List of Pokémon video games facts for kids

The official logo of Pokémon for its international releases

The Pokémon video games, originally called Pocket Monsters, are a super popular series of role-playing games. They are made by Game Freak and published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company. Over the years, many other Pokémon games have been created by different companies. While the main games are role-playing games (RPGs), the spin-off games include other types like action games, puzzle games, fighting games, and even digital pet games. Most Pokémon video games have been made for Nintendo's handheld consoles, from the old Game Boy to the newest ones today.

Release timeline
1997
1996	Red and Green
1996	Blue
1998	Yellow
1999	Gold and Silver
2000	Crystal
2001
2002	Ruby and Sapphire
2003
2004	FireRed and LeafGreen
2004	Emerald
2005
2006	Diamond and Pearl
2007
2008	Platinum
2009	HeartGold and SoulSilver
2010	Black and White
2011
2012	Black 2 and White 2
2013	X and Y
2014	Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
2015
2016	Sun and Moon
2017	Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
2018	Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
2019	Sword and Shield
2020	The Isle of Armor (DLC)
2020	The Crown Tundra (DLC)
2021	Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
2022	Legends: Arceus
2022	Scarlet and Violet
2023	The Teal Mask (DLC)
2023	The Indigo Disk (DLC)
2024
2025	Legends: Z-A

Main Pokémon Games and Remakes
- Other Pokémon Console Games
  - Pokémon Stadium Series
  - Other Console Games
Pokémon Spin-off Games
See also

Main Pokémon Games and Remakes

Title	Details
Pokémon Red and Green (Japan) / Red and Blue (Worldwide) Original release date(s): ^{February 27, 1996} NA	Release years by system: 1996 – Game Boy 2016 – 3DS Virtual Console
	Notes: These were the very first Pokémon games! They introduced the first group of Pokémon. Red and Green were only released in Japan. The international versions, Red and Blue, were based on the updated Japanese Blue version. Later, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen were released in 2004 as updated versions for Game Boy Advance.
Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition Original release date(s): ^{September 12, 1998} AUS ^EU June 16, 2000	Release years by system: 1998 – Game Boy 2016 – 3DS Virtual Console
	Notes: This game let your Pikachu follow you around outside of battles! It was re-released on the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console in 2016.
Pokémon Gold and Silver Original release date(s): ^{November 21, 1999} AUS ^{October 15, 2000} EU	Release years by system: 1999 – Game Boy Color 2017 – 3DS Virtual Console
	Notes: These games introduced the second group of Pokémon. They take place three years after the first games. They were the first games to have shiny Pokémon and introduced Pokémon breeding. Updated versions, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, came out in 2009 for Nintendo DS.
Pokémon Crystal Original release date(s): ^{December 14, 2000} NA ^EU November 2, 2001	Release years by system: 2000 – Game Boy Color 2018 – 3DS Virtual Console
	Notes: This was an improved version of Pokémon Gold and Silver. It was the first main Pokémon game where you could choose to play as a girl character.
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Original release date(s): ^{November 21, 2002} NA ^EU July 25, 2003	Release years by system: 2002 – Game Boy Advance
	Notes: These games brought in the third group of Pokémon. They introduced new battle types like double battles, and new features like abilities and natures for Pokémon. Updated versions, Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, were released in 2014 for Nintendo 3DS.
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Original release date(s): ^{January 29, 2004} NA ^EU October 1, 2004	Release years by system: 2004 – Game Boy Advance
	Notes: These are updated versions of the very first Pokémon Red and Blue games.
Pokémon Emerald Original release date(s): ^{September 16, 2004} NA	Release years by system: 2004 – Game Boy Advance
	Notes: This was a special, improved version of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Original release date(s): ^{September 28, 2006} NA	Release years by system: 2006 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: These games introduced the fourth group of Pokémon.
Pokémon Platinum Original release date(s): ^{September 13, 2008} NA	Release years by system: 2008 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: This is an improved version of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Original release date(s): ^{September 12, 2009} NA	Release years by system: 2009 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: These are updated versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Pokémon Black and White Original release date(s): ^{September 18, 2010} EU	Release years by system: 2010 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: These games introduced the fifth group of Pokémon. They were the first to let you use the National Pokédex only after finishing the main story. They also brought in new battle types like triple battles and rotation battles.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 Original release date(s): ^{June 23, 2012} NA	Release years by system: 2012 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: These are direct sequels to Pokémon Black and White, set two years later in the same region.
Pokémon X and Y Original release date(s): ^WW October 12, 2013	Release years by system: 2013 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: These games introduced the sixth group of Pokémon. They were the first Pokémon games to be released worldwide at the same time. They were also the first main games to have full 3D graphics and let you customize your trainer's look. A big new feature was Mega Evolution, which lets some Pokémon get a super powerful form during battle.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Original release date(s): ^{November 21, 2014} NA	Release years by system: 2014 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: These are updated versions of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.
Pokémon Sun and Moon Original release date(s): ^{November 18, 2016} NA	Release years by system: 2016 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: These games introduced the seventh group of Pokémon. They brought in Z-moves, which are super strong attacks you can use once per battle. They also introduced regional forms, where some Pokémon look different in certain regions.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Original release date(s): ^WW November 17, 2017	Release years by system: 2017 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: These are improved versions of Pokémon Sun and Moon. They were the first Pokémon games to add new Pokémon in the middle of a generation.
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! Original release date(s): ^WW November 16, 2018	Release years by system: 2018 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: These games are updated versions of Pokémon Yellow. They let Pokémon follow you in the game world, just like in Pokémon Yellow. They also connect with the mobile game Pokémon Go. In these games, you catch wild Pokémon like in Pokémon Go, instead of battling them first.
Pokémon Sword and Shield Original release date(s): ^WW November 15, 2019	Release years by system: 2019 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: These games introduced the eighth group of Pokémon. They added Dynamaxing and Gigantamaxing, which make your Pokémon huge and powerful for a short time. Two downloadable content (DLC) packs, The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra, were released in 2020.
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Original release date(s): ^WW November 19, 2021	Release years by system: 2021 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: These are updated versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. They were developed by ILCA.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus Original release date(s): ^WW January 28, 2022	Release years by system: 2022 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: This game is set in the past of the Diamond and Pearl region. It offers a new way to play Pokémon with more action and exploration.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Original release date(s): ^WW November 18, 2022	Release years by system: 2022 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: These games introduced the ninth group of Pokémon. They brought in Terastalizing, a new way to change a Pokémon's type and boost its power.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A Original release date(s): ^WW 2025	Release years by system: 2025 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: This is a new game set in the same region as Pokémon X and Y.

Other Pokémon Console Games

Pokémon Stadium Series

Title	Details
Pokémon Stadium Original release date(s): ^{April 30, 1999} NA	Release years by system: 1999 – Nintendo 64 2023 – Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
	Notes: This game let you battle your Pokémon from the Game Boy games on the Nintendo 64.
Pokémon Stadium 2 Original release date(s): ^{December 14, 2000} NA	Release years by system: 2000 – Nintendo 64 2023 – Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
	Notes: This was the sequel to the first Pokémon Stadium game.

Other Console Games

Title	Details
Pokémon Colosseum Original release date(s): ^{November 21, 2003} NA	Release years by system: 2003 – GameCube
	Notes: This was a role-playing game for the GameCube.
Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness Original release date(s): ^{August 4, 2005} NA	Release years by system: 2005 – GameCube
	Notes: This was another RPG for the GameCube.
Pokémon Battle Revolution Original release date(s): ^{December 14, 2006} NA	Release years by system: 2006 – Wii
	Notes: This game let you battle your Pokémon from the DS games on the Wii.

Pokémon Spin-off Games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Series

Title	Details
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team and Red Rescue Team Original release date(s): ^{November 17, 2005} NA	Release years by system: 2005 – Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS 2016 – Wii U Virtual Console
	Notes: Red Rescue Team was for Game Boy Advance, and Blue Rescue Team was for Nintendo DS. These games let you play as a Pokémon in a world full of mystery dungeons.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness Original release date(s): ^{September 13, 2007} NA	Release years by system: 2007 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: These were the next games in the Mystery Dungeon series.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky Original release date(s): ^{April 18, 2009} NA	Release years by system: 2009 – Nintendo DS 2016 – Wii U Virtual Console
	Notes: This was an improved version of Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity Original release date(s): ^{November 23, 2012} NA	Release years by system: 2012 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This was the first Mystery Dungeon game for the Nintendo 3DS.
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon Original release date(s): ^{September 17, 2015} NA	Release years by system: 2015 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This game featured almost all the Pokémon that existed at the time.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX Original release date(s): ^WW March 6, 2020	Release years by system: 2020 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: This is a remake of the very first Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games from 2005.

Pokémon Ranger Series

Title	Details
Pokémon Ranger Original release date(s): ^{March 23, 2006} NA	Release years by system: 2006 – Nintendo DS 2016 – Wii U Virtual Console
	Notes: In this game, you play as a Pokémon Ranger who catches Pokémon using a special device called a Capture Styler.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Original release date(s): ^{March 20, 2008} NA	Release years by system: 2008 – Nintendo DS 2016 – Wii U Virtual Console
	Notes: This was the second game in the Ranger series.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Original release date(s): ^{March 6, 2010} NA	Release years by system: 2010 – Nintendo DS 2016 – Wii U Virtual Console
	Notes: This was the third game in the Ranger series.

Pokémon Rumble Series

Title	Details
Pokémon Rumble Original release date(s): ^{June 16, 2009} NA	Release years by system: 2009 – WiiWare
	Notes: This game features toy Pokémon battling each other.
Pokémon Rumble Blast Original release date(s): ^{August 11, 2011} NA	Release years by system: 2011 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This was the sequel to Pokémon Rumble for the Nintendo 3DS.
Pokémon Rumble World Original release date(s): ^WW April 8, 2015	Release years by system: 2015 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This game was first released for free on the 3DS eShop, then later as a physical game.

Pokémon Snap Series

Title	Details
Pokémon Snap Original release date(s): ^{March 21, 1999} NA	Release years by system: 1999 – Nintendo 64 2007 – Wii Virtual Console 2017 – Wii U Virtual Console 2022 – Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack
	Notes: In this game, you take pictures of Pokémon in their natural habitats.
New Pokémon Snap Original release date(s): ^WW April 30, 2021	Release years by system: 2021 – Nintendo Switch
	Notes: This is a new game in the Snap series for the Nintendo Switch.

Pokémon Puzzle Games

Title	Details
Pokémon Puzzle League Original release date(s): ^{September 25, 2000} EU	Release years by system: 2000 – Nintendo 64 2008 – Wii Virtual Console
	Notes: This puzzle game featured characters from the Pokémon TV show.
Pokémon Puzzle Challenge Original release date(s): ^{September 21, 2000} NA	Release years by system: 2000 – Game Boy Color 2014 – 3DS Virtual Console
	Notes: This was another Pokémon puzzle game for the Game Boy Color.
Pokémon Shuffle Original release date(s): ^WW February 18, 2015	Release years by system: 2015 – Nintendo 3DS, iOS, Android
	Notes: This is a puzzle game where you match Pokémon to clear them from the board.
Pokémon Café Mix Original release date(s): ^WW June 23, 2020	Release years by system: 2020 - Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
	Notes: In this puzzle game, you run a café for Pokémon.

Detective Pikachu Games

Title	Details
Detective Pikachu Original release date(s): ^{February 3, 2016} NA	Release years by system: 2016 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This game features a talking Pikachu who solves mysteries. A movie was also made based on this game.
Detective Pikachu Returns Original release date(s): ^WW October 6, 2023	Release years by system: 2023 - Nintendo Switch
	Notes: This is the sequel to the first Detective Pikachu game.

Pokémon Mobile Games

Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go is a very popular mobile game that uses augmented reality. It came out in July 2016 for Android and iOS phones. The game uses your phone's GPS to let you find and catch Pokémon in the real world! It places game locations like Gyms and PokéStops at real-life landmarks. This encourages players to go outside and explore. Wild Pokémon appear randomly, but some might show up more often at night or near water. You can battle other players at Gyms and get free items from PokéStops.

When it first came out, Pokémon Go only had the first group of Pokémon. Since then, many more Pokémon from different regions have been added. The game is free to play, but you can also buy items in the game with real money.

Pokémon Masters EX

Pokémon Masters EX is a 3-on-3 battle game released on August 29, 2019, for mobile phones. In this game, you team up with famous Pokémon Trainers from all the different Pokémon regions. The game was originally called Pokémon Masters but changed its name in August 2020.

Pokémon Home

Pokémon Home is a cloud service that lets you store your Pokémon online. It was released in February 2020 for Nintendo Switch and mobile devices. You can transfer Pokémon from your main Pokémon games, like Pokémon Sword and Shield, to Pokémon Home. You can also move Pokémon from older games, like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Go, into Home. This service makes it easier to keep all your Pokémon in one place.

Pokémon Smile

Pokémon Smile is a free app for Android and iOS phones. This game uses your device's camera to help you brush your teeth! As you brush, you rescue Pokémon from bacteria. The game was released on June 17, 2020.

Other Pokémon Spin-offs

Title	Details
Pokémon Dash Original release date(s): ^{December 2, 2004} EU	Release years by system: 2004 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: This was a racing game for the Nintendo DS.
Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure Original release date(s): ^{April 21, 2011} EU	Release years by system: 2011 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: This game came with a wireless keyboard and helped you learn how to type.
Pokémon Conquest Original release date(s): ^{March 17, 2012} NA	Release years by system: 2012 – Nintendo DS
	Notes: This was a strategy game that mixed Pokémon with the Nobunaga's Ambition series.
Pokémon Art Academy Original release date(s): ^{June 19, 2014} EU	Release years by system: 2014 – Nintendo 3DS
	Notes: This game taught you how to draw different Pokémon.
Pokémon Quest Original release date(s): ^WW May 30, 2018	Release years by system: 2018 - Nintendo Switch, Android, iOS
	Notes: This game features blocky, cube-shaped Pokémon.
Pokémon Unite Original release date(s): ^WW July 21, 2021	Release years by system: 2021 - Nintendo Switch, iOS, Android
	Notes: This is a team-based battle game where two teams of five players compete.