The generation that began it all, generation 1 debuted in 1996 with Pokémon red and blue being the very first release with Pokémon yellow soon following in 1998. These games were the very first main titled Pokémon games and set the stage for what has now become the highest grossing media franchise in all areas. Pokémon red and blue were released with black and white displaying while Pokémon yellow introduced color. Pokémon red and blue were released on the game boy and Pokémon yellow was later released on the Game Boy Color

Johto takes everything that Kanto has done and builds upon it. Generation 2 introduced Pokémon gold, silver in 1999 and crystal released shortly after in 2000. These games introduced new Pokémon along with an entirely new story while adding to the formula of the first generation of Pokémon games. Following Pokémon yellows introduction of color, these games were released on the game boy color

Generation 3 is referred to as the Hoenn generation. This generation released on the Game Boy advanced with Pokémon sapphire and Ruby version releasing in 2003. Fast forward to 2005 and Pokémon emerald is released. Pokémon emerald is one of the most sought-after Pokémon games from collectors and introduced wireless trading between players. This generation introduced new Pokémon and ushered in a new storyline while introducing wireless trading which was groundbreaking for players of this series.

The 4th generation of Pokémon games included diamond and Pearl which released in 2007 and Pokémon platinum version which released in 2009. These games all released on the Nintendo DS and offered dual screen gameplay to the Pokémon franchise. Something that Pokémon players had never experienced before. These games also added visual effects due to the graphical enhancements that the DS offered compared to the Game Boy. This generation also introduced multiple new Pokémon and offered an entirely different story.

The 5th generation of Pokémon introduced Pokémon black and white releasing in 2011  and Pokémon black two and white 2 releasing in 2012. These games were also released on the DS and expanded on the previous generation by adding more Pokémon and new gameplay elements.

Pokémon X&Y released in 2013 on the Nintendo 3DS. The technological improvements in the 3DS allowed for better visuals including 3D character spreads for every model in this game never before seen in the Pokémon game. Pokémon X&Y introduced us to the kalos region and offered a unique storyline surrounding life and death based on the two legendary Pokémon that were introduced in this game.

Generation 7 what’s called the Alola region and introduced the games Pokémon sun and moon and Pokémon ultra sun and moon. Pokémon sun and moon were released in 2016 on the 3DS and featured a more tropical climate for players to explore with Pokémon ultra sun and moon being sequels to these games releasing the following year in 2017.

Generation 8 introduced Pokémon sword and shield. These were the first Pokémon games to come out on a console rather than a handheld. Because of the technological advancements offered in the switch this was the first open world Pokémon experience that players were able to experience. The game was surrounding a more England type of atmosphere and introduced many new Pokémon while also offering a unique storyline in many gym challenges.

Generation 9 is the newest entry in the Pokémon series and was also released on the Nintendo switch. These games expanded on the open world and also added raids to the game. Like every other new entry in the Pokémon series this generation offered new Pokémon and new gym leaders while expanding on the open world experience. Pokémon scarlet and Violet released in 2022