Q| |:|L|FRLG | |AGB=Game Boy Advance |3rd=Third |RbSp={{ubl|Ruby & Sapphire|(2002)}} |Emrl={{ubl|Emerald|(2004)}} |FRLG={{ubl|FireRed & LeafGreen|(2004)}}

|boxstyle_RbSp = background-color: #f55;

|boxstyle_Emrl = background-color: #5f5;

|boxstyle_FRLG = background-color: #faa;}}

{{Chart| | | | | | | | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|a2|7|:| | | | | }}

{{Chart| | | |,|4th |-|DiPr |-|-|-|-|-|Plat | |Q|:|L|~|HGSS | |4th=Fourth |DiPr={{ubl|Diamond & Pearl|(2006)}} |Plat={{ubl|Platinum|(2008)}} |HGSS={{ubl|HeartGold & SoulSilver|(2009)}}

|boxstyle_DiPr = background-color: #ddd;

|boxstyle_Plat = background-color: #aaa;

|boxstyle_HGSS = background-color: #dda;}}

{{Chart|NTR | (| | | | | | |L|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|~|7|Q|:| | | | | | |NTR=Nintendo DS}}

{{Chart| | | |`|5th |-|BlWh |-|B2W2 | | | | | :|Q|:| | | | | | |5th=Fifth |BlWh={{ubl|Black & White|(2010)}} |B2W2={{ubl|Black 2 & White 2|(2012)}}

|boxstyle_BlWh = background-color: #fff;

|boxstyle_B2W2 = background-color: #fff;}}

{{Chart| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | :|Q|:| | | | | | }}

{{Chart| | | |,|6th |-|XY | | | | | | | | | :|Q|L|~|~|ORAS | |CTR=Nintendo 3DS |6th=Sixth |XY={{ubl|X & Y|(2013)}} |ORAS={{ubl|Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire|(2014)}}

|boxstyle_XY = background-color: #ddf;

|boxstyle_ORAS = background-color: #f55;}}

{{Chart|CTR |(| | | | | | |L |~ |~ |~ |~ |~ |~ |~ |~ |% |a2|~ |7 | | | | | |CTR=Nintendo 3DS }}

{{Chart| | | |`|7th |-|SM |-|-|-|-|-|USUM |: |Q| |: | | | | | |7th=Seventh|SM={{ubl|Sun & Moon|(2016)}} |USUM={{ubl|Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon|(2017)}}

|boxstyle_SM = background-color: #fa5;

|boxstyle_USUM = background-color: #d85;}}

{{Chart| | | | |!| |!| | | | | | | | | | | | |: |Q| |: | | | | | |}}

{{Chart| | | |,|7th | | | | | | | | | | | | |: |Y|P|b2|P|LGPE | |7th=Seventh|LGPE={{ubl|Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!|(2018)}}

|boxstyle_LGPE = background-color: #ffa;}}

{{Chart| | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | :| | |: | | | | | }}

{{Chart|HAC |+|8th |-|SwSh |-|-|-|-|-|IoA/CT |L |~ |~ |% |~ |BDSP |- |LA| |HAC=Nintendo Switch|8th=Eighth|SwSh={{ubl|Sword & Shield|(2019)}} |IoA/CT={{ubl|The Isle of Armor & The Crown Tundra|(2020)}} | BDSP={{ubl|Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl|(2021)}} | LA={{ubl|Legends: Arceus|(2022)}}

|boxstyle_BDSP = background-color: #ddd;

|boxstyle_SwSh = background-color: #1ad;

|boxstyle_IoA/CT = background-color: #0092c5;

|boxstyle_LA = background-color: #0ef;}}

{{Chart| | | |!| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |: | | | | | }}

{{Chart| | | |`|9th |-|SV |-|-|-|-|-|TM/ID | | | |L |~ |~ |~ |~ |~ |LZA |9th=Ninth|SV={{ubl|Scarlet & Violet|(2022)}} |TM/ID={{ubl|The Teal Mask & The Indigo Disk |(2023)}}|LZA={{ubl|Legends: Z-A|(2025)}}

|boxstyle_SV = background-color: #cc98f4;

|boxstyle_TM/ID = background-color: #ab81cc;

|boxstyle_LZA = background-color: #8ec669;

}}

{{Chart/end}}

{{Chart bottom}}

{{Expand section|date=February 2014}}

{{Video game series reviews

| updated = December 31, 2024

| sales_title = Units sold
{{small|(in millions)}}

| game1 = Pokémon Red and Blue

| year1 = 1996

| sales1 = 31.37{{cite book|date=October 6, 2016|title=Top 10 of Everything 2017 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Vu-pCwAAQBAJ&pg=PT115|location=London, England|publisher=Hachette UK|page=115|isbn=978-0600633747|access-date=April 25, 2017}}

| gr1 = 88%{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/367023-pokemon-red-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Red Version for Game Boy - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=April 5, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190405000450/https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/367023-pokemon-red-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/907714-pokemon-blue-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Blue Version for Game Boy - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=December 9, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191209012831/https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/907714-pokemon-blue-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc1 = -

| game2 = Pokémon Yellow

| year2 = 1998

| sales2 = 14.64

| gr2 = 85%{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/198314-pokemon-yellow-version-special-pikachu-edition/index.html|title=Pokemon Yellow Version: Special Pikachu Edition for Game Boy - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 18, 2019|archive-date=December 16, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216073940/https://www.gamerankings.com/gameboy/198314-pokemon-yellow-version-special-pikachu-edition/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc2 = -

| game3 = Pokémon Gold and Silver

| year3 = 1999

| sales3 =

23.73{{cite web |title=約4年ぶり！ ポケモン完全新作が2010年内発売へ｜ライフ関連ニュース｜オリコン顧客満足度ランキング |url=https://life.oricon.co.jp/news/72880/ |website=ORICON NEWS |language=ja |access-date=December 15, 2021 |archive-date=December 2, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211202234907/https://life.oricon.co.jp/news/72880/ |url-status=live }}

| gr3 = 90%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/198308-pokemon-gold-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Gold Version for Game Boy Colour - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181205193406/https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/198308-pokemon-gold-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/446340-pokemon-silver-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Silver Version for Game Boy Colour - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093957/https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/446340-pokemon-silver-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc3 = -

| game4 = Pokémon Crystal

| year4 = 2000

| sales4 = 6.39

| gr4 = 80%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/375087-pokemon-crystal-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Crystal Version for Game Boy Colour - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=June 4, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190604105225/https://www.gamerankings.com/gbc/375087-pokemon-crystal-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc4 = -

| game5 = Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

| year5 = 2002

| sales5 = 16.22{{cite web|url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/202366/Pokemon_X__Y_sell_4M_copies_in_first_weekend.php|title=Pokemon X & Y sell 4M copies in first weekend|last=Rose|first=Mike|work=Gamasutra|publisher=Think Services|date=October 15, 2013|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131019020122/http://gamasutra.com/view/news/202366/Pokemon_X__Y_sell_4M_copies_in_first_weekend.php|url-status=dead}}

| gr5 = 84%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/471243-pokemon-ruby-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Ruby Version for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093950/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/471243-pokemon-ruby-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/563596-pokemon-sapphire-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Sapphire Version for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093609/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/563596-pokemon-sapphire-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc5 = 82/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-ruby-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Pokemon Ruby Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=November 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181126022405/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/pokemon-ruby-version|url-status=live}}

| game6 = Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen

| year6 = 2004

| sales6 = 12

| gr6 = 81%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/918915-pokemon-firered-version/index.html|title=Pokemon FireRed Version for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093548/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/918915-pokemon-firered-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/918916-pokemon-leafgreen-version/index.html|title=Pokemon LeafGreen Version for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120144051/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/918916-pokemon-leafgreen-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc6 = 81/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-firered-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Pokemon FireRed Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206195823/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/pokemon-firered-version|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-leafgreen-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Pokemon LeafGreen Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124091228/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/pokemon-leafgreen-version|url-status=live}}

| game7 = Pokémon Emerald

| year7 = 2004

| sales7 = 6.32{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf#page=6|title=Million-Seller Titles of NINTENDO Products|format=pdf|work=Nintendo Co. Ltd.|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=September 27, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927171153/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2007/070427e.pdf#page=6|url-status=live}}

| gr7 = 77%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/921905-pokemon-emerald-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Emerald Version for Game Boy Advance - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093828/https://www.gamerankings.com/gba/921905-pokemon-emerald-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc7 = 76/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-emerald-version/critic-reviews/?platform=game-boy-advance|title=Pokemon Emerald Version for Game Boy Advance Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=February 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190202210822/https://www.metacritic.com/game/game-boy-advance/pokemon-emerald-version|url-status=live}}

| game8 = Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

| year8 = 2006

| sales8 = 17.67{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/ds.html|title=Top Selling Software Sales Units - Nintendo DS Software|work=Nintendo|access-date=May 9, 2020|archive-date=April 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170425225159/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/ds.html|url-status=live}}

| gr8 = 85%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/925601-pokemon-diamond-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Diamond Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093627/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/925601-pokemon-diamond-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/925602-pokemon-pearl-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Pearl Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=January 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190120093955/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/925602-pokemon-pearl-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc8 = 85/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-diamond-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon Diamond Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204105815/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-diamond-version|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-pearl-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon Pearl Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 20, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203022433/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-pearl-version|url-status=live}}

| game9 = Pokémon Platinum

| year9 = 2008

| sales9 = 7.06{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/100507e.pdf#page=6|title=Financial Results Briefing for Fiscal Year Ended March 2010|format=PDF|publisher=Nintendo|date=May 7, 2010|access-date=January 21, 2019|page=10|archive-date=July 21, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721202103/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2010/100507e.pdf#page=6|url-status=live}}

| gr9 = 83%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/946308-pokemon-platinum-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Platinum Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=October 16, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121016083520/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/946308-pokemon-platinum-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc9 = 84/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-platinum-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon Platinum Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204134754/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-platinum-version|url-status=live}}

| game10 = Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

| year10 = 2009

| sales10 = 12.72

| gr10 = 88%{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/960099-pokemon-heartgold-version/index.html|title=Pokemon HeartGold Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020082129/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/960099-pokemon-heartgold-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/960100-pokemon-soulsilver-version/index.html|title=Pokemon SoulSilver Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=October 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121020082225/http://www.gamerankings.com/ds/960100-pokemon-soulsilver-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc10 = 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-heartgold-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon HeartGold Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=February 3, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190203022430/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-heartgold-version|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-soulsilver-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon SoulSilver Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125051558/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-soulsilver-version|url-status=live}}

| game11 = Pokémon Black and White

| year11 = 2010

| sales11 = 15.64

| gr11 = 86%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/989552-pokemon-black-version/index.html|title=Pokemon Black Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064707/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/989552-pokemon-black-version/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/995081-pokemon-white-version/index.html|title=Pokemon White Version for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121175113/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/995081-pokemon-white-version/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc11 = 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-black-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon Black Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204040717/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-black-version|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-white-version/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon White Version for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=December 4, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204134720/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-white-version|url-status=live}}

| game12 = Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

| year12 = 2012

| sales12 = 7.63{{cite web|url=http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-30-nintendo-cuts-wii-u-sales-forecast-by-1-5-million-says-console-having-a-negative-impact-on-profits|title=Nintendo cuts Wii U sales forecast by 1.5 million, says console having "a negative impact on profits"|last=Phillips|first=Tom|date=January 30, 2013|website=Eurogamer|access-date=January 21, 2018|archive-date=September 7, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170907164927/http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2013-01-30-nintendo-cuts-wii-u-sales-forecast-by-1-5-million-says-console-having-a-negative-impact-on-profits|url-status=live}}

| gr12 = 81%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/661226-pokemon-black-version-2/index.html|title=Pokemon Black Version 2 for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064725/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/661226-pokemon-black-version-2/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/661227-pokemon-white-version-2/index.html|title=Pokemon White Version 2 for DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064750/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/661227-pokemon-white-version-2/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc12 = 80/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-black-version-2/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon Black Version 2 for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 24, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190124135855/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-black-version-2|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-white-version-2/critic-reviews/?platform=ds|title=Pokemon White Version 2 for DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110145529/https://www.metacritic.com/game/ds/pokemon-white-version-2|url-status=live}}

| game13 = Pokémon X and Y

| year13 = 2013

| sales13 = 16.76{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|title=Top Selling Software Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software|work=Nintendo|access-date=May 9, 2020|archive-date=October 31, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171031005714/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|url-status=live}}

| gr13 = 87%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/696959-pokemon-x/index.html|title=Pokemon X for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064609/https://www.gamerankings.com/ds/696959-pokemon-x/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/696960-pokemon-y/index.html|title=Pokemon Y for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064650/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/696960-pokemon-y/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc13 = 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-x/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon X for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=February 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190206222922/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-x|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-y/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Y for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190125051555/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-y|url-status=live}}

| game14 = Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

| year14 = 2014

| sales14 = 14.63

| gr14 = 84%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/792673-pokemon-omega-ruby/index.html|title=Pokemon Omega Ruby for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121175118/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/792673-pokemon-omega-ruby/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/792674-pokemon-alpha-sapphire/index.html|title=Pokemon Alpha Sapphire for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064546/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/792674-pokemon-alpha-sapphire/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc14 = 83/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-omega-ruby/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Omega Ruby for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130010534/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-omega-ruby|url-status=live}}

| game15 = Pokémon Sun and Moon

| year15 = 2016

| sales15 = 16.33

| gr15 = 88%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/187276-pokemon-sun/index.html|title=Pokemon Sun for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064430/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/187276-pokemon-sun/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/187277-pokemon-moon/index.html|title=Pokemon Moon for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064611/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/187277-pokemon-moon/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc15 = 87/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-sun/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Sun for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=November 24, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124110105/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-sun|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-moon/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Moon for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207094621/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-moon|url-status=live}}

| game16 = Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

| year16 = 2017

| sales16 = 9.23

| gr16 = 83%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/210930-pokemon-ultra-sun/index.html|title=Pokemon Ultra Sun for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064455/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/210930-pokemon-ultra-sun/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/210931-pokemon-ultra-moon/index.html|title=Pokemon Ultra Moon for 3DS - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121064727/https://www.gamerankings.com/3ds/210931-pokemon-ultra-moon/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc16 = 84/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-ultra-sun/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Ultra Sun for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=November 30, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130025650/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-ultra-sun|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-ultra-moon/critic-reviews/?platform=3ds|title=Pokemon Ultra Moon for 3DS Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=February 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190207015957/https://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/pokemon-ultra-moon|url-status=live}}

| game17 = Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!

| year17 = 2018

| sales17 = 15.07{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=Top Selling Software Sales Units - Nintendo Switch Software|work=Nintendo|access-date=February 8, 2025|archive-date=February 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230207070557/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|url-status=live}}

| gr17 = 78%{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/240025-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu/index.html|title=Pokemon Let's Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121015754/https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/240025-pokemon-lets-go-pikachu/index.html|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/240024-pokemon-lets-go-eevee/index.html|title=Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee! for Nintendo Switch - GameRankings|website=www.gamerankings.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=January 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190121015743/https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/240024-pokemon-lets-go-eevee/index.html|url-status=live}}

| mc17 = 80/100{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Pokemon Let's Go, Pikachu! for Nintendo Switch Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=December 26, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181226204535/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-lets-go-pikachu!|url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-lets-go-eevee/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch|title=Pokemon Let's Go, Eevee! for Nintendo Switch Reviews - Metacritic|website=www.metacritic.com|access-date=January 21, 2019|archive-date=November 25, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181125230632/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-lets-go-eevee!|url-status=live}}

| game18 = Pokémon Sword and Shield

| year18 = 2019

| sales18 = 26.60

| gr18 = 83%{{Cite web |url=https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/259372-pokemon-sword/index.html |title=Video Game Reviews, Articles, Trailers and more - Metacritic |access-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-date=November 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191128050833/https://www.gamerankings.com/switch/259372-pokemon-sword/index.html |url-status=live }}

| mc18 = 80/100{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-sword/?ref=hp/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Pokemon Sword for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 19, 2019 |archive-date=November 15, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191115224357/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-sword?ref=hp |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-shield/?ref=hp/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Pokemon Shield for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=November 19, 2019 |archive-date=March 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210306054140/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-shield?ref=hp |url-status=live }}

| game19 = Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

| year19 = 2021

| sales19 = 15.06

| gr19 = -

| mc19 = 73/100{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-brilliant-diamond/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Pokemon Brilliant Diamond for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=September 14, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220914102211/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-brilliant-diamond |url-status=live }}

| game20 = Pokémon Legends: Arceus

| year20 = 2022

| sales20 =

14.83

| gr20 = -

| mc20 = 83/100{{Cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-legends-arceus/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |title=Pokemon Legends: Arceus for Switch Reviews |website=Metacritic |access-date=February 7, 2023 |archive-date=August 27, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220827134119/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-legends-arceus |url-status=live }}

| game21 = Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

| year21 = 2022

| sales21 = 26.38

| gr21 = -

| mc21 = 72/100{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Scarlet |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-scarlet/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124855/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-scarlet |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |title=Pokemon Violet |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/pokemon-violet/critic-reviews/?platform=nintendo-switch |access-date=2022-12-03 |website=Metacritic |language=en |archive-date=November 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221117124857/https://www.metacritic.com/game/switch/pokemon-violet |url-status=live }}

}}

After the first five months of release, the Game Boy games sold almost 3 million copies.{{cite magazine |title=Pikachu out of pocket |magazine=Next Generation |issue=43 |publisher=Imagine Media |date=July 1996 |page=33 }} They have been credited as a factor in the Game Boy maintaining strong sales in Japan well beyond the typical lifespan of a game system.{{cite magazine |title=Tidbits... |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly|issue=101 |publisher=Ziff Davis |date=December 1997|page=27}} The series has sold over 279 million units (inclusive of spin-off titles; 210 million for the mainline Pokémon games) as of February 29, 2016,{{cite web|title=The Total Sales for Pokémon Are Staggering|date=March 17, 2016 |url=http://kotaku.com/the-total-sales-for-pokemon-are-staggering-1765436058|publisher=Kotaku|access-date=April 14, 2016|archive-date=April 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160410021009/http://kotaku.com/the-total-sales-for-pokemon-are-staggering-1765436058|url-status=live}} giving it the distinction of being one of the best-selling video game series in history.{{cite web|last1=Whitehead|first1=Thomas|title=The Pokémon Company Confirms Outstanding Lifetime Sales For The Franchise|date=March 18, 2016|url=http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_pokemon_company_confirms_outstanding_lifetime_sales_for_the_franchise|access-date=March 18, 2016|archive-date=March 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160320092957/http://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/03/the_pokemon_company_confirms_outstanding_lifetime_sales_for_the_franchise|url-status=live}} Guinness World Records awarded the Pokémon series eight records in Guinness World Records: Gamer's Edition 2008, including "Most Successful RPG Series of All Time", "Game Series With the Most Spin-Off Movies" and "Most Photosensitive Epileptic Seizures Caused by a TV Show".{{cite news|title=Record Book Focused on the Gamers|url=http://www2.journalnow.com/lifestyles/2008/apr/17/tech-bytes-record-book-focused-on-the-gamers-ar-102929/|archive-url=https://archive.today/20130127023640/http://www2.journalnow.com/lifestyles/2008/apr/17/tech-bytes-record-book-focused-on-the-gamers-ar-102929/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 27, 2013|first=Tim|last=Clodfelter|date=April 17, 2008|newspaper=Winston-Salem Journal|page=1|access-date=October 18, 2008}} {{As of|2022|3}}, the series has sold over {{nowrap|440 million}} units.{{cite web|url=https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/|title=Pokémon in Figures|website=The Pokémon Company|date=March 2023|access-date=May 26, 2023|archive-date=October 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201010084800/https://corporate.pokemon.co.jp/en/aboutus/figures/|url-status=live}}

The Pokémon video game series is the basis of the Pokémon franchise, which includes the Pokémon anime, the Pokémon Trading Card Game, the Pokémon manga, and various toys. The anime series has run for over 900 episodes, accompanied by 19 feature films, with a twentieth in production. The trading card game and its expansion sets have grown to around 3,000 unique cards in total, and continue to draw a healthy player base to its official international tournaments. The extent of global toy and merchandise sales since 1996 cover broad markets and high quantities.{{cite book |last=Carlisle |first=Rodney P |date=2009 |title="Pokémon." Encyclopedia of Play in Today's Society |publisher=SAGE Publications |pages=563–564 |isbn=9781412966702}}

IGN ranked Pokémon as the 17th greatest desired game series: "the basic gameplay premise boasts solid, addictive play mechanics, and several of the handheld RPGs deserve to be in every gamer's collection.{{cite web|title=The Top 25 Videogame Franchises|url=http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/749/749077p2.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111228203813/http://gameboy.ign.com/articles/749/749077p2.html|archive-date=December 28, 2011|website=IGN|date=December 4, 2006|author=The News & Features Team|access-date=July 21, 2010|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} GamesRadar listed Pokémon as the No. 1 Nintendo game "not made by Nintendo", stating that having to catch each Pokémon made the games addictive.{{cite web |url=http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/f/the-top-7-nintendo-games-not-made-by-nintendo/a-2010083010362255034/g-201004091000657031/p-3 |title=The Top 7... Nintendo games not made by Nintendo, Pokémon Black / White DS Features |publisher=GamesRadar |author=Henry Gilbert |date=August 30, 2010 |access-date=September 1, 2010 |archive-date=October 14, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014091321/http://www.gamesradar.com/the-top-7-nintendo-games-not-made-by-nintendo/ |url-status=live }}

{{Clear}}

{{Clear}}

• List of Japanese role-playing game franchises

{{notelist}}

{{Reflist}}

• {{Official website|http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/}}
• [http://www.pokemon.co.jp/ Official Japanese website] {{in lang|ja}}

{{Pokémon}}

{{Main franchises by Nintendo}}

{{Portal bar|Video games|Japan|Fantasy|Science fiction|1990s|2000s|2010s}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Pokemon (video game series)}}

Category:Japanese role-playing video games

Category:Turn-based role-playing video games

Category:Video game franchises introduced in 1996

Category:Video game franchises

Category:Video games adapted into comics

Category:Nintendo franchises

Category:Video games adapted into films

Category:Video games adapted into television shows

Category:Video games about children

Category:Role-playing video games

Category:Monster-taming games