Pokemon Color Games in Order

Embarking on a journey through the world of Pokémon can be as thrilling as capturing a rare Shiny Pokémon in the wild. But with over 890 Pokémon species discovered so far, where do you start? The order in which they were introduced to the world can be a helpful guide, and it all begins with the original 151 Pokémon games.

The first-generation games, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, were released in 1996 and introduced us to the iconic Kanto region and its inhabitants. From Bulbasaur to Mew, these games set the foundation for the Pokémon universe that we know today.

First Generation: Kanto Region (1996-1999)

The Kanto region, inspired by the Kantō region of Japan, is the home of the original 151 Pokémon. These games, developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, laid the groundwork for the Pokémon series.

The Generation 1 games introduced key mechanics like Pokémon training, battling, and trading. They also initiated the tradition of releasing pairs of version-exclusive games, with Red and Blue being the first.

Pokémon Red and Blue

Pokémon Red and Blue were the first games to release worldwide, starting the global Pokémon phenomenon. They featured Charizard as their mascot Pokémon and introduced the Pokedex, a digital catalog for Pokémon, which has become a staple in every subsequent game.

Red and Blue also introduced the iconic Elite Four, a group of powerful trainers challenging the League Champion, which has remained a staple in every main-series game.

Pokémon Yellow

Pokémon Yellow, released in 1998, was a special edition of Red and Blue, released to celebrate the airing of the anime series in Japan. It featured Pikachu as the starter Pokémon and added elements from the anime, such as following Pokémon and rival battles with Jessie, James, and Meowth.

Yellow also introduced the concept of trading evolution, allowing certain Pokémon to evolve only when traded with another trainer, like the trading evolution of Haunter to Gengar.

Second Generation: Johto Region (1999-2001)

The second generation games, Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, introduced the Johto region, inspired by the Kansai and Chūbu regions of Japan. They also introduced 100 new Pokémon, bringing the total to 251.

These games continued the tradition of version-exclusive games and introduced new mechanics like Pokémon breeding and hold items for Pokémon.

Pokémon Gold and Silver

Gold and Silver were the first Pokémon games to feature a day-night cycle and weather system, making the game world feel more dynamic. They also introduced the concept of "shiny" or rare Pokémon, which have a different coloration.

Gold and Silver also featured the original 151 Kanto Pokémon, allowing players to revisit the Kanto region and encounter the originals alongside the new Johto Pokémon.

Pokémon Crystal

Pokémon Crystal was a special edition of Gold and Silver, released in 2000. It was the first game to have a dragon-type starter Pokémon, Dragonite for the first time in the series, and introduced suiting Pokémon into the games for the first time.

Crystal was also the first game to use the Game Boy Color's increased color palette, allowing for more vibrant in-game environments and Pokémon sprites.

The games continued to release, expanding the Pokémon universe and introducing new mechanics. Today, with the release of Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, fans can revisit the Sinnoh region, battle with new strategies, and even encounter version-exclusive mythical Pokémon. The journey continues, with the promise of new adventures and discoveries in the vast world of Pokémon.