In the Pokemon franchise, the main games were released in different generations, with each game featuring different Pokemon. This made it easy to follow the chronological order of the Pokémon games.
However, nowadays, it is more difficult to determine the proper order to play all the games. With over 15 games in the core Pokemon franchise and numerous spin-offs, including the highly popular Pokemon Go, it has become a challenge to establish a clear chronological order.
Whether you are just starting your Pokemon adventure or seeking a nostalgic trip down memory lane, let’s revisit all the mainline Pokémon games we have been fortunate enough to experience so far, in the order they were released.
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Which Pokemon games should I play first?
When delving into the world of Pokemon games, it is advisable to begin with the ones that were initially launched. By doing so, you will have the opportunity to gradually explore different regions and encounter a plethora of adorable creatures.
Pokemon games in release order
Below, we will list all the main series Pokemon games in the order they were released, excluding any remakes. Although the chronological order of the Pokemon series may not align perfectly with its release order, we will focus on the games’ release dates.
- Pokemon Red and Blue – February 27, 1996 – Game Boy
- Pokemon Yellow – Game Boy – September 12, 1998 – Game Boy
- Pokemon Gold and Silver – November 21, 1999 – Game Boy Color
- Pokemon Crystal – December 14, 2000 – Game Boy Color
- Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire – November 21, 2002 – Game Boy Advance
- Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen – January 28, 2004 – Game Boy Advance
- Pokemon Emerald – Sepember 16, 2004 – Game Boy Advance
- Pokemon Diamond and Pearl – September 28, 2006 – Nintendo DS
- Pokemon Platinum – September 13, 2008 – Nintendo DS
- Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver – September 12, 2009 – Nintendo DS
- Pokemon Black and White – September 18, 2010 – Nintendo DS
- Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 – June 23, 2012 – Nintendo DS
- Pokemon X and Y – October 13, 2013 – Nintendo 3DS
- Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – November 21, 2014 – Nintendo 3DS
- Pokemon Sun and Moon – November 18, 2016 – Nintendo 3DS
- Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – November 17, 2017 – Nintendo 3DS
- Pokemon Sword and Shield – November 15, 2019 – Nintendo Switch
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – November 19, 2021 – Nintendo Switch
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus – January 28, 2022
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – November 18, 2022 – Nintendo Switch
- Pokemon Legends Z-A – 2025
Pokemon Games in Chronological Order
When looking at the Pokemon timeline, it may appear to be straightforward, but it can actually be quite perplexing to figure out the order of the games without clear details. However, thanks to a tweet by Toshinobu Matsumiya (which has since been deleted), we have a starting point for a few of the games. As for the others, we can only speculate based on certain important elements within the games.
1. Pokemon Legends: Arceus
The initial game in the series, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, takes place during a period when the bond between humans and Pokemon was just beginning to develop. Throughout the game, players explore a vast open wilderness, capturing and battling wild Pokemon.
The characters within the game are shown to have a limited understanding of the Pokemon world, as they are still in the early stages of comprehending it. This installment introduces new elements such as crafting and research tasks, setting it apart from the traditional gym battle format that fans are accustomed to.
The exact timeframe of Pokemon Legends: Arceus in relation to other games in the series remains uncertain. However, it is evident that the game showcases the predecessors of the characters from Diamond and Pearl.
2. Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow
Next in the chronological order of the Pokemon game series are the original titles, namely Pokemon Red, Blue, and Yellow.
These games mark the beginning of the franchise and are highly popular due to their introduction of the first-generation Pokedex and the classic Pokemon game mechanics. Essentially, they are the games that laid the foundation for the entire Pokemon phenomenon.
While we cannot be certain about the exact order of these Game Boy games in the Pokemon timeline, a deleted Tweet by Toshinobu Matsumiya, the writer of the Game Scenario, revealed that these games mark the beginning of the series.
In terms of technology, these games may not be as advanced as the newer ones, but they still possess the capability to revive fossils.
3. Pokemon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
The Pokemon games Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald introduced a fresh batch of Pokemon and immerse players in the Hoenn region, which is located far away from the Kanto and Johto regions.
This installment showcases the third generation of Pokemon and incorporates new technology, suggesting that it occurs chronologically after the events of Red and Blue as well as Gold and Silver.
Nevertheless, a deleted tweet from Matsumiya indicates that Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire actually take place concurrently with FireRed and LeafGreen.
As a result, it can be inferred that Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire hold the same position in the chronological order of Pokemon games, considering they are remakes.
4. Pokemon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Pokemon Gold and Silver, the second games in the Pokemon series, were released after the events of Red and Blue. Set three years later, these games introduce new Generation 2 Pokemon and offer some of the most captivating post-game features in the entire series.
In a unique twist, players can explore the Kanto region after becoming the champion of Johto, providing a glimpse of the progression of time.
Additionally, players have the opportunity to engage in a challenging battle with Red, the protagonist from the original games, who proves to be a formidable opponent.
The order of Pokemon games also applies to the remakes, HeartGold and SoulSilver, in terms of their placement in the chronology. While these remakes come with some extra content, they are essentially updated versions of the original games.
5. Pokemon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
The release order of the Pokemon series places Pokemon Diamond and Pearl a few years after Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire. However, a deleted tweet from Matsumiya reveals that Diamond and Pearl actually take place concurrently with HeartGold and SoulSilver.
This may be confusing due to the technological advancements seen in Diamond and Pearl, but it is likely attributed to the games’ creation date rather than their chronological order within the Pokemon universe.
The remakes, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, take place in the same time period as the original games. However, the introduction of Fairy-type Pokemon in X and Y complicates the timeline.
6. Pokemon Black and White
Black and White, the fifth-generation Pokemon games, were released as the second mainline titles for the Nintendo DS. While the exact timeline of the game is uncertain, it is believed to occur after the events of Diamond and Pearl, as hinted by Matsumiya’s tweet.
As there are no clear connections to the previous games, it is speculated that Black and White is set more than three years after the events of Red and Blue.
7. Pokemon Black 2 and White 2
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 serve as a direct continuation of the events in Black and White, making them a true sequel in the Pokemon game series. These games provide a clear progression in the chronological timeline, showcasing various changes that have occurred since the previous installment.
For example, gym leaders have passed on their responsibilities to a new generation, Team Plasma has furthered their plans, and a fresh Champion has emerged. These developments indicate that approximately two years have elapsed since the events of Black and White, moving the timeline forward in a notably linear manner.
8. Pokemon X and Y
Pokemon X and Y was a groundbreaking addition to the Pokemon series, introducing 3D exploration and battles for the first time. This Nintendo 3DS game marked a significant shift in the traditional Pokemon formula and paved the way for future games.
Although its exact placement in the chronological order is uncertain, it has been confirmed that X and Y occur simultaneously with Black 2 and White 2. However, it is worth noting that there is a possibility that X and Y exist in a separate universe due to the introduction of Mega Evolution.
9. Pokemon Sun and Moon
Taking place after the events of X and Y, the Pokemon Sun and Moon games transport players to the Alola region. Although there is no official confirmation of its placement in the timeline, the presence of certain characters from X and Y suggests that some time has elapsed between the two games.
Notably, adult versions of Red and Blue can be seen in the game, although their specific ages and the extent of time that has passed since the events of Red, Blue, and Yellow remain undisclosed.
As a result, the events in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon occur simultaneously, as these games are essentially enhanced versions of Sun and Moon with extra features.
10. Pokemon Sword and Shield
The release of the Nintendo Switch brought about the first Pokemon game exclusively for the console, called Sword and Shield. This game introduces a new region, new Pokemon, and a new feature called Gigantamax.
It can be considered a fresh start for the series as it doesn’t have clear connections to the previous games, making it difficult to determine its place in the chronological timeline of Pokemon games.
When it comes to the timeline of Pokemon games, there is limited information available. However, we can gather some hints from the introduction of new technology.
The inclusion of the Rotom Phone suggests that Pokemon Sword and Shield may take place after the events of Red and Blue, or at least in a different universe altogether.
11. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is the most recent addition to the Pokemon game series, featuring brand new Gen 9 Pokemon and an expansive open-world setting known as the Paldea region.
The exact placement of this game within the series timeline remains unclear, leaving us with limited information to determine its position accurately.
However, if it follows the pattern of previous mainline games, it is likely to occur simultaneously with the events of Pokemon Sword and Shield.
Pokemon’s Generation Timeline Isn’t Based On In Game Data
| Complete Pokemon Generation Timeline (So Far) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Generations | Years | Consoles | Games |
| Gen 1 | 1996 – 1999 | Game Boy | Pokémon Red, Blue, & YellowPokémon Green (Japan only) |
| Gen 2 | 1999 – 2001 | Game Boy Color | Pokémon Gold & SilverPokémon Crystal |
| Gen 3 | 2002 – 2006 | Game Boy Advance | Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire (Gen 1 Remakes)Pokémon EmeraldPokémon FireRed & LeafGreen |
| Gen 4 | 2006 – 2010 | Nintendo DS | Pokémon Diamond & Pearl (Gen 2 Remakes)Pokémon PlatinumPokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver |
| Gen 5 | 2010 – 2013 | Nintendo DS | Pokémon Black & WhitePokémon Black 2 & White 2 |
| Gen 6 | 2013 -2016 | Nintendo 3DS | Pokémon X & Y (Gen 3 Remakes)Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire |
| Gen 7 | 2016 – 2019 | Nintendo 3DS / Nintendo Switch | Pokémon Sun & Moon (Gen 1 Remakes)Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra MoonPokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu & Let’s Go, Eevee! |
| Gen 8 | 2019 – 2022 | Nintendo Switch | Pokémon Sword & Shield (DLC) Pokémon Sword & Shield: The Crown Tundra (DLC) Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (Gen 4 Remakes) Pokémon Legends: ArceusPokémon Sword & Shield: Isle of Armor |
| Gen 9 | 2022 – Present | Nintendo Switch | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (DLC) Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk (DLC)Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Teal Mask |