Man, trying to sort through all Pokemon versions in order feels like trying to catch ‘em all without a Pokédex. I remember digging through forums back in 2010 just to figure out where HeartGold fit in. Whether you're a new trainer or a veteran, this guide cuts through the clutter with every main series game, spin-offs worth your time, and even some personal battle scars from my 25-year journey.
The Complete Timeline: Main Series Games
Getting all Pokemon versions in order means starting at the roots. Here’s the core progression:
Generation 1: Where It All Began (1996)
Red and Blue dropped like a Thunderbolt in ‘96. I still have my blurry Game Boy Camera pics of beating Brock. These defined monster collecting forever.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Key Innovations | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Red/Green (JP) | 1996 | Game Boy | 151 Pokémon, link cable trading | N/A |
| Pokémon Blue (JP) | 1996 | Game Boy | Updated sprites, bug fixes | N/A |
| Pokémon Red/Blue (WW) | 1998 | Game Boy | International debut | 84% |
| Pokémon Yellow | 1998 | Game Boy | Pikachu following player, anime-inspired | 85% |
Personal hot take: Battles feel painfully slow today. And oh lord, the item management…
Generation 2: Gold & Silver Era (1999)
Two regions in one cart? Mind-blowing in 1999. Crystal added animated sprites – we thought it was black magic.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Key Innovations | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Gold/Silver | 1999 | Game Boy Color | Day/night cycle, 100 new Pokémon | 91% |
| Pokémon Crystal | 2000 | Game Boy Color | First female protagonist, animated sprites | 89% |
Remember Whitney's Miltank? Still gives me nightmares.
Generation 3: Hoenn's Debut (2002)
Ruby/Sapphire split the fandom. No day/night? Controversial. But double battles and abilities were game-changers.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Key Innovations | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire | 2002 | GBA | Abilities, double battles | 82% |
| Pokémon FireRed/LeafGreen | 2004 | GBA | Gen 1 remakes, wireless adapter | 86% |
| Pokémon Emerald | 2004 | GBA | Battle Frontier, Rayquaza story | 87% |
Secret Bases were genius. Change my mind.
Mid-Gen Evolution: DS & 3DS Eras
The DS era might be peak Pokémon for many. Mine included – nothing beats that first touchscreen Pokédex.
Generation 4: Sinnoh's Golden Age (2006)
Physical/special split redefined competitive play. HGSS? Chef's kiss. Best remakes ever.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Key Innovations | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Diamond/Pearl | 2006 | DS | Online battles, 107 new Pokémon | 85% |
| Pokémon Platinum | 2008 | DS | Distortion World, Battle Frontier | 88% |
| Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver | 2009 | DS | Pokémon following player, Pokéathlon | 92% |
Still boot up HGSS just to hear that National Park theme.
Generation 5: Bold Reboot (2010)
No old Pokémon until post-game? Madness. But story-wise? Chef’s kiss.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Key Innovations | Metascore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Black/White | 2010 | DS | Fully animated sprites, seasons | 87% |
| Pokémon Black 2/White 2 | 2012 | DS | Hard Mode, Pokémon World Tournament | 88% |
Ghetsis remains the most terrifying villain. Fight me.
Generation 6: 3D Revolution (2013)
Generation 7: Alolan Experiments (2016)
Generation 8: Switch Debut (2019)
Generation 9: Open World Era (2022)
Essential Spin-offs in Timeline Order
Because sometimes you need a break from gym battles.
| Game | Release Year | Platform | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Stadium | 1999 | N64 | First 3D battles, transfer from GB |
| Pokémon Colosseum | 2003 | GameCube | “Shadow Pokémon” concept |
Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky made me cry. No shame.
Why Play All Pokemon Versions in Order?
Beyond bragging rights? Three real benefits:
- Evolution appreciation: Seeing moves like “Tri Attack” go from broken to balanced
- Lore connectivity: Cynthia’s backstory hits different after Gen 3
- Mechanical shifts: Physical/Special split in Gen 4 changed EVERYTHING
My Personal Journey: Playing in order since 1998 taught me this – each gen reflects its era. Gen 2’s internal clock felt like sci-fi. Gen 6’s 3D? Mind-blowing at the time. Context matters.
Pokemon Versions FAQ: Quick Answers
What’s the best way to play all Pokemon versions in order today?
Legally? Tough. Original hardware costs a fortune. Emulation exists but... morally gray. Switch has Let’s Go (Gen 1), BDSP (Gen 4), and SV (Gen 9).
Which generations are hardest to find?
Gen 3 (GBA) and Gen 4/5 (DS) cartridges skyrocketed. Found Emerald for $150 last month – crazy.
Do I need to play every version?
Nah. Pick one per gen (e.g., Yellow > Crystal > Emerald > Platinum). Exceptions: Black/White and sequels.
Are remakes replacements?
FireRed replaces Red? Absolutely. But HGSS offers MORE than original Gold. Platinum > Diamond? 100%.
What about spin-offs in the timeline?
Stadium after Gen 2, Colosseum between Gen 3-4. Legends: Arceus? After Gen 4 remakes.
Let’s be real – Scarlet/Violet’s performance issues? Unacceptable for a $60 game. Still fun though.
Final Tips for Your Journey
- Skip Diamond/Pearl – go straight to Platinum
- HeartGold/SoulSilver >>> original Gold/Silver
- Black 2/White 2 have the best post-game content. Period.
- XY are criminally easy but great for beginners
Getting every all Pokemon versions in order is a marathon, not a sprint. Took me 8 years to complete the collection. Was it worth it? Every glitchy, nostalgic, frustrating moment. Now get out there and catch ‘em all – in order.