The Ultimate Guide to All Pokémon Games: Explore Every Title in the Franchise

Pokémon, the beloved franchise that captures the imaginations of fans worldwide, has grown from a single Game Boy title into one of the biggest video game franchises in history. Spanning over 28 mainline RPGs across eight generations, Pokémon games offer immersive quests, stunning worlds, and endless battling adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned trainer or new to the franchise, this comprehensive guide explores all main Pokémon games, highlights key series, and helps you discover which titles resonate with you most.


Understanding the Context

What Are the Main Pokémon Game Series?

The Pokémon RPG series is organized into distinct generations and core sub-series, each with unique mechanics, settings, and features. Here’s a breakdown of the main lines:

1. First-Gen to Sixth-Gen Main Series (Main RPGs)

These are the foundational games where the Pokémon world—and battling system—took shape:

  • Pokémon Red/Blue/Yellow / Emerald / Omega Ruby / Alpha Sapphire
    Generations 1–6
    Introduction of the core gameplay: catching, training, and battling Pokémon. Yellow’s quest and iconic regional battles defined a generation.

Key Insights

  • Pokémon FireRed / LeafGreen
    A remake of Red/Blue with updated art and new city, centering on Calem and Lyra’s story.

  • Pokémon Gold/Silver/Brilliant Diamond/Emerald
    Generations 3–4
    Expanded regions (Kanto to Johto/Pewter), trade mechanics, and new Pokémon like Alola types.

  • Pokémon Crystal / HeartGold/SoulSilver
    Remakes with enhanced visuals, expanded regions, and new animated segments.

  • Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen Definitive
    Remastered with HD graphics and deeper story elements.

  • Pokémon Black/White / Black 2/White 2
    Generations 5–6
    Introducing the Unova region and sleek Pokémon designs.

Final Thoughts

  • Pokémon X / Y
    Generations 7–8
    Set in the Kalos region, introducing new Pokémon and a fresh battle meta.

  • Pokémon Sun / Moon / Ultra Sun / Ultra Moon
    Generation 9
    Set in Alola, featuring vibrant, tropical open-world design and aesthetics.

  • Pokémon Sword / Shield
    Generation 10
    Focused on the Paldea region, with real-time weather and increased focus on competitive battling.

  • Pokémon Scarlet / Violet
    Generation 11
    Set in the Sinnoh-inspired Paldea-11 hybrid region, with new evolutionary types (e.g., Primal Pokémon) and dynamic environments.

These main series titles form the backbone of the franchise with enduring appeal.


Other Notable Pokémon Games

Beyond the mainline RPGs, the franchise includes spin-offs, mobile hits, and experimental titles:

1. Pokémon GO (Mobile — 2016–Present)

A location-based augmented reality phenomenon, Pokémon GO lets players discover and battle Pokémon in the real world, using GPS and device cameras. It’s one of the most popular mobile games globally, forever changing how fans interact with the Pokémon universe.

2. Pokémon TCG (Trading Card Game)

Though not a video game, the TCG is a core pillar of Pokémon culture, letting players build decks and battle using physical and digital cards that mirror in-game Pokémon dynamics.