The Pokémon series has grown into one of the biggest video game franchises in the world, with games spread across multiple generations, regions, and Nintendo consoles. With so many games, it can be confusing to know where to start or how to play all Pokémon games in order.
There are two main ways to play the Pokémon games in order. You can follow the chronological order to experience the story and timeline, or use the Pokémon release order to experience the games as they originally arrived. This guide covers both.
Pokémon Games in Order: Quick Overview
- First Core-Series Release: Pokémon Red and Blue, 1996
- Latest Core-Series Release: Pokémon Legends: Z-A, 2025
- Latest Pokémon Releases: Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Pokopia, 2026
- Latest Generation: Generation 9
- Main Regions: Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Paldea
- Earliest Game in the Timeline: Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Latest Game in the Main Timeline: Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Main Platforms: Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2
- Upcoming Games: Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, 2027
How Many Pokémon Games Are There?
As of 2026, there are 22 core-series Pokémon game releases when paired versions are counted as one release. If individual versions are counted separately, there are 38 core-series games released in English. The core series currently covers nine generations, from Generation 1 to Generation 9.
Pokémon Games on Nintendo Consoles
Below are all the Pokémon games released on Nintendo Consoles to date:
- Game Boy: Pokémon Red and Blue, Pokémon Yellow
- Game Boy Color: Pokémon Gold and Silver, Pokémon Crystal
- Game Boy Advance: Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Pokémon Emerald
- Nintendo DS: Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Pokémon Black and White, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
- Nintendo 3DS: Pokémon X and Y, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon Sun and Moon, Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Nintendo Switch: Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
- Nintendo Switch and Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Pokémon Pokopia, Pokémon Champions, Pokémon FireRed Version and Pokémon LeafGreen Version
Other Pokémon Games
- Pokémon has also received many spin-off games outside the main RPG series.
- Popular examples include Pokémon GO, Pokémon Mystery Dungeon, Pokémon Ranger, and Pokémon Snap.
- These games have their own gameplay styles and are not necessary for following the main Pokémon timeline.
All Pokémon Games in Chronological Order
The Pokémon timeline is not as straightforward as its release order. Most games follow a general progression, while Pokémon Legends titles are set much earlier than the games they are connected to. The chronological order below follows the timeline, with remakes and alternate versions placed alongside their corresponding games. This is the Pokémon games’ chronological order:
Note: Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon Let’s Go, Eevee! are reimagined versions of the Kanto adventure and do not fit neatly into the main Pokémon timeline, so they are listed separately from the main chronological order.
1. Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the earliest game in the Pokémon chronological order. It takes place in the Hisui region, long before it became known as Sinnoh. In this game, humans and Pokémon are still learning how to live alongside each other, alongside focusing heavily on exploring the wilderness, catching Pokémon, and completing research tasks. The game also features ancestors of several characters from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, connecting its story to the later Sinnoh games.
2. Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow
Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow come next in the Pokémon timeline. These games introduce the Kanto region, the original 151 Pokémon, and the classic Pokémon adventure formula. Players travel across Kanto, collect Gym Badges, battle Team Rocket, and eventually challenge the Elite Four.
Note: Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of these games and take place at the same point in the timeline.
3. Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald
Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald take players to the Hoenn region with a new group of Pokémon and characters. According to the timeline, these games take place around the same time as the events of FireRed and LeafGreen.
Note: Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are remakes of Ruby and Sapphire and therefore take place at the same point in the timeline.
4. Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal take place three years after the events of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. The games introduce the Johto region, 100 new Pokémon, and several new features.
The story also returns players to Kanto after completing the main Johto adventure. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of these games and follow the same general point in the timeline.
5. Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum take the series to the Sinnoh region. Players encounter new Pokémon, explore a new region, and become involved with Team Galactic and the Legendary Pokémon Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.
Note: These games are followed much later by Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which are remakes of Diamond and Pearl.
6. Pokémon Black and White
Pokémon Black and White take place in the Unova region and introduce a completely new set of Pokémon at the beginning of the main adventure. The story focuses heavily on the relationship between people and Pokémon, with Team Plasma playing a major role. The games also feature characters and events that are important to their direct sequels.
7. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are direct sequels to Black and White. They take place around two years after the original Unova games and bring back several characters while introducing new story events. Because they continue the story of Black and White, these are the Pokémon games you should play next if you want to follow the Unova storyline in order.
8. Pokémon X and Y
Pokémon X and Y take players to the Kalos region and introduce 3D visuals, Fairy-type Pokémon, and Mega Evolution. The games follow a young Trainer on a journey through Kalos while confronting Team Flare.
The timeline places X and Y around the same general period as Black 2 and White 2, although the exact relationship between the different game timelines is not completely clear.
9. Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes place in Lumiose City in the Kalos region and is set after the events of Pokémon X and Y. It brings players back to the world of Kalos while introducing a different style of Pokémon adventure.
The game focuses on the redevelopment of Lumiose City and features Mega Evolution as a major part of its gameplay and story. Pokémon Legends: Z-A was released on Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 on October 16, 2025.
10. Pokémon Sun and Moon
Pokémon Sun and Moon take players to the Alola region. Instead of the traditional Gym system, the games introduce Island Trials, new characters, and the Ultra Beast storyline. The games take place after Pokémon X and Y, with returning characters helping show that time has passed since the earlier games.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon take place at the same general point in the Pokémon games timeline and expand the story with additional content.
11. Pokémon Sword and Shield
Pokémon Sword and Shield take place in the Galar region and introduce new Pokémon, Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics. The games feature a more open region than many earlier Pokémon titles and introduce the Wild Area.
The exact position of Sword and Shield in the wider Pokémon timeline is less clear, as the games have fewer direct connections to previous regions and stories. Making a main entry in the Pokémon games’ chronological order.
12. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet take players to the Paldea region and introduce an open-world Pokémon adventure. The games feature three different story paths, new Pokémon, and the Terastal phenomenon. They currently sit at the latest point in the main Pokémon timeline according to the chronological order.
All Pokémon Games in Order of Release Date
If you want to experience the Pokémon series as players originally did, release order is the simplest option. It also lets you see how the Pokémon games changed from one generation to the next. Here is the full Pokémon games release order:
| # | Name | Release Year | Platform |
| 1 | Pokémon Red and Blue | 1996 | Game Boy |
| 2 | Pokémon Yellow | 1998 | Game Boy |
| 3 | Pokémon Gold and Silver | 1999 | Game Boy Color |
| 4 | Pokémon Crystal | 2000 | Game Boy Color |
| 5 | Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire | 2002 | Game Boy Advance |
| 6 | Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| 7 | Pokémon Emerald | 2004 | Game Boy Advance |
| 8 | Pokémon Diamond and Pearl | 2006 | Nintendo DS |
| 9 | Pokémon Platinum | 2008 | Nintendo DS |
| 10 | Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver | 2009 | Nintendo DS |
| 11 | Pokémon Black and White | 2010 | Nintendo DS |
| 12 | Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 | 2012 | Nintendo DS |
| 13 | Pokémon X and Y | 2013 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 14 | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | 2014 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 15 | Pokémon Sun and Moon | 2016 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 16 | Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon | 2017 | Nintendo 3DS |
| 17 | Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! | 2018 | Nintendo Switch |
| 18 | Pokémon Sword and Shield | 2019 | Nintendo Switch |
| 19 | Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl | 2021 | Nintendo Switch |
| 20 | Pokémon Legends: Arceus | 2022 | Nintendo Switch |
| 21 | Pokémon Scarlet and Violet | 2022 | Nintendo Switch |
| 22 | Pokémon Legends: Z-A | 2025 | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2 |
Other Pokémon Games Released in 2026
- Pokémon Pokopia – March 5, 2026 | Nintendo Switch 2
- Pokémon Champions – April 8, 2026 | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, iOS, Android
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – February 27, 2026 | Nintendo Switch family of systems, including Nintendo Switch 2
You can also check out our Pokémon Games ranked list, Pokémon TCG Pocket Best Decks, Pokémon GO Tier List, Pokémon Unite Tier List, and much more.
Upcoming Pokémon Games
Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves are upcoming Pokémon RPGs announced for Nintendo Switch 2. Both games are planned to launch globally in 2027. They should be kept separate from the released Pokémon games until their release and timeline details are confirmed.
Should You Play Pokémon Games in Chronological or Release Order?
For most players, release order is the easiest way to experience the Pokémon series. It shows how the games evolved across generations and introduces new mechanics as they originally appeared.
Chronological order is better for players who want to follow the broader Pokémon timeline. However, the series does not have one completely linear timeline, so some games and alternate versions do not fit neatly into a single sequence.
Pokémon Games in Order: FAQs
Q. How many Pokémon games are there?
A. There are 22 core-series Pokémon game releases when paired versions are counted as one release, or 38 individual core-series games released in English. The wider franchise also includes numerous spin-offs and mobile games.
Q. What is the first Pokémon game?
A. Pokémon Red and Blue were the first Pokémon games released internationally in 1996 for the Game Boy.
Q. What is the best order to play Pokémon games?
A. Release order is the easiest choice for a first playthrough because it follows how the series evolved. Chronological order is better if you want to follow the timeline.
Q. Is Pokémon Legends: Arceus the first game in the timeline?
A. Yes. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the distant past of the Pokémon world and is generally considered the earliest mainline game in the chronological order.
Q. What is the latest Pokémon game?
A. Pokémon Champions and Pokémon Pokopia are among the latest Pokémon releases from 2026, while Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the latest core-series Pokémon RPG released in 2025.
Q. Where does Pokémon Legends: Z-A fit in the Pokémon timeline?
A. Pokémon Legends: Z-A takes place in Lumiose City and is set after the events of Pokémon X and Y. Its exact relationship with some of the later Pokémon games is not fully established.
Q. Are Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen remakes?
A. Yes. FireRed and LeafGreen are remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Blue and fit at the same general point in the timeline.
Q. Are Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver remakes?
A. Yes. HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver and follow the same basic story and timeline.
