Pokémon has released main-series games for 30 years, from the original Game Boy titles to Nintendo Switch 2. Here is every main-series Pokémon game in release order, grouped by generation, plus where you can still play them today. Years are the first release (usually Japan).
Table of Contents
Pokémon games in order (main series)
| Gen | Game(s) | Year | Original system |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Red & Green (Red & Blue outside Japan) | 1996 | Game Boy |
| 1 | Yellow | 1998 | Game Boy |
| 2 | Gold & Silver | 1999 | Game Boy Color |
| 2 | Crystal | 2000 | Game Boy Color |
| 3 | Ruby & Sapphire | 2002 | Game Boy Advance |
| 3 | FireRed & LeafGreen | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| 3 | Emerald | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| 4 | Diamond & Pearl | 2006 | Nintendo DS |
| 4 | Platinum | 2008 | Nintendo DS |
| 4 | HeartGold & SoulSilver | 2009 | Nintendo DS |
| 5 | Black & White | 2010 | Nintendo DS |
| 5 | Black 2 & White 2 | 2012 | Nintendo DS |
| 6 | X & Y | 2013 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 6 | Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 7 | Sun & Moon | 2016 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 7 | Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | 2017 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 7 | Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Let’s Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| 8 | Sword & Shield | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| 8 | Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | 2021 | Nintendo Switch |
| 8 | Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Nintendo Switch |
| 9 | Scarlet & Violet | 2022 | Nintendo Switch |
| 9 | Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Switch / Switch 2 |
| 10 | Winds & Waves | 2027 (announced) | Switch 2 |
Remakes vs originals
Several games are remakes of earlier ones:
- FireRed & LeafGreen remake Red & Green/Blue (Gen 1).
- HeartGold & SoulSilver remake Gold & Silver (Gen 2).
- Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire remake Ruby & Sapphire (Gen 3).
- Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl remake Diamond & Pearl (Gen 4).
- Let’s Go, Pikachu! & Eevee! reimagine Yellow (Gen 1).
What’s new in 2026?
- February 27, 2026: FireRed & LeafGreen launched digitally on Nintendo Switch for the 30th anniversary — see how to play FireRed on Switch.
- Same day: Pokémon Winds and Waves (Generation 10) was announced for Switch 2, due in 2027.
- March 2026: Pokémon Pokopia, a life-sim spin-off, launched on Switch 2.
- April 2026: Pokémon Champions, a battle-focused game, launched on Switch, then on mobile in June.
Do you need to play them in order?
No. Every main-series game has its own region and story. Only a few are direct sequels — Black 2 & White 2 follow Black & White, and the “Ultra” games are alternate versions of Sun & Moon. You can start anywhere; see the best Pokémon game to start with.
Where to play older Pokémon games today
| Games | Where to play now |
|---|---|
| Let’s Go onwards | Nintendo Switch / Switch 2 |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | Nintendo Switch eShop (2026 re-release) |
| X & Y to Ultra Sun & Moon | Original 3DS hardware (the 3DS eShop has closed) |
| Gen 1–5 originals | Original hardware and cartridges |
Paired versions explained
Most generations launch as two versions (for example, Scarlet and Violet). The story is the same; differences are mostly version-exclusive Pokémon and a few characters. Trade with a friend or use Pokémon HOME to complete your Pokédex.
FAQ
What was the first Pokémon game?
Pokémon Red and Green, released in Japan in 1996 for the Game Boy. Red and Blue followed internationally.
What is the newest Pokémon game?
The newest main-series game is Legends: Z-A (2025). Winds and Waves is the next mainline game, due in 2027.
How many main-series Pokémon games are there?
Counting paired versions as one entry, there are more than 20 main-series releases.
More: Pokémon type chart explained.
Hi, I’m Emam Hasan — an English teacher and the founder of Anirban Lexicon Center in Mirpur, Dhaka. I run Takedownloads to share honest game guides, tips and app reviews that help players choose well and play better. Alongside teaching, I work in digital marketing and SEO, and I enjoy turning complex topics into simple, helpful lessons anyone can follow.
