Whether you’re a series veteran or a newcomer, the timeline of the Pokémon games can get quite convoluted, thanks to the number of enhanced editions and remakes. However, we’re here to untangle the strings and make everything crystal clear so you can enjoy the series better and without any confusion.
We’ve mapped out every mainline Pokémon game from Game Freak, both chronologically and by release, so you can jump straight in and progress gradually throughout the series.
How to Play All Pokémon Games in Chronological Order?
Credit: Game Freak
Credit: Game Freak
Credit: Game Freak
Credit: Game Freak
Credit: Game Freak
The chronological order of all the Pokémon games is a little convoluted and confusing, which is why the release order is much simpler to follow. However, if you do want to dive down the mainline timeline in a chronological order, follow this table:
GAME NAMERELEASE YEARPLATFORMSPokémon Legends: Arceus2022Nintendo SwitchPokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow– 1996 (Red and Blue)– 1998 (Yellow) – 2004 (FireRed and LeafGreen)– 2018 (Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!)– Original: Game Boy– Remake: Game Boy Advance, Nintendo Switch (Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!)Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald– 2002 (Ruby and Sapphire)– 2004 (Emerald)– 2014 (Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)– Original: Game Boy Advance– Remake: Nintendo 3DSPokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal– 1999 (Gold and Silver)– 2000 (Crystal)– 2009 (HeartGold and SoulSilver)– Original: Game Boy Color– Remake: Nintendo DSPokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum– 2006 (Diamond and Pearl)– 2008 (Platinum)– 2021 (Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl)– Original: Nintendo DS– Remake: Nintendo SwitchPokémon Black and White2010Nintendo DSPokémon Black 2 and White 22012Nintendo DSPokémon X and Y2013Nintendo 3DSPokémon Legends: Z-A2025– Nintendo Switch – Nintendo Switch 2Pokémon Sun and Moon– 2016 (Sun and Moon)– 2017 (Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon)Original & Enhanced Versions: Nintendo 3DSPokémon Sword and Shield2019Nintendo SwitchPokémon Scarlet and Violet2022Nintendo Switch
How to Play Pokémon Games in Release Order?
Want to experience the Pokémon games in the order players originally did? Then the release order is the way to go. This order is perfect for someone who’s not very knowledgeable about Pokémon, but still wants to learn more about the games.
It’s worth noting that we haven’t included the remakes separately to avoid confusion, so here’s how the release order of all the mainline Pokémon games goes:
1. Pokémon Red and Blue (1996)
Where it all began! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: TBAPlatforms: Game Boy
Pokémon Red and Blue laid the foundation for one of the most successful media franchises of all time in 1996. It introduced the first-generation Pokedex and focused on the protagonist’s journey to become the Pokémon League Champion by defeating Gym Leaders and other Pokémon Trainers across Kanto.
For the best experience, play the 2004 remakes, titled FireRed and LeafGreen. It keeps the essence of the original while adding minor changes and various technical improvements, also available on Nintendo Switch.
2. Pokémon Yellow (1998)
An enhanced version of the original that adapts the anime! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: TBAPlatforms: Game Boy
Pokémon Yellow is an enhanced version of Pokémon Red and Blue, heavily inspired by the popular Pokémon anime series. The game changed multiple aspects of the original and introduced new gameplay, storyline, and location changes to offer a different experience from Pokémon Red and Blue.
If you want to play Pokémon Yellow, check out the 2018 Nintendo Switch remake, Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee, which is far more accessible for newcomers and offers connectivity with Pokémon Go.
3. Pokémon Gold and Silver (1999)
The beginning of Generation 2! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: TBAPlatforms: Game Boy Color
Pokémon Gold and Silver introduced the second Generation of the series in 1999, adding 100 new species of Pokémon to the Pokedex and following the Trainer’s quest to become a Pokémon Battling master in the Johto region. It’s vibrant, colorful, and a fantastic start to Generation 2 of Pokémon.
A Nintendo DS remake of the original games, titled Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, launched in 2009, and it’s the definitive experience, complete with new mechanics and improvements.
4. Pokémon Crystal (2000)
A crystal clear conclusion to Generation 2! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: TBAPlatforms: Game Boy Color
In 2000, Game Freak and Nintendo concluded the second Generation of the series with Pokémon Crystal, serving as the enhanced version of Pokémon Gold and Silver. The narrative remained largely the same, except for new subplots featuring Suicune and Unown.
A collection of new features, fresh gameplay elements such as the Battle Tower, visual improvements, and the option to play as a female protagonist made Crystal a solid entry in the critically acclaimed series.
5. Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (2002)
Third generation kicks off with Ruby and Sapphire! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 82/TBDPlatforms: Game Boy Advance
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire commenced the third generation of the beloved series in 2002. In terms of narrative and gameplay, this game continues the successful formula, now set in Hoenn. However, the addition of the antagonist teams, Team Magma and Team Aqua, paved the way for an intriguing subplot.
If you want the ultimate Ruby and Sapphire experience with updated visuals and technical enhancements, the 2014 3DS remakes dubbed Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will satisfy your needs.
6. Pokémon Emerald (2004)
Fixes the problems Ruby and Sapphire had! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 76Platforms: Game Boy Advance
Pokémon Emerald marked the end of generation 3, and its retelling of Ruby and Sapphire received widespread acclaim. Continuing the Trainer’s journey in Hoenn, Emerald not only added the Pokémon from Ruby and Sapphire, but it also features Pokémon from Gold and Silver, and it’s the best way to experience the stories of its predecessors.
7. Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (2006)
Sinnoh is yours to explore! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 85/85Platforms: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were the series’s first mainline entry on the Nintendo DS. The beginning of generation 4 in 2006 takes Pokémon Trainers on a wild ride across the Sinnoh region to catch more than 100 new Pokémon and fight against the criminal organisation of Team Galactic.
While Diamond and Pearl introduced multiple new features, their 2021 remakes on the Nintendo Switch, titled Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, are the definitive experiences for Trainers.
8. Pokémon Platinum (2008)
It’s a true Platinum in the series! Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 83Platforms: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Platinum is the enhanced retelling of Diamond and Pearl, continuing the fourth generation’s offerings. Giratina plays a central role in the narrative, as opposed to Dialga and Palkia, and the gameplay remains the same, with few tweaks here and there. However, Platinum introduces a new area called the Distortion World, with altered physics compared to areas in Sinnoh.
Platinum also marks the first time in the series that a player is given numerous chances to catch a Legendary Pokémon again after defeating it. All things considered, Pokémon Platinum remains one of the best titles on Nintendo DS.
9. Pokémon Black and White (2010)
Thwart the Team Plasma’s schemes in Unova! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 87/87Platforms: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Black and White introduced a region outside Japan with Unova, a metropolis based on New York City. With more new Pokémon than ever before, rotational battles, seasonal cycle, and fully animated sprites, Black and White commenced the fifth Generation with a bang.
Hilbert/Hilda’s venture through Unova to become a Pokémon master is accompanied by memorable characters, a villainous organisation known as Team Plasma, and more than 150 Pokémon to catch.
10. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (2012)
The direct sequels to the original Black and White! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 80/80Platforms: Nintendo DS
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 are the direct sequels to Pokémon Black and White and a part of the fifth-generation Pokémon games. These two games were the last first-party titles for the Nintendo DS and were first revealed in an episode of the Japanese television program Pokémon Smash!
The game takes place two years after the original Black and White, following a new Pokémon Trainer’s journey to become the Unova League Champion and defeat Neo Team Plasma. From Hidden Grottoes, Key System, new cities, to new Pokémon, this game included never-before-seen features to the long-running series.
11. Pokémon X and Y (2013)
These games began the transition to 3D models in Pokémon games! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 87/88Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon X and Y ushered in the sixth generation of the Pokémon game series, and were the first titles to have a simultaneous global release in 2013. It had a typical Pokémon story, following the journey of a young Pokémon Trainer battling Pokémon and bringing down the criminal organization Team Flare.
Pokémon X and Y introduced vast improvements to the series, with new Fairy-type Pokémon, updated training and battle mechanics with Mega Evolutions, and completely rendered 3D graphics. The 72 new Pokémon species were encouraged to be traded between both games to complete the entire Pokedex.
12. Pokémon Sun and Moon (2016)
The final Pokémon games on the Nintendo 3DS! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 87/87Platforms: Nintendo 3DS
Pokémon Sun and Moon were the last of the Pokémon games released on the Nintendo 3DS, starting the seventh generation of Pokémon titles. The game takes place in the Alola region, following a young Pokémon Trainer on the journey to thwart the evil schemes of Team Skull and the Aether Foundation.
This title focused heavily on updating battle mechanics, improving Pokémon interactions and relationships, and refining polygonal 3D graphics. A pair of enhanced versions, titled Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, was later released for the Nintendo Switch, bringing the series to the handheld.
13. Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019)
Witness the beginning of eighth-generation Pokémon games! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 80Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Sword and Shield are the first instalments in the eighth generation of Pokémon games on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, leaving the 3DS. The narrative focused on a young Pokémon Trainer in the Galar Region competing for the title of the Galar League Champion, beating title-holder Leon.
This game takes the Pokémon game series back to its roots, while also introducing new features, including the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics, thanks to the Nintendo Switch’s capabilities. This title also received the first-ever DLCs in the series history with The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, a two-part expansion.
14. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022)
The Hisui region hides the secret behind Arceus! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 83Platforms: Nintendo Switch
The next Pokémon game on this list is Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the prequel to the fourth-generation Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. It’s a part of the eighth-generation Pokémon games, focusing on completing the Pokedex by catching all Pokémon.
This action RPG was centred on exploration in the Hisui region and building the first Pokedex in this location by collecting various types of Pokémon, ultimately uncovering the mystery surrounding the Mythical Pokémon Arceus, upon whom the game is named.
15. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022)
Bringing an open world to the series for the first time! | Credits: Nintendo
Metascore: 72/71Platforms: Nintendo Switch
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet began the ninth generation of the game series, introducing the first open world in 2022. Three separate stories across the Paldea Region were featured in this title. While it was plagued with technical problems, it still excelled at the story and the open world, not to mention the stylized character design.
Later, the story was expanded with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero, which had two parts: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, along with a post-game expansion, Mochi Mayhem. The latter was considered an epilogue and the proper conclusion to the DLCs and the base game.
16. Pokémon Legends: Z-A (2025)
Continuing the ninth generation flawlessly! | Credits: Game Freak
Metascore: 78Platforms: Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is the next Pokémon game after Scarlet and Violet, developed by Game Freak as a part of the ninth generation of Pokémon video games. It’s a sequel to sixth-generation Pokémon X and Y and follows events that transpire after Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
The game is set five years after the events of X and Y, entirely in the Kalos region, particularly in Lumiose City, adding new Mega Evolutions and a dynamic real-time combat system. It was later enhanced for the Switch 2, along with a paid expansion, Mega Dimension, released last year for both consoles.
17. Pokémon Winds and Waves (2027)
Gear up for a tropical Pokémon RPG next year! | Credits: The Pokémon Company
Metascore: TBAPlatform: Nintendo Switch 2
Pokémon Winds and Waves is the upcoming entry in the series, officially beginning the 10th generation of Pokémon games. Winds and Waves will be set on a tropical archipelago with accessible underwater sections and lush biomes, and will feature two Pikachu variants: Mr. Windychu and Ms. Wavychu, who’ll tag along with the Trainers.
The game is confirmed to launch next year, exclusively on Nintendo Switch 2, so expect more news during the latter half of 2026.
New to Pokémon? Here’s Where You Should Begin
For beginners only! | Credits: Nintendo
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen serve as the perfect entry point into the series for newcomers. It has accessible turn-based battle mechanics, easy tutorials, a cast of iconic Pokémon, and an extremely straightforward narrative.
Not only are they remakes of the first titles in the series, Pokémon Red and Blue, but they still maintain the original’s essence while making quality-of-life changes that welcome every newcomer.
Should I play the release order or the chronological order?
It’s much easier to follow the release order of all the Pokémon games since the chronological order is quite confusing.
Are the remakes better than the original?
Yes, the remakes offer various technical improvements and additions that Pokémon players will enjoy.
Do I need to play every Pokémon game to understand the story?
No, you do not need to play every Pokémon game to understand the narrative, as they feature self-contained stories. However, you can always go through all the generations of Pokémon games if you wish to.
Are you a first-time Pokémon player, or have you been a fan of the series since its release? Share your thoughts and opinions on the Pokémon games in the comment section below.
This post belongs to FandomWire and first appeared on FandomWire
