Image via The Pokemon Company

How to play every Pokémon game in generational order

Got to play 'em all! In order.

There are a lot of Pokemon games. This should come as no surprise, given Pokemon is the largest media franchise in the world and has over 25 years of history. Still, if you haven’t followed the series since its first generation, deciphering it can be overwhelming.

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Generations classify the mainline Pokémon series. This is because many Pokémon games are virtually identical, save for a handful of differences or a few enhancements. For example, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are similar enough that only hardcore fans will play both. This can get incredibly confusing once you include remakes and re-releases of past Pokemon games. Over ten games could be considered part of “Generation 1,” and you only need to play one to get a picture of the story!

To date, nine generations of Pokémon titles make up the core franchise. This does not count spinoffs, though there are oddballs we’ll discuss below. Any generation is a good starting point if you’ve never played a Pokémon game. That said, if you want to catch up with super fans and experience the mainline series from start to finish, here is your best route.

UPDATE 3/29/2023: This article was updated to reflect the closure of the 3DS eShop.

Pokémon Generation 1

Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu Eevee Logo
Image via The Pokemon Company

Generation 1 is the most well-known generation of Pokémon, yet ironically, it’s now the most confusing. You have a few options as the only Pokemon generation to be remade twice.

The easiest way to play Generation 1 is to get Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee on the Switch. These are the most modern versions of this generation and feature a slew of quality-of-life features that heavily modernize the original Game Boy games. If this is your first Pokémon game, the only caveat is that the game replaces wild Pokémon battles with a Pokémon GO-style catching minigame that isn’t found in later titles. More experienced fans universally hate this change, but if Pokemon GO was your introduction to the series, this is a perfect way to break into it.

The other option is to play either Pokémon Fire Red or Leaf Green for the Game Boy Advance. These are superior to the original Game Boy Generation 1 games, but finding these games nowadays is no small feat. If you can access them, these are a great way to experience Generation 1.

The original GameBoy editions of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow versions are unfortunately hard to get because of the closure of the 3DS eShop. You can score these games on the second-hand market, but you’re better off getting Fire Red or Leaf Green if you go that route. If you want the ultimate retro experience, Pokémon Yellow contains bonus content not found in Pokémon Red or Blue, so it is the most compelling of the Game Boy releases.

Pokémon Generation 2

Pokemon Crystal Logo
Image via The Pokemon Company

Even though Generation 2 is a fan favorite, it’s the hardest entry to play legitimately as of writing.

The best version of this Generation is on the DS. Pokémon Heart Gold & Soul Silver are widely beloved remakes of Generation 2 that are often considered a series high-point. That said, good luck finding a copy nowadays. These games are out of print and command massively inflated prices, and you’ll need to pay even more if you want the Pokewalker accessory. If you can access either of these versions, this will be your best experience. That said, $10 for Pokémon Crystal is better than $100 for Heart Gold.

Unfortunately, the closure of the 3DS eShop has killed the most accessible way to buy the original GameBoy versions of Gold, Silver, and Crystal. If you grab one of these games on the second-hard market, Crystal is the one to get. Similar to the Yellow version, Crystal is the “Special Edition” of the original Generation 2 games and contains content not seen in any other release.

Pokémon Generation 3

Pokemon Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Poochyena
Image via MobyGames

This Generation is thankfully more straightforward.

You can experience Generation 3 via either Pokémon Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for the 3DS. These are remakes of the Game Boy Advance originals that modernize the games and feature exclusive new content. You can still buy physical copies for a reasonable price, though they are also available to download via the 3DS eShop.

Pokémon Emerald for Game Boy Advance is a fan-favorite version of Generation 3. There are reasons to prefer this over the 3DS remakes. However, it’s hard to justify the second-hand markup for players interested in a casual playthrough when the 3DS titles are easily accessible.

Pokémon Generation 4

Pokemon Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Art
Image via The Pokemon Company

Your two options here are like Generation 3, though there is a far greater disparity in quality with this generation.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond or Shining Pearl on the Switch are your easiest options. These remakes of Generation 4 are controversial, as they’re inferior to the original releases in some baffling ways. They’re the same game at their core, while there are some quality-of-life improvements. Look for this one at a discount.

Pokémon Platinum on the DS is the best version of Generation 4, in the opinion of many. Despite being older than Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, this is the most content-rich version of this adventure available. Grab this one if you can find an authentic second-hand copy at a reasonable price.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Pokemon Legends Arceus Logo
Image via The Pokemon Company

While it’s not a “Generation” of Pokémon, Pokémon Legends: Arceus is still considered an official mainline Pokemon game. Though it’s a recent release, I’d start Legends: Arceus here if you’re playing the series in order.

Legends: Arceus takes place in the distant past of the world Generation 4 takes place in, so you’ll see many references to those games. It’s also got more innovative gameplay than other Pokemon games, which might be a welcome break if you’ve marathoned the past four games. The only version of Legends: Arceus available is on the Switch!

 

Pokémon Generation 5

Pokemon Black White Logo
Image via The Pokemon Company

Uh oh.

Generation 5 is my favorite Generation, but it’s tied with Generation 2 for being the hardest games to play today. Pokémon Black and White have only appeared on the DS to date, which means you must get these on the second-hand market. Keep your eyes peeled for an acceptable price – either Black or White will suffice.

As things couldn’t get more complicated, this is the only Generation to receive sequel games: Black 2 & White 2. Again, you’re stuck with scouring the second-hand market to get these games. These retreads are on similar ground as the first games, so it’s up to you to skip them. That said, these are fan-favorite titles that are considered high points for the series.

Pokemon X Y Logo
Image via The Pokemon Company

Pokémon Generation 6

The hard part is over, and everything is straightforward from here.

Pokémon X & Y were released on the 3DS and never received additional versions. Physical retail copies can still be found, and they are also available on the 3DS eshop. Pick whichever game has the prettier monster on the box and have fun!

Pokémon Generation 7

Pokemon Sun Moon Promotional Art
Image via The Pokemon Company

There are two sets of games in Generation 7. Each is readily available for the 3DS via physical copies or the eShop.

You’ll want to pick either Pokémon Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon. These are expanded versions of the original games that feature more Pokemon, additional content, and other enhancements. Some fans will vouch for the original Pokemon Sun & Moon because of the story, and I think their arguments have merit. If that is not a concern for you, you’ll be okay with picking Ultra Sun or Ultra Moon here.

Pokémon Generation 8

Pokemon Sword Shield Promotional Art
Image via The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Sword & Shield are readily available on the Nintendo Switch. You can get these physically or via the Switch eShop. Pick whichever game has the more appealing Pokemon on the box!

Though expanded versions of these games were never released, they are the first in the series to receive paid downloadable content. The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra can be downloaded in each game’s expansion pass. Just be sure you’re buying the pass that corresponds to the copy of the game you own. Otherwise, you’ll be out a few dozen bucks and stuck with a download code you can’t use.

Pokémon Generation 9

Pokemon Scarlet Violet Promotional Art
Image via The Pokemon Company

We’re finally up to date! Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are available physically and digitally on the Nintendo Switch. The monster on the box of each version will play a prominent part in your adventure, so pick whichever looks more appealing.

The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is a DLC pack available for both versions that contains two expansions: The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk. The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero is currently available for preorder.

Honorable Mentions

Pokemon XD Lugia
Image via MobyGames

We’ve covered the mainline Pokemon series, but let’s discuss two titles that still deserve attention from hardcore fans.

Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness for the GameCube are technically part of the Pokemon Stadium spinoff series. However, these titles offered exclusive story modes that some consider the first “real” console Pokémon games. These games introduced concepts such as Shadow Pokemon that have persisted in modern games like Pokemon GO. Getting these games requires scouring the second-hand market, so most will reasonably skip these titles to save their wallets. That said, I firmly believe that fans of these games deserve acknowledgment.

Pokemon Voltorb
Image via MobyGames

That’s the entire mainline Pokémon franchise from start to finish! This expansive franchise has seen sequels, spinoffs, and sequels to spinoffs. Covering every game in the franchise would require several more guides, but know that playing all these games will advance you right to the rank of “avid fan” within the Pokémon community. With the rapid release schedule of modern Pokémon games, be on the lookout for new titles and remakes of older titles on the horizon. Even if you gotta catch ’em all, make sure to do it at a reasonable pace.


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Author
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Timothy Monbleau
Guide Editor - Timothy started writing community blogs for Destructoid in 2012. He liked it so much he decided to write articles for the site professionally. His love for RPGs and the Ys series will endure forever.
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Drew Kopp
Drew has been an insatiable reader of Destructoid for over a decade. He got his start with Comic Book Resources and Attack of the Fanboy, and now he's rocking it as a member of Destructoid's staff!