Generation
A generation, in terms of the Pokémon video game franchise, is a grouping of games that debuted at or around the same time. Furthermore, these games must be compatible with the other games of the generation, allowing the same number of species of Pokémon to be captured, as well as the same number of moves to be learned.
More technically, it refers to the groupings of games which had the same battle mechanics: Generation I is characterized by the 15-type type system; Generation II introduces two new types - the Steel and Template:Type2s - along with Held items and the split of the Special stat into Special Attack and Special Defense; Generation III brings changes to the IV and EV system, as well as adding Abilities, Natures and Double battles; Generation IV redefines the difference between Physical and Special as one based on the specific move, rather than its type alone.
The following are the four generations of Pokémon games to have been released until now:
| Generation | Main games | Battle games | Number of Pokémon | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Japanese releases | English releases | Japanese releases | English releases | ||
| I | Red and Green (early 1996) Blue (late 1996) Yellow (1998) |
Red and Blue (1998) Yellow (late 1999) |
Stadium (1998) Stadium 2 (1999) |
Stadium (early 2000) | 151 |
| II | Gold and Silver (late 1999) Crystal (late 2000) |
Gold and Silver (late 2000) Crystal (2001) |
Stadium GS (late 2000) | Stadium 2 (early 2001) | 251 |
| III | Ruby and Sapphire (late 2002) FireRed and LeafGreen (early 2004) Emerald (2004) |
Ruby and Sapphire (early 2003) FireRed and LeafGreen (2004) Emerald (2005) |
Box (2003) Colosseum (late 2003) XD (2005) |
Colosseum (early 2004) Box (2004) XD (late 2005) |
386 |
| IV | Diamond and Pearl (2006) Platinum (2008) |
Diamond and Pearl (2007) Platinum (2009) |
Battle Revolution (late 2006) | Battle Revolution (2007) | 493 |
Generations I and II are compatible with each other, but they are incompatible with Generations III and IV. Similarly, Generations III and IV are compatible with each other, but as stated, not compatible with Generations I and II.
