When Did Pokémon Come Out? – Complete Pokémon History
From a small Game Boy cartridge in 1996 to the world's highest-grossing media franchise, Pokémon has defined gaming for nearly three decades. This timeline covers every major milestone — who created it, what it means, and how it grew into a global phenomenon.
1996
First Release
Satoshi Tajiri
Creator
Pocket Monsters
Name Origin
24
Main Series Games
Who Created Pokémon?
Pokémon was born from Satoshi Tajiri's childhood passion for collecting insects. Together with illustrator Ken Sugimori and programmer Shigeki Morimoto at Game Freak, they spent six years developing the concept into a Game Boy game. Nintendo published it, and The Pokémon Company was later formed to manage the franchise.
Satoshi Tajiri
Creator & Game Director
Ken Sugimori
Character Designer & Illustrator
Shigeki Morimoto
Programmer (created Mew)
What Does "Pokémon" Mean?
Pokémon is a contraction of the Japanese words "Poketto Monsutā" (ポケットモンスター), meaning "Pocket Monsters." The name reflects the core concept: capturing creatures small enough to fit in a Poké Ball and carry in your pocket.
What Was the First Pokémon?
Rhydon was the first Pokémon designed by Ken Sugimori, which is why early game sprites use Rhydon as a placeholder. However, Bulbasaur holds the #001 spot in the National Pokédex. Mew was the first Pokémon conceived as a secret character by Shigeki Morimoto.
Pokémon Timeline
1989
Satoshi Tajiri founds Game Freak alongside Ken Sugimori. Inspired by insect collecting, the Pokemon concept begins development targeting the Game Boy.
1996
Pokémon Red & Green launch in Japan on February 27 for the Game Boy. The original 151 Pokémon are born. February 27 becomes Pokémon Day.
1997
The Pokémon anime premieres in Japan. Ash Ketchum and Pikachu begin their journey, creating a global pop culture phenomenon.
1998
Pokémon Red & Blue release internationally. Pokémania sweeps the world — the trading card game launches, and the franchise becomes a billion-dollar property.
1999
Pokémon Gold & Silver add 100 new Pokémon, introduce breeding, day/night cycles, held items, and two new types (Dark and Steel). The Johto region expands the world.
2006
Pokémon Diamond & Pearl launch for the Nintendo DS, bringing the series to dual-screen gaming with 107 new Pokémon and online trading via the GTS.
2013
Pokémon X & Y introduce full 3D graphics, Mega Evolution, the Fairy type, and Pokémon-Amie. The franchise makes its biggest visual leap since 1996.
2016
Pokémon Go launches, becoming a global phenomenon with augmented reality. Pokémon Sun & Moon introduce Alolan forms and Z-Moves.
2019
Pokémon Sword & Shield bring the mainline series to Nintendo Switch for the first time. The Wild Area introduces open-world elements and Dynamax/Gigantamax.
2022
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet launch as the first fully open-world mainline games. The Terastal phenomenon and 120 new Pokémon debut.
2025
Pokémon Legends Z-A releases for Nintendo Switch 2, set in Lumiose City with over 90 Mega Evolutions — the largest expansion of the mega mechanic to date.
Game Release Timeline
| Game | Generation | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Red & Blue | Gen I | 1996 |
| Yellow | Gen I | 1998 |
| Gold & Silver | Gen II | 1999 |
| Crystal | Gen II | 2000 |
| Ruby & Sapphire | Gen III | 2002 |
| Emerald | Gen III | 2004 |
| FireRed & LeafGreen | Gen III | 2004 |
| Diamond & Pearl | Gen IV | 2006 |
| Platinum | Gen IV | 2008 |
| HeartGold & SoulSilver | Gen IV | 2009 |
| Black & White | Gen V | 2010 |
| Black 2 & White 2 | Gen V | 2012 |
| X & Y | Gen VI | 2013 |
| Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire | Gen VI | 2014 |
| Sun & Moon | Gen VII | 2016 |
| Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon | Gen VII | 2017 |
| Let's Go Pikachu & Let's Go Eevee | Gen VII | 2018 |
| Sword & Shield | Gen VIII | 2019 |
| Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | Gen VIII | 2021 |
| Scarlet & Violet | Gen IX | 2022 |
| Legends: Arceus | Gen IX | 2022 |
| Legends: Z-A | Gen IX | 2025 |
| Pokopia | Gen IX | 2026 |
| Champions | Gen IX | 2026 |
Related Guides
How Many Pokémon Are There? Complete Count by Generation
How many Pokémon are there in total? 1,025 across 9 generations. See counts by gen, type, legendary, mega, and regional forms — updated for Gen IX.
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Pokémon Legends Z-A – Complete Game Guide
Everything about Pokémon Legends Z-A: release date, platform, Lumiose City, Mega Evolution, starters, and gameplay features — your complete guide.
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What Is the Strongest Pokémon? Stats Ranking Guide
Which Pokémon has the highest stats? See the top 10 by base stat total, per-stat leaders (HP, Attack, Defense, Speed), weakest Pokémon, and best types.
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Pokémon Legends Z-A – Complete Mega Evolution Pokédex
The complete list of all 93 Mega Evolutions in Pokémon Legends Z-A — 45 brand-new Megas, 48 returning classics, Z-variants, and the Mega Dimension DLC.
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