Playing through the Pokémon series from beginning to end is a massive but rewarding journey. With nine generations, multiple retellings, sequels, and experimental titles, knowing Pokémon games in order helps you experience the franchise the way it evolved over nearly three decades.
This guide breaks down all Pokémon games in order by release date and timeline, updated through 2026, so you know exactly where to start and what comes next.
All Pokémon Games in Order by Release Date
The Pokémon video game series began as a deeply personal concept. Series creator Satoshi Tajiri once explained that the idea came from his childhood hobby of collecting insects, saying he wanted players to experience “the feeling of catching creatures and watching them grow” (Time Magazine, 1999).
Below is the official release order of the mainline Pokémon games. This is the recommended way to play if you want to experience gameplay, mechanics, and storytelling as they were introduced.
Generation I
- Pokémon Red and Blue (1998)
- Pokémon Yellow (1999)
Generation II
- Pokémon Gold and Silver (2000)
- Pokémon Crystal (2001)
Generation III
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2003)
- Pokémon Emerald (2005)
Generation IV
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2007)
- Pokémon Platinum (2009)
Generation V
- Pokémon Black and White (2011)
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)
Generation VI
- Pokémon X and Y (2013)
Generation VII
- Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (2017)
Generation VIII
- Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
Generation IX
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025)
If you are searching for Pokémon games in order, this release list gives you the most natural progression of systems, regions, and mechanics.
All Pokémon Games in Chronological Order (Story Timeline)
While release order is best for gameplay evolution, some players prefer the story timeline. Tajiri has noted that Pokémon was designed so players could start anywhere, explaining that “each game should feel like a new beginning, even within the same world” (Nintendo Dream interview, 2000).
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
- Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
- Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
- Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
- Pokémon Black and White
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Pokémon X and Y
- Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon
- Pokémon Sword and Shield
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A
This version of Pokémon games in order is ideal if you want lore continuity rather than mechanical progression.
Sales, Reception, and Legacy of Pokémon Games
The Pokémon series is one of the most successful video game franchises in history. Reflecting on its unexpected growth, Tajiri once admitted, “I never imagined Pokémon would become this big. I just wanted to make a game that felt fun to play with friends” (CNN interview, 2016).
- Over 489 million total units sold worldwide as of March 2025
- Over 210 million units sold from mainline games alone
- Multiple Guinness World Records, including Most Successful RPG Series of All Time
Some notable sales milestones include:
- Pokémon Red and Blue: 31.37 million units
- Pokémon Sword and Shield: 26.84 million units
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: 27.15 million units
Critical reception has remained consistently strong, with most mainline entries scoring between 80 and 90 on Metacritic, even as the series experimented with open-world design and new formats.
Do You Need to Play Pokémon Games in Order?
No, but it helps.
According to Tajiri, Pokémon was always meant to be flexible, stating that “the most important thing is that players feel a sense of discovery, no matter which game they start with” (Game Freak developer roundtable, 2014).
- A better understanding of recurring characters and regions
- Appreciation for mechanical evolution like breeding, abilities, and open-world gameplay
- Stronger emotional payoff from remakes, sequels, and Legends titles
If you want the full Pokémon experience, order matters.
Pokémon Games in Order: What to Play Next
Whether you are a lifelong fan or just starting out, knowing Pokémon games in order makes navigating the franchise far easier. The series continues to evolve, but its core philosophy remains unchanged.
As Tajiri put it, “Pokémon is about sharing experiences. The games change, but that idea stays the same” (Time Magazine, 1999).
Now you know exactly where to begin.
