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The '''core series'''<ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/pokemonxy/0/1 Iwata Asks : Pokémon X & Pokémon Y : Pokémon Born Anew]</ref><ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/16/pokemons-master-speaks Pokemon's Master Speaks - IGN]</ref> of the [[Pokémon games]] or '''core games'''<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131008075239/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/vg_pokemonxy_gf_interview-2013-10-04/ Inside the Minds behind Pokémon! | News | Pokemon.com]</ref>, commonly referred to as the '''main series''' or '''mainline games''' by fans, is the game series that is always released on a [[Nintendo]] {{wp|Handheld game console|handheld system}} and developed by [[Game Freak]], which follow the standard model of a {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to catch and raise {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, battle {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, and earn recognition (usually by collecting [[Badge]]s from [[Gym Leader]]s) until they are acknowledged as the [[Pokémon Champion|strongest Trainer]].
The '''core series'''<ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/pokemonxy/0/1 Iwata Asks : Pokémon X & Pokémon Y : Pokémon Born Anew]</ref><ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2011/02/16/pokemons-master-speaks Pokemon's Master Speaks - IGN]</ref><ref>[https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/news/first_partner_pokemon/ Familiar First Partner Pokémon Are Appearing in Spades! — Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Official Website]</ref> of [[Pokémon games]], also known as the '''core games''',<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20131008075239/http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-news/vg_pokemonxy_gf_interview-2013-10-04/ Inside the Minds behind Pokémon!] Pokemon.com, 4 Oct 2013 (archive)</ref> the '''main series''', or the '''Pokémon RPG series''',<ref name="English names" group="note">[https://youtu.be/aQ_qtyOa5Dg?t=2326 The Official Pokémon YouTube channel]: Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference, 30 May 2018<br>'''Masuda:''' ''(speaking about Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!) I believe all of these things kind of illustrate how these games have evolved in somewhat of a different direction compared to the traditional main series Pokémon RPGs. And my goal for these games is really to create a Pokémon RPG for everyone. And I believe that not only have we managed to make these titles great entry games for those who are new to the Pokémon RPG series, but at the same time, really provide a new and fresh experience that long-time fans of the series will enjoy. So it's really my hope that all sorts of people will give these games a try. So that concludes my introduction today for Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, but before I go I would like to say just one more thing. So at Game Freak we're also hard at work on another all-new core series Pokémon RPG, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.''</ref> is a series of role-playing video games released for [[Nintendo]] systems and the primary series of Pokémon games. Its games follow a standard model of the {{player}}'s journey through a specific [[region]] to catch and raise {{OBP|Pokémon|species}}, battle other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s, fight [[Villainous team|crime]], and earn recognition (usually by collecting [[Badge]]s from [[Gym Leader]]s) until they are acknowledged as the [[Pokémon Champion|strongest Trainer]]. The series began with the first installment in the [[Pokémon]] franchise, {{game|Red and Green|s}}, released for the [[Game Boy]] in {{pmin|Japan}} on [[Pokémon Day|February 27]], 1996. Core series games have only been released for {{wp|Handheld game console|handheld systems}}, though this includes the [[Nintendo Switch]], which is both a handheld and a home console.


Counting each game individually, there are currently 24 games in the series internationally, 25 in Japan, and 15 in {{pmin|South Korea}}. Counting paired individual games as a single release, there are currently 14 games in the series internationally, 15 in Japan, and 8 in South Korea.
Counting paired games as a single release, there are currently 22 core series games released in Japanese, 21 in European languages (English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian), 15 in Korean, and 7 in Chinese (both simplified and traditional). Counting each game individually, there are currently 38 core series games released in Japanese, 37 in European languages, 28 in Korean, and 13 in Chinese.


Prior to [[Generation VI]], it was standard for the Western releases of the core series games to include the label ''Version'' in their title, although this was seldom used by the Japanese releases. In Japanese, Korean, and Chinese, the series is called the '''''Pocket Monsters Series''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターシリーズ'''<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ ゲーム ポケットモンスターシリーズ | ポケットモンスターオフィシャルサイト]</ref>, Korean: '''포켓몬스터 시리즈'''<ref>[http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=game-game_list&GameGroup=P 포켓몬 공식 사이트]</ref>, Chinese: '''精靈寶可夢系列 / 精灵宝可梦系列'''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIVoUw0h20w&t=9m30s Nintendo SpotLight E3 2017 (附中文字幕) - YouTube]</ref>), as core series games all contain the full name ''Pocket Monsters'' (Japanese: ポケットモンスター, Korean: 포켓몬스터, Chinese: 精靈寶可夢 / 精灵宝可梦) in their title, whereas side series and [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]] use the abbreviation ''Pokémon'' (Japanese: ポケモン, Korean: 포켓몬, Chinese: 寶可夢 / 宝可梦) in the title instead. However, the Japanese releases of the [[Pokémon Stadium series]] use ''Pocket Monsters'' in English subtitles, despite the titles using ''Pokémon'' in {{wp|kana}}.
The Pokémon [[World Championships|Video Game Championships]] have been conducted using the core series games since 2010. Prior to this, they were conducted using [[Pokémon Battle Revolution]].{{fact}}
 
==Terminology==
===Series title===
In English, the core series has officially been referred to as the '''main series''', '''Pokémon RPG series''', or '''core series''' in official marketing materials.<ref name="English names" group="note"/> However, all Western releases of games use the abbreviation ''Pokémon'', regardless of whether they are core series games or spin-off games.
 
In Japanese, Korean, and formerly in Chinese, the series is called the '''Pocket Monsters Series''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスターシリーズ''',<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160917190255/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ Game Pocket Monster Series | Pocket Monster Official Site] (archive)</ref><ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/ GAME LIST]</ref> Korean: '''포켓몬스터 시리즈''',<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20200805135605/https://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=game-game_list&GameGroup=P Pokemon Official Site] (archive)</ref> Chinese: '''精靈寶可夢系列 / 精灵宝可梦系列'''<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIVoUw0h20w&t=9m30s Nintendo HK Official Youtube channel]: Nintendo SpotLight E3 2017 (附中文字幕), 14 Jun 2017</ref>). On Game Freak's website, it is referred to as the '''main series''' ('''本編シリーズ''') instead.<ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/works/pokemon/ GAME FREAK official site]</ref> All core series games, except [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]] and [[Pokémon Legends: Z-A]], contain the full name ''Pocket Monsters'' in their Japanese title, whereas [[side series]] and [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]] use the abbreviation ''Pokémon'' instead. While the Japanese releases of the [[Pokémon Stadium series]] use ''Pocket Monsters'' in English subtitles, they use ''Pokémon'' in {{wp|kana}} in their Japanese names.
 
===Game titles===
====Game versions====
Prior to [[Generation VI]], it was standard for the Western releases of the core series games to include the label "'''Version'''" in their title, such as "Pokémon Red '''Version'''" or "Pokémon Diamond '''Version'''". In Japanese, the word was only used for "Pocket Monsters: Crystal '''Version'''" (Japanese: ポケットモンスター クリスタル'''バージョン'''). The game titles with the word "Version" have also been sometimes written without it in official text, such as "Pokémon Red" or "Pokémon Diamond".
 
The plural "'''Versions'''" when referring to multiple games has been sometimes used as well:
 
* ''"The Gold, Silver, and Crystal '''Versions''' of Pokémon ARE compatible with Pokémon Stadium 2™ [...]"'' (manual of Pokémon Crystal, page 1)
* ''"This Game Pak can be linked to either Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire '''Version'''. It CANNOT be linked to the Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Crystal '''Versions'''."'' (manual of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, page 3)
 
The core series game titles released from Generation VI onwards do not include the word "Version", such as Pokémon X, Pokémon Omega Ruby, etc.
 
====Remake titles====
{{main|Remake#Terminology|Remake → Terminology}}
 
The names of remakes of core series games are generally derived from the names of the original source games, with a modifier word attached to the front. For instance, {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} are remakes of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}.
 
====Italicized game titles====
From [[Generation I]] to {{game|Platinum}}, the Pokémon core series game titles were usually written with no italics in the game manuals and box descriptions. From {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}} onwards, the titles have been consistently written in italics. For instance:
 
* "You can migrate Pokémon caught in the Game Boy Advance™ Pokémon series: ''Pokémon Ruby'', ''Sapphire'', ''Emerald'', ''FireRed'', and ''LeafGreen'' versions [...]" (manual of {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}})
* "Various language versions of ''Pokémon Black 2'', ''Pokémon White 2'', ''Pokémon Black'', and ''Pokémon White'' can communicate, battle, and trade with one another." (manual of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, page 4)
* "This is ''Pokémon Omega Ruby''. The types and likelihood of Pokémon that will appear differ from ''Pokémon Alpha Sapphire''." (back of the box of [[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Pokémon Omega Ruby]])
 
The game titles are also italicized on the [[Pokémon.com]] website. For instance:
* "The launch of ''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Pokémon Silver'' on [[Virtual Console]] has given us the chance to take a second look at some of those classics’ most iconic, fun, and memorable events."<ref>[https://www.pokemon.com/us/strategy/ten-cant-miss-activities-in-johto-and-beyond Ten Can’t Miss Activities in Johto and Beyond - Pokémon.com]</ref>
 
The game titles are also italicized in the creator messages from the [[Pokémon Adventures]] manga. For instance:
 
* "The [[Game Boy]] games [[Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|''Pokémon Gold'' and ''Silver'']] are now on sale!!" ([[Hidenori Kusaka]], volume 3 of Pokémon Adventures)
* "You can play [[Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|''Pokémon FireRed'' and ''LeafGreen'']] in all sorts of ways [...]" (Hidenori Kusaka, volume 18 of Pokémon Adventures)


==Classification==
==Classification==
===Content model===
===Content model===
While there are no strict rules that make a game a core series game, and previously assumed rules are continuously broken, the games generally have a similar plot and mechanics.
While there are no strict rules that make a game a core series game, and previously assumed rules are continuously broken, the games generally have a similar plot structure and {{cat|Game mechanics|mechanics}}.
 
The {{player}} begins the game in a small town or city of a given [[region]], having no {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of their own. Through a course of events, the player will receive a [[starter Pokémon]] from the region's [[Pokémon Professor]]; the starter Pokémon is always a choice of three, a {{t|Grass}}, {{t|Fire}}, or {{t|Water}} type, and the character who will become the player's [[rival]] will typically choose (or already have) the Pokémon whose [[type]] is {{DL|Damage modification|super effective}} against that of the player's choice, although some exceptions to this pattern exist.


After this point, the player begins to journey across the entire region (each with their own cities and towns, themselves connected by [[route]]s), {{pkmn2|caught|capturing}} any [[wild Pokémon]] he or she chooses to, and using a [[party]] he or she assembles to take on the eight [[Gym Leader]]s of the region. Alongside encounters with both other {{pkmn|Trainer}}s and repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a [[Villainous teams|villainous team]], which often involve the manipulation of [[Legendary Pokémon]].
The {{player}} begins the game in a small town or city of a given [[region]], having no {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} of their own. Through a course of events, the player receives a [[first partner Pokémon]], usually from the region's [[Pokémon Professor]]; there are almost always three first partner Pokémon to choose from, with one {{t|Grass}} [[type]], one {{t|Fire}} type, and one {{t|Water}} type, and a character who will become the player's [[rival]] will typically choose (or already have) another member of the trio based on the player's choice.


After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated, the player can enter the [[Pokémon League]], where the [[Elite Four]] and {{pkmn|Champion}} await challengers. The Champion of the region is often introduced prior to the player's Pokémon League challenge, and may aid the player as he or she continues his or her adventure.
After this point, the player begins to journey across the entire region (which contains several settlements like cities and towns, themselves usually connected by [[route]]), {{pkmn2|caught|capturing}} any [[wild Pokémon]] they choose to, and using a [[party]] they assemble to take on other [[Pokémon Trainer]]s. Most regions have eight [[Gym Leader]]s that the player must defeat in order to obtain a [[Badge]] from each one, though in games set in the [[Alola]] region, the player instead participates in the [[island challenge]], and in [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]], they defeat five frenzied [[noble Pokémon]]. In addition to repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a [[villainous team]], which often involve the manipulation of [[Legendary Pokémon]].


Though the game can be considered over as soon as the player has defeated the Champion, there is still post-game content. Often there is a post-game plotline and locations and facilities that could not be previously accessed. Since Pokémon Crystal, there is usually at least one facility specifically dedicated to {{pkmn|battle|battling}}. The overarching goal is the completion of the [[Pokédex]]; after this has been done, the player will receive a [[diploma]] for completing the [[regional Pokédex]] and, starting in [[Generation III]], another for completing the [[National Pokédex]]. Another task was added in [[Generation III]] in order to fully complete the game: obtaining all {{ga|Trainer Card}} [[Trainer stars|stars]].
After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated or the island challenge has been completed, the player can enter the [[Pokémon League]], where the {{pkmn|Champion}} of the region awaits challengers. However, a series of Trainers known as the [[Elite Four]] must usually be defeated in succession before the Champion can be fought. The Champion is often introduced prior to the player's Pokémon League challenge, and may aid the player on their adventure. After defeating the Champion, the player becomes a Champion themself, which is usually honored by their entry into the [[Hall of Fame]]. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the only game in the core series to not feature the Pokémon League in any form.


Another element that characterizes a core series game is that the geography of regions includes at least one [[water route]], a mountain, several [[cave]]s, a [[forest]], as well as a final route leading up to the Pokémon League called [[Victory Road]].
The player's defeat of the Champion can be considered the ending of the game, as it is followed by the [[credits]] being shown. However, there is always post-game content that the player gains access to after this. Often, there is a post-game plotline and locations and facilities that could not be previously accessed become available. Since {{game|Crystal}}, there is usually at least one facility specifically dedicated to {{pkmn|battle|battling}}. The overarching goal is to obtain many species of Pokémon in order to complete the [[Pokédex]]. In the first two generations, every Pokémon species in the game has to be obtained in order to complete the Pokédex, and the player is awarded a [[diploma]] for achieving this. From [[Generation III]] to [[Generation VI]], there are two separate Pokédexes, each with their own diploma as a reward for completing them: the [[regional Pokédex]], which only contains the Pokémon native to the region the game is set in, and the [[National Pokédex]], which is unlocked in the post-game and contains every Pokémon in the game. Starting in [[Generation VII]], the games only contain a regional Pokédex, the completion of which usually rewards the player with a diploma, while the National Pokédex is confined to companion applications like [[Pokémon Bank]] and [[Pokémon HOME]].


===Release model===
===Release model===
While releases continue to break patterns, the release of core series games tends to follow a pattern.
While releases continue to break patterns, the release of core series games tends to follow a pattern.


When a [[generation]] of [[Pokémon games]] begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but the [[Game-exclusive Pokémon|available Pokémon]] differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages [[Trade|trading]], as it is required in order to complete the [[Pokédex]].
When a [[generation]] of [[Pokémon games]] begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but the [[Version-exclusive Pokémon|available Pokémon]] differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages [[Trade|trading]], as it is required in order to complete the [[Pokédex]].


During the first four generations, a solitary follow-up game was later released that takes place in the same [[region]]. It typically lacks certain {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that were available in one or both of the original paired versions; thus, a {{player}} of a follow-up must link together with the original pair to complete the Pokédex as well. [[Generation V]] broke with tradition by releasing {{game3|Black and White|a second pair of games|s 2}} as a sequel to the {{game3|Black and White|primary paired versions|s}}, while [[Generation VI]] was the first to entirely forego any follow-up to the original pair.
Many generations feature what Game Freak internally calls an '''upper version''' (Japanese: '''{{j|アッパーバージョン}}''' ''upper version'')<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CldWM5ornc&t=94s Nintendo UK YouTube]: Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Introduction – Episode 4 – A new Pokémon adventure awaits, 3 Nov 2017</ref> and what Western fans commonly refer to as a "third version", i.e., a follow-up game or pair of games released after the first games of the generation that takes place in the same [[region]] with added features. These games typically both share and lack certain regional {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that were available in one or both of the original paired versions; thus, a {{player}} of an upper version must link together with the original pair to complete the regional Pokédex as well. On the contrary, upper versions typically contain certain Pokémon from different regions that are unavailable in the original pair, thus being more helpful in completing the [[National Pokédex]]. Until [[Generation VII]], only a single third version following an original pair was ever released at a time; [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]] were the first of these games to be released as a pair. Unlike other generations, [[Generation V]] opted for a sequel story instead, while [[Generation VI]], [[Generation VIII]], and [[Generation IX]] entirely forwent follow-up games set in the same region, the latter two instead providing additional features to the original pair of games via paid {{wp|downloadable content}}.


Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions that are [[remake]]s of earlier titles may also be released.
Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions that are [[remake]]s of earlier titles may also be released. Starting from Generation VIII, singular version games with the subtitle "Legends" have been released, being original stories taking place in previously visited regions in the distant past and being single-player action RPG titles. Both Generation VIII and Generation IX have released "Legends" games, with Generation VIII releasing [[Pokémon Legends: Arceus]], a game set in a [[Sinnoh]] of the past, then known as [[Hisui]], and Generation IX releasing [[Pokémon Legends: Z-A]], a game set primarily in [[Lumiose City]] of the [[Kalos]] region.  


===Pokémon===
===Pokémon===
Most [[generation]]s introduce {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that [[Evolution|evolve]] into or from previously released Pokémon. [[Legendary Pokémon]] with myths specific to the region are almost always included, and frequently appear in [[Legendary duo|duos]] and [[Legendary trio|trios]].
Most [[generation]]s introduce {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} that [[Evolution|evolve]] into or from previously released Pokémon. [[Legendary Pokémon]] with myths specific to the region are almost always included, and frequently appear in [[Legendary group|duos]] and [[Legendary group|trios]]. Most generations also introduce at least one [[Mythical Pokémon]], which are almost always [[Event Pokémon|event-exclusive]] upon being introduced but may become available through other means in later generations.


In all generations, there are some Pokémon that cannot be encountered until after the {{player}} enters the [[Hall of Fame]]. These may be legendary Pokémon, such as {{p|Mewtwo}}, or simply Pokémon that are not part of the game's [[regional Pokédex]].
In all generations, there are some Pokémon that cannot be encountered until after the {{player}} becomes {{pkmn|Champion}}. These are often Legendary Pokémon, such as {{p|Mewtwo}}. These Pokémon may or may not be part of the game's [[regional Pokédex]].


Before the release of a new generation, new Pokémon are often used to promote the new {{pkmn|games}} by including them in the {{pkmn|anime}} or in [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]].<!--If/when [[User:Caciulacdlac/Pokémon that appeared before their generation]] enters the mainspace, provide a link in this paragraph.-->
Before the release of a new generation, new Pokémon are often used to promote the new {{pkmn|games}} by including them in the {{pkmn|anime}} or in [[Spin-off Pokémon games|spin-off games]].<!--If/when [[User:Caciulacdlac/Pokémon that appeared before their generation]] enters the mainspace, provide a link in this paragraph.-->


===Box art===
===Box art===
The box art for each game features one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} which was introduced in that [[generation]] (or, in the case of [[remake]]s, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a [[game mascot]], and with the exception of [[Generation I]] and its {{game3|FireRed and LeafGreen|remakes|s}}, it is always the [[Legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.
The box art for each game features one {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} which was introduced in that [[generation]] (or, in the case of [[remake]]s, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a [[game mascot]], and with the exception of [[Kanto]]- and [[Hisui]]-based games, it is always the [[Legendary Pokémon]] available in that game at the climax of the storyline.
 
In terms of the artwork itself, the international {{game|Red and Blue|s}} and all region releases of the initial paired games of each generation from [[Generation III]] to {{Gen|VII}} use their game mascot's original [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.


In terms of the artwork itself, the international {{game|Red and Blue|s}} and all releases of the initial paired games of each generation from [[Generation III]] onward use their game mascot's original [[Ken Sugimori]] artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.
The titles in the Japanese games typically use some shade of red and blue for either the characters or outlines of the characters. This is most likely in reference to the first internationally released core games of Pokémon Red and Blue. The DLC Expansion Passes for Pokémon Sword and Shield use green and yellow, likely in reference to both {{game|Red and Green|s}}, along with {{game|Yellow}}.


==List of core series games==
==List of core series games==
In {{pmin|South Korea}}, only {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} were released prior to the foundation of Nintendo of Korea and Pokémon Korea in 2006. The first core series game release after this was {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} in 2008.
In {{pmin|South Korea}}, only {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} were released prior to the foundation of Nintendo of Korea and Pokémon Korea in 2006. The first core series game release after this was {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}} in 2008.


{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background:#a0a0c4; border:3px solid #ccf" width="80%"
In {{pmin|Greater China}}, the first core series game release was [[Pokémon Sun and Moon]] in 2016.
 
{| class="roundy" style="margin:auto; background-color:#e6e6ff; border: 3px solid #88a; white-space:nowrap"
!
!
! colspan="2" width="60%" height="30px" style="background:#ddf; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Paired versions
! colspan="2" style="background:#ccf; {{roundytl|5px}}" | Original versions
! width="30%" height="30px" style="background:#ddf; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Solitary versions
! colspan="2" style="background:#ccf" | Upper versions and expansions
! colspan="2" style="background:#ccf; {{roundytr|5px}}" | Remakes
|-
|-
! rowspan="5" style="background:#{{kanto color}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|{{kanto color dark}}|Generation I|Generation&nbsp;I}}
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}; {{roundytl|5px}}" | {{color2|000|Generation I}}<br/><small>(Japan)</small>
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|Japan}}
| rowspan="2" style="background:#{{red color light}}; width: 20%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Red}}}}
| rowspan="2" style="background:#{{green color light}}; width: 20%" | {{colorswatch|{{green color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Green}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}}}
|-
|-
| rowspan="2" style="background:#{{red color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Red}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Pikachu}}}}
| rowspan="2" style="background:#{{green color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{green color}}|{{color2|{{green color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Green Versions|Green}}}}
| style="background:#{{blue color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Blue Version (Japanese)|Blue}}}}
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Pikachu}}}}
! style="background:#{{kanto color}}" | {{color2|000|Generation I}}<br/><small>(International)</small>
| style="background:#{{red color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Red}}}}
| style="background:#{{blue color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Blue}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition}}}}
|-
|-
! colspan="3" style="background:#{{kanto color light}}" | {{color|{{kanto color dark}}|International}}
! style="background:#{{johto color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation II}}
| style="background:#{{gold color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{gold color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}}}
| style="background:#{{silver color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{silver color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{crystal color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{crystal color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}}}
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{red color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{red color}}|{{color2|{{red color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Red}}}}
! style="background:#{{hoenn color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation III}}
| style="background:#{{blue color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{blue color}}|{{color2|{{blue color dark}}|Pokémon Red and Blue Versions|Blue}}}}
| style="background:#{{ruby color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{ruby color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby}}}}
| style="background:#{{yellow color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{yellow color}}|{{color2|{{yellow color dark}}|Pokémon Yellow Version|Yellow}}}}
| style="background:#{{sapphire color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{sapphire color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Sapphire}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{emerald color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{emerald color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}}}
| style="background:#{{firered color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{firered color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed}}}}
| style="background:#{{leafgreen color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{leafgreen color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|LeafGreen}}}}
|-
|-
! style="background:#{{johto color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|{{johto color dark}}|Generation II|Generation&nbsp;II}}
! style="background:#{{sinnoh color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation IV}}
| style="background:#{{gold color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{gold color}}|{{color2|{{gold color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Gold}}}}
| style="background:#{{diamond color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{diamond color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}}}
| style="background:#{{silver color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{silver color}}|{{color2|{{silver color dark}}|Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions|Silver}}}}
| style="background:#{{pearl color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{pearl color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}}}
| style="background:#{{crystal color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{crystal color}}|{{color2|{{crystal color dark}}|Pokémon Crystal Version|Crystal}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{platinum color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{platinum color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}}}
| style="background:#{{heartgold color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{heartgold color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}}}
| style="background:#{{soulsilver color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{soulsilver color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}}}
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{hoenn color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|{{hoenn color dark}}|Generation III|Generation&nbsp;III}}
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation V}}
| style="background:#{{ruby color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{ruby color}}|{{color2|{{ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Ruby}}}}
| style="background:#{{black color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{black color}}|{{color2|FFFFFF|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black}}}}
| style="background:#{{sapphire color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire Versions|Sapphire}}}}
| style="background:#{{white color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{white color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Black and White Versions |White}}}}
| style="background:#{{emerald color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{emerald color}}|{{color2|{{emerald color dark}}|Pokémon Emerald Version|Emerald}}}}
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{firered color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{firered color}}|{{color2|{{firered color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|FireRed}}}}
| style="background:#{{black 2 color light}}; width: 20%" | {{colorswatch|{{black 2 color}}|{{color2|FFFFFF|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2}}}}
| style="background:#{{leafgreen color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{leafgreen color}}|{{color2|{{leafgreen color dark}}|Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions|LeafGreen}}}}
| style="background:#{{white 2 color light}}; width: 20%" | {{colorswatch|{{white 2 color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|White 2}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{sinnoh color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|{{sinnoh color dark}}|Generation IV|Generation&nbsp;IV}}
! style="background:#{{kalos color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation VI}}
| style="background:#{{diamond color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{diamond color}}|{{color2|{{diamond color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Diamond}}}}
| style="background:#{{x color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{x color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon X and Y|X}}}}
| style="background:#{{pearl color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{pearl color}}|{{color2|{{pearl color dark}}|Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions|Pearl}}}}
| style="background:#{{y color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{y color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon X and Y|Y}}}}
| style="background:#{{platinum color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{platinum color}}|{{color2|{{platinum color dark}}|Pokémon Platinum Version|Platinum}}}}
!
!
| style="background:#{{omega ruby color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{omega ruby color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby}}}}
| style="background:#{{alpha sapphire color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{alpha sapphire color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Alpha Sapphire}}}}
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{heartgold color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{heartgold color}}|{{color2|{{heartgold color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|HeartGold}}}}
! style="background:#{{alola color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation VII}}
| style="background:#{{soulsilver color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{soulsilver color}}|{{color2|{{soulsilver color dark}}|Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver Versions|SoulSilver}}}}
| style="background:#{{sun color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{sun color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
| style="background:#{{moon color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{moon color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Moon}}}}
| style="background:#{{ultra sun color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{ultra sun color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun}}}}
| style="background:#{{ultra moon color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{ultra moon color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Moon}}}}
| style="background:#{{Let's Go Pikachu color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Let's Go Pikachu color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Pikachu!}}}}
| style="background:#{{Let's Go Eevee color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Let's Go Eevee color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!|Let's Go, Eevee!}}}}
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{unova color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|{{unova color dark}}|Generation V|Generation&nbsp;V}}
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{galar color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation VIII}}
| style="background:#{{black color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black color}}|{{color2|{{black color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions|Black}}}}
| style="background:#{{sword color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{sword color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Sword and Shield|Sword}}}}
| style="background:#{{white color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white color}}|{{color2|{{white color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions |White}}}}
| style="background:#{{shield color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{shield color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Sword and Shield|Shield}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
| style="background:#{{Isle of Armor color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Isle of Armor color}}|{{color2|000000|The Isle of Armor}}}}
| style="background:#{{Crown Tundra color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Crown Tundra color}}|{{color2|000000|The Crown Tundra}}}}
| style="background:#{{brilliant diamond color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{brilliant diamond color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Brilliant Diamond}}}}
| style="background:#{{shining pearl color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{shining pearl color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl|Shining Pearl}}}}
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{black 2 color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{black 2 color}}|{{color2|{{black 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Black 2}}}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{legends arceus color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{legends arceus color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Legends: Arceus|Legends: Arceus}}}}
| style="background:#{{white 2 color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{white 2 color}}|{{color2|{{white 2 color dark}}|Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|White 2}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{kalos color}}; padding:5px" | {{color2|{{kalos color dark}}|Generation VI|Generation&nbsp;VI}}
| style="background:#{{x color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{x color}}|{{color2|{{x color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|X}}}}
| style="background:#{{y color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{y color}}|{{color2|{{y color dark}}|Pokémon X and Y|Y}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{omega ruby color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{omega ruby color}}|{{color2|{{omega ruby color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Omega Ruby}}}}
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{paldea color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px" | {{color2|000|Generation IX}}
| style="background:#{{alpha sapphire color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{alpha sapphire color}}|{{color2|{{alpha sapphire color dark}}|Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire|Alpha Sapphire}}}}
| style="background:#{{scarlet color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{scarlet color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Scarlet}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
| style="background:#{{violet color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{violet color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Scarlet and Violet|Violet}}}}
| style="background:#{{Teal Mask color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Teal Mask color}}|{{color2|000000|The Teal Mask}}}}
| style="background:#{{Indigo Disk color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{Indigo Disk color}}|{{color2|000000|The Indigo Disk}}}}
|-
|-
! rowspan="2" style="background:#{{alola color}}; {{roundybl|5px}} padding:5px" | {{color2|{{alola color dark}}|Generation VII|Generation&nbsp;VII}}
| colspan="2" style="background:#{{unknown color light}}" | {{colorswatch|{{unknown color}}|{{color2|000000|Pokémon Legends: Z-A|Legends: Z-A}}}}
| style="background:#{{sun color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{sun color}}|{{color2|{{sun color dark}}|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Sun}}}}
| style="background:#{{moon color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{moon color}}|{{color2|{{moon color dark}}|Pokémon Sun and Moon|Moon}}}}
| style="background:transparent" | &nbsp;
|-
|-
| style="background:#{{ultra sun color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{ultra sun color}}|{{color2|{{ultra sun color dark}}|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun}}}}
| style="background:#{{ultra moon color light}}" width="30%" | {{colorswatch|{{ultra moon color}}|{{color2|{{ultra moon color dark}}|Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Moon}}}}
|}
|}
During E3 2017, Nintendo confirmed that an untitled core series Pokémon game was in development for [[Nintendo Switch]], however no further details are known at this time.


==Timeline==
==Timeline==
{{main|History of the Pokémon world}}
{{main|History of the Pokémon world}}
Several pieces of content in the core series Pokémon games depend on the games having a timeline, but a complete timeline cannot be drawn from the games themselves. In May 2014, [[Game Freak]] employee [[Toshinobu Matsumiya]] posted a timeline of the core series Pokémon games on Twitter;<ref>[https://archive.is/D9iPz archive.is] (archived from [https://twitter.com/matsumiyan/status/464052839870787584 the original])</ref> the tweet, however, has since been deleted.


The plot of {{game|Ruby and Sapphire|s}} and {{game|Red and Green|s}} are contemporaneous. They are then followed by the equally contemporaneous plot of {{game|Gold and Silver|s}} and {{game2|Diamond|Pearl|Platinum}}, which are set three years later. {{game|Black and White|s}} are set an unspecified amount of time after those games. [[Pokémon Black and White Versions 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2]] are set two years after those games, and are contemporaneous with {{g|X and Y}}. {{g|Sun and Moon}} take place two years after the events of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 and at least 10 years after the events of Pokémon Emerald.
==Trademarks==
[[Nintendo]], [[Creatures, Inc.|Creatures]], and [[Game Freak]] have trademarked several titles with the {{wp|Japan Patent Office}} which have not currently been used but which fit the naming scheme of the core series games. The following information comes from the [https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/ Japan Platform for Patent Information]:
{| class="wikitable sortable"
! English || Japanese || Application no. || Registration no.
|-
| Pocket Monsters Topaz || {{j|ポケットモンスタートパーズ}} || 2002-063587 || 4677891
|-
| Pocket Monsters Tourmaline || {{j|ポケットモンスタートルマリン}} || 2002-063588 || 4684698
|-
| Pocket Monsters Amethyst || {{j|ポケットモンスターアメジスト}} || 2002-063589 || 4677892
|-
| Pocket Monsters Moonstone || {{j|ポケットモンスタームーンストーン}} || 2002-063590 || 4684699
|-
| Pocket Monsters White Gold || {{j|ポケットモンスターホワイトゴールド}} || 2002-063591 || 4677893
|-
| Pocket Monsters Yellow || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|黄|き}}}} || 2008-093268 || 5222903
|-
| Pocket Monsters Black || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|黒|くろ}}}} || 2008-093269 || 5222904
|-
| Pocket Monsters Brown || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|茶|ちゃ}}}} || 2008-093270 || 5222905
|-
| Pocket Monsters White || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|白|しろ}}}} || 2008-093271 || 5222906
|-
| Pocket Monsters Gray/Grey || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|灰|はい}}}} || 2008-093272 || 5222907
|-
| Pocket Monsters Vermilion || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|朱|しゅ}}}} || 2008-093273 || 5222908
|-
| Pocket Monsters Purple || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|紫|むらさき}}}} || 2008-093274 || 5222909
|-
| Pocket Monsters Crimson || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby|紅|くれない}}}} || 2008-093275 || 5222910
|-
| Pocket Monsters Scarlet || {{j|ポケットモンスター{{ruby||}}}} || 2008-093276 || 5222911
|-
| Gray<ref group="note">[https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1800/TR/JP-2008-094459/0549E54F3F3E9B7792E34AB965204599B35C94ED6B3ECB167B5A4B75449BFE5B/40/en Specifically trademarked with this English spelling]</ref> || {{j|グレー}} || 2008-094459 || 5406253
|-
| Pocket Monsters Red || {{j|ポケットモンスターレッド}} || 2009-060068 || 5341298
|-
| Pocket Monsters Green || {{j|ポケットモンスターグリーン}} || 2009-060069 || 5293290
|-
| Pocket Monsters Blue || {{j|ポケットモンスターブルー}} || 2009-060070 || 5307992
|-
| Pocket Monsters Yellow || {{j|ポケットモンスターイエロー}} || 2009-060071 || 5341299
|-
| Pocket Monsters Brown || {{j|ポケットモンスターブラウン}} || 2009-060073 || 5307993
|-
| Pocket Monsters Gray/Grey || {{j|ポケットモンスターグレー}} || 2009-060075 || 5341302
|-
| Pocket Monsters Vermilion || {{j|ポケットモンスターヴァーミリオン}} || 2009-060076 || 5307994
|-
| Pocket Monsters Purple || {{j|ポケットモンスターパープル}} || 2009-060077 || 5307995
|-
| Pocket Monsters Crimson || {{j|ポケットモンスタークリムゾン}} || 2009-060078 || 5341303
|-
| Pocket Monsters Scarlet || {{j|ポケットモンスタースカーレット}} || 2009-060079 || 5341304
|-
| Delta Emerald<ref>[http://blog.esuteru.com/archives/7702200.html はちま起稿]</ref> || {{j|デルタエメラルド}} || 2014-035118 || 5701924
|}
 
The 2002 trademarks were filed around the same time as trademarks for {{game5|Ruby|Sapphire|Emerald|Diamond|Pearl}}, and are all the English names of minerals written in {{wp|katakana}} ({{wp|topaz}}, {{wp|tourmaline}}, {{wp|amethyst}}, {{wp|Moonstone (gemstone)|moonstone}}, and {{wp|Colored gold#White gold|white gold}}). The 2008 trademarks were filed alongside trademarks for {{game2|Red|Green|Blue}}, and are all the Japanese names of colors written with a single {{wp|kanji}}. The 2009 trademarks were filed alongside trademarks for Black, White, and Scarlet, and are all the English names of colors written in katakana. Of these, {{wp|vermilion}}, {{wp|crimson}}, and {{wp|Scarlet (color)|scarlet}} are shades of red.


It is unknown if the aforementioned timeline also applies to all solitary versions and [[remake]]s. Furthermore, [[Zinnia]] suggests that there are {{wp|Multiverse|alternate universes}}.
{{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were planned alongside Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.<ref>[https://www.gameinformer.com/b/features/archive/2017/08/14/why-ruby-and-sapphire-were-the-most-challenging-pokemon-to-make.aspx Game Informer interview from August 14, 2017]</ref> Despite being released after Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and before Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Emerald was trademarked earlier than Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.<ref>[https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1800/TR/JP-2002-050145/26314A9E0BC78B5B0D7F8543A61BB8312D62E79E37F94E8E848334A9E2BD2AD9/40/en Emerald trademark]</ref><ref>[https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1800/TR/JP-2002-060454/F17938D242934C819A212E530954DBD72B7206BDDA3B708142623200C37F6B04/40/en Ruby trademark]</ref><ref>[https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/c1800/TR/JP-2002-060455/D8C3113D5A2C217CBCD881B0E3F7C0F43725A74E85D4A59F489447EBF2709D8A/40/en Sapphire trademark]</ref>


==Unused trademarks==
Contrary to what is sometimes reported, an equivalent to Blue matching the pattern of FireRed and LeafGreen was not trademarked by Nintendo, Creatures, or Game Freak. However, Game Freak's [[Junichi Masuda]] mentioned {{j|「WATER BLUE」}} in Japanese and "WaterBlue" in English on an August 2004 blog post explaining the company's choice of "FireRed" and "LeafGreen" as both the Japanese and international titles for the remakes of {{game|Red and Green|s}}.<ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/2004/08/index.html Junichi Masuda's old official blog (Japanese)]</ref><ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/2004/08/index.html Junichi Masuda's old official blog (English)]</ref>
[[Nintendo]], [[Creatures]], and [[Game Freak]] have trademarked several titles in the {{wp|Japan Patent Office}} which have not currently been used but which fit the naming scheme of the core series games. The following information comes from the Japan Platform for Patent Information ([https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopPage Japanese], [https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopEnglishPage English]):
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Topaz''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタートパーズ''') [application number 2002-063587, registration number 4677891]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Tourmaline''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタートルマリン''') [application number 2002-063588, registration number 4684698]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Moonstone''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスタームーンストーン''') [application number 2002-063590, registration number 4684699]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Brown''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|茶|ちゃ}}''') [application number 2008-093270, registration number 5222905]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Grey''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|灰|はい}}''') [application number 2008-093272, registration number 5222907]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Vermilion''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|朱|しゅ}}''') [application number 2008-093273, registration number 5222908]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Purple''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|紫|むらさき}}''') [application number 2008-093274, registration number 5222909]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Crimson''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|紅|くれない}}''') [application number 2008-093275, registration number 5222910]
* '''''Pocket Monsters: Scarlet''''' (Japanese: '''ポケットモンスター{{tt|緋|ひ}}''') [application number 2008-093276, registration number 5222911]
* '''''Delta Emerald'''''<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2014/05/29/pokemon-delta-emerald-trademark-surfaces Pokemon Delta Emerald Trademark Surfaces - IGN]</ref> (Japanese: '''デルタエメラルド''') [application number 2014-035118, registration number 5701924]


{{wp|Topaz}}, {{wp|tourmaline}}, {{wp|Moonstone (gemstone)|moonstone}}, and {{wp|emerald}} (by virtue of Delta Emerald) are all names of minerals, while the rest are names of colors. Additionally, {{wp|vermilion}}, {{wp|crimson}}, and {{wp|Scarlet (color)|scarlet}} are all shades of red.
The Delta Emerald trademark has been commonly misreported as "Pokémon Delta Emerald", but this latter name was not trademarked. This might suggest a relation to the [[Delta Episode]] in {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, which features references to Pokémon Emerald.


Contrary to what is sometimes reported, the name '''WaterBlue''' was not trademarked. According to the Japan Platform for Patent Information, '''ウォーターブルー''' and '''WATER BLUE''' (application number 2010-060625, registration number 5386853) are trademarks of {{wp|Meiji Seika}}, a Japanese pharmaceutical company. However, [[Game Freak]]'s [[Junichi Masuda]] did mention "WaterBlue" in 2004 on a blog post explaining the company's choice of {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s|"FireRed" and "LeafGreen"}} as both Japanese and international titles for the remakes of {{2v2|Red|Green}}.<ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir/?p=109 増田部長のめざめるパワー]</ref><ref>[https://www.gamefreak.co.jp/blog/dir_english/?p=25 HIDDEN POWER of masuda]</ref>
[[Tsunekazu Ishihara]] and Junichi Masuda have explained why upper version counterparts to {{game|Black and White|s}} or {{g|X and Y}} did not materialize.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ds/interview/irej/vol1/index.html Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo)]</ref><ref>[https://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/ds/pokemon-black2-white2/0/0/ Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo of America)]</ref><ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Iwata-Asks/Iwata-Asks-Pokemon-Black-Version-2-and-Pokemon-White-Version-2/Iwata-Asks-Pokemon-Black-Version-2-and-Pokemon-White-Version-2/1-Two-Sequels-Two-Years-Later/1-Two-Sequels-Two-Years-Later-663651.html Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo of Europe)]</ref><ref>[https://lavacutcontent.com/masuda-ohmori-pokemon-gray/ Dr. Lava's translation of a Spanish Official Nintendo Magazine interview from late 2016]</ref><ref>[https://old.reddit.com/r/pokemon/comments/6ucln2/ama_with_game_informer_magazine_about_their_trip/dlrpo58/ Reddit AMA by Game Informer on their visit to Game Freak from August 2017]</ref> In the case of the hypothetical Pokémon Gray or Grey version, Game Freak decided to instead develop {{game|Black and White|s 2|Pokémon Black 2 and White 2}} to surprise fans (though Black 2 and White 2 were later considered upper versions in some promotional material for the [[Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass]]), while the potential game "Pokémon Z" was never planned, with {{g|Sun and Moon}} being designed for the [[Pokémon 20th Anniversary]] as another surprise.
 
{{wp|Eurogamer}} published several articles which mentioned an alleged port of Pokémon Sun and Moon for the [[Nintendo Switch]] codenamed "Stars" between November 2016 and December 2017.<ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-switch-will-get-pokemon-sun-and-moon-version Eurogamer (November 18, 2016)]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sun-and-moon-sold-nearly-2m-copies-in-three-days-just-in-japan Eurogamer (November 22, 2016)]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/pokemon-sun-and-moon-files-include-unused-buddy-feature Eurogamer (December 6, 2016)]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/sources-nintendo-switch-will-have-gamecube-virtual-console-support Eurogamer (December 7, 2016]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/nintendo-confirms-proper-pokemon-role-player-for-switch Eurogamer (June 13, 2017)]</ref><ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/so-what-happened-with-pokemon-stars Eurogamer (December 15, 2017)]</ref> Coincidentally, an early June 2017 article describes a "clerical error" by [[The Pokémon Company]], which initially listed {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}} as Nintendo Switch titles instead of [[Nintendo 3DS]] titles during their announcement.<ref>[https://www.eurogamer.net/pokken-tournament-headed-to-nintendo-switch Eurogamer (June 6, 2017)]</ref>


==Connectivity==
==Connectivity==
In addition to the core series games, there are many side series games that allow players to transfer their Pokémon to and from the core series.
Certain [[demo]]s of core series games allow players to receive special Pokémon and [[item]]s:
* '''''{{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}''''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I games to battle in 3D.
* '''[[Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Special Demo Version]]''': Allows players to receive a {{p|Steelix}} and/or a {{p|Glalie}} with their respective [[Mega Stone]]s in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
* '''''[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]''''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I and II games to battle in 3D.
* '''[[Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon Special Demo Version]]''': Allows players to receive a {{p|Greninja}} with the Ability {{a|Battle Bond}} in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
* '''''[[Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire]]''''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from the Generation III games.
 
* '''''[[Pokémon Channel]]''''': Allows players to receive a gift {{p|Jirachi}} in the Generation III games.
Each of the [[side series]] games allow players to transfer their Pokémon and items to and from the core series and/or receive Pokémon and items to bring back to core series games:
* '''''[[Pokémon Colosseum]]''''' and '''''[[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]''''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation III games to battle in 3D. Players can also transfer Pokémon caught in these games to their main series games.
* '''{{eng|Pokémon Stadium}}''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I core series games to battle in 3D.
* '''''[[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]''''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV games to battle in 3D.
* '''[[Pokémon Stadium 2]]''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I and II core series games to battle in 3D.
* '''''[[My Pokémon Ranch]]''''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (and from Pokémon Platinum in Japan).
* '''[[Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire]]''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from the Generation III core series games.
* '''''[[Pokémon Dream World]]''''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from the Generation V games.
* '''[[Pokémon Colosseum]]''' and '''[[Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness]]''': Can trade Pokémon with the Generation III core series games.
* '''''[[Pokémon Dream Radar]]''''': Allows players to receive the Forces of Nature in their Therian Formes in the Generation V games.
* '''[[Pokémon Battle Revolution]]''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV core series games to battle in 3D.
* '''''[[Poké Transporter]]''''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation V games to Pokémon Bank.
* '''[[My Pokémon Ranch]]''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (and from Pokémon Platinum in Japan).
* '''''[[Pokémon Bank]]''''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from Generation VI and VII games.
* '''[[Pokéwalker]]''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to gain experience by walking. Additionally, Pokémon caught in the Pokéwalker can be transferred to Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
The spin-off Pokémon Ranger series also allows players to receive a special {{p|Manaphy}} Egg in the Generation IV games.
* '''[[Pokémon Dream World]]''': Allows players to send Pokémon caught in this game to the Generation V core series games.
* '''[[Pokémon Dream Radar]]''': Allows players to receive the Forces of Nature in their Therian Formes in Black 2 and White 2.
* '''[[Poké Transporter]]''': Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation V games, and the Generation I and II games on [[Nintendo 3DS]] [[Virtual Console]], to Pokémon Bank.
* '''[[Pokémon Bank]]''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from Generation VI and VII core series games.
* '''[[Pokémon HOME]]''': Allows players to store their Pokémon from core series [[Nintendo Switch]] games, and can also receive transferred Pokémon from Pokémon Bank and Pokémon GO.
 
Some [[spin-off]] games allow players to receive items or special Pokémon in the core series:
* '''[[Pokémon Pikachu 2 GS]]''': Allows players to convert [[Watt]]s accumulated by walking into items to be sent to the Generation II games.
* '''[[Pokémon Channel]]''': In the European and Australian versions of the game, it allows players to receive a gift {{p|Jirachi}} in the Generation III core series games.
* '''[[Pokémon Ranger series]]''': Allows players to receive a special {{p|Manaphy}} Egg and other special Pokémon in the Generation IV core series games through [[Ranger Net]] missions.
* '''[[Pokémon GO]]''': Allows players to transfer Generation I Pokémon, [[Alolan form]]s, {{p|Meltan}}, and {{p|Melmetal}}<ref>[https://www.pokemon.co.jp/ex/pika_vee/pokemongo/connect_en.html] How to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!</ref> caught in this game to [[Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!]]. Allows players to transfer most Pokémon caught in this game to Pokémon HOME via the [[GO Transporter]].
* '''[[Pokémon Pass]]''': Allows players to receive [[serial code]]s for certain [[Event Pokémon]].
 
==See also==
* [[Spin-off Pokémon games]]
** [[Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series]]
** [[Pokémon Ranger series]]
** [[Pokémon Rumble series]]
** [[Super Smash Bros. series]]
* [[Pokémon Stadium series]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
==Notes==
<references group="note" />


==External links==
==External links==
* [https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ The Pokémon Company website section] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/ The Pokémon Company website game list]: has "Pocket Monsters Series" filter <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/title/ Full product list] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20160917190255/http://www.pokemon.co.jp/game-series/ The Pokémon Company "Pocket Monsters Series" page] (archive) <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/?inc=game-game_list&GameGroup=P Pokémon Korea website section] <small>(Korean)</small>
** [https://web.archive.org/web/20200420161310/https://www.pokemon.co.jp/game/title/series/ The Pokémon Company "Pocket Monsters Series" product list] (archive) <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [http://pokemonkorea.co.kr/game/category/1 Pokémon Korea website section] <small>(Korean)</small>
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/all-pokemon-games/ The Pokémon Company International website all-games section]
* [http://www.pokemon.com/us/pokemon-video-games/all-pokemon-games/ The Pokémon Company International website all-games section]
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/ Nintendo subsite for Pokémon games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
* [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/software/feature/pokemon.html Nintendo subsite for Pokémon games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/software/ Current games] <small>(Japanese)</small>
** [https://www.nintendo.co.jp/pokemon/history/ Old games] <small>(Japanese)</small>


{{Core series}}
{{Core series}}
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[[Category:Game series]]


[[de:Hauptreihe]]
[[de:Spiele#Hauptspiele]]
[[fr:Septième génération]]
[[fr:Jeux principaux]]
[[it:Serie principale]]
[[it:Serie principale]]
[[zh:主系列游戏]]
[[zh:宝可梦系列]]

Latest revision as of 00:18, 19 March 2024

The core series[1][2][3] of Pokémon games, also known as the core games,[4] the main series, or the Pokémon RPG series,[note 1] is a series of role-playing video games released for Nintendo systems and the primary series of Pokémon games. Its games follow a standard model of the player's journey through a specific region to catch and raise Pokémon, battle other Trainers, fight crime, and earn recognition (usually by collecting Badges from Gym Leaders) until they are acknowledged as the strongest Trainer. The series began with the first installment in the Pokémon franchise, Pokémon Red and Green, released for the Game Boy in Japan on February 27, 1996. Core series games have only been released for handheld systems, though this includes the Nintendo Switch, which is both a handheld and a home console.

Counting paired games as a single release, there are currently 22 core series games released in Japanese, 21 in European languages (English, French, Spanish, German, and Italian), 15 in Korean, and 7 in Chinese (both simplified and traditional). Counting each game individually, there are currently 38 core series games released in Japanese, 37 in European languages, 28 in Korean, and 13 in Chinese.

The Pokémon Video Game Championships have been conducted using the core series games since 2010. Prior to this, they were conducted using Pokémon Battle Revolution.[citation needed]

Terminology

Series title

In English, the core series has officially been referred to as the main series, Pokémon RPG series, or core series in official marketing materials.[note 1] However, all Western releases of games use the abbreviation Pokémon, regardless of whether they are core series games or spin-off games.

In Japanese, Korean, and formerly in Chinese, the series is called the Pocket Monsters Series (Japanese: ポケットモンスターシリーズ,[5][6] Korean: 포켓몬스터 시리즈,[7] Chinese: 精靈寶可夢系列 / 精灵宝可梦系列[8]). On Game Freak's website, it is referred to as the main series (本編シリーズ) instead.[9] All core series games, except Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, contain the full name Pocket Monsters in their Japanese title, whereas side series and spin-off games use the abbreviation Pokémon instead. While the Japanese releases of the Pokémon Stadium series use Pocket Monsters in English subtitles, they use Pokémon in kana in their Japanese names.

Game titles

Game versions

Prior to Generation VI, it was standard for the Western releases of the core series games to include the label "Version" in their title, such as "Pokémon Red Version" or "Pokémon Diamond Version". In Japanese, the word was only used for "Pocket Monsters: Crystal Version" (Japanese: ポケットモンスター クリスタルバージョン). The game titles with the word "Version" have also been sometimes written without it in official text, such as "Pokémon Red" or "Pokémon Diamond".

The plural "Versions" when referring to multiple games has been sometimes used as well:

  • "The Gold, Silver, and Crystal Versions of Pokémon ARE compatible with Pokémon Stadium 2™ [...]" (manual of Pokémon Crystal, page 1)
  • "This Game Pak can be linked to either Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire Version. It CANNOT be linked to the Red, Blue, Yellow, Gold, Silver, or Crystal Versions." (manual of Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, page 3)

The core series game titles released from Generation VI onwards do not include the word "Version", such as Pokémon X, Pokémon Omega Ruby, etc.

Remake titles

Main article: Remake → Terminology

The names of remakes of core series games are generally derived from the names of the original source games, with a modifier word attached to the front. For instance, Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver are remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver.

Italicized game titles

From Generation I to Pokémon Platinum, the Pokémon core series game titles were usually written with no italics in the game manuals and box descriptions. From Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver onwards, the titles have been consistently written in italics. For instance:

  • "You can migrate Pokémon caught in the Game Boy Advance™ Pokémon series: Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen versions [...]" (manual of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver)
  • "Various language versions of Pokémon Black 2, Pokémon White 2, Pokémon Black, and Pokémon White can communicate, battle, and trade with one another." (manual of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, page 4)
  • "This is Pokémon Omega Ruby. The types and likelihood of Pokémon that will appear differ from Pokémon Alpha Sapphire." (back of the box of Pokémon Omega Ruby)

The game titles are also italicized on the Pokémon.com website. For instance:

  • "The launch of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver on Virtual Console has given us the chance to take a second look at some of those classics’ most iconic, fun, and memorable events."[10]

The game titles are also italicized in the creator messages from the Pokémon Adventures manga. For instance:

Classification

Content model

While there are no strict rules that make a game a core series game, and previously assumed rules are continuously broken, the games generally have a similar plot structure and mechanics.

The player begins the game in a small town or city of a given region, having no Pokémon of their own. Through a course of events, the player receives a first partner Pokémon, usually from the region's Pokémon Professor; there are almost always three first partner Pokémon to choose from, with one Grass type, one Fire type, and one Water type, and a character who will become the player's rival will typically choose (or already have) another member of the trio based on the player's choice.

After this point, the player begins to journey across the entire region (which contains several settlements like cities and towns, themselves usually connected by route), capturing any wild Pokémon they choose to, and using a party they assemble to take on other Pokémon Trainers. Most regions have eight Gym Leaders that the player must defeat in order to obtain a Badge from each one, though in games set in the Alola region, the player instead participates in the island challenge, and in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they defeat five frenzied noble Pokémon. In addition to repeated interactions with their rival, the player must also stop the plans of a villainous team, which often involve the manipulation of Legendary Pokémon.

After all eight Gym Leaders have been defeated or the island challenge has been completed, the player can enter the Pokémon League, where the Champion of the region awaits challengers. However, a series of Trainers known as the Elite Four must usually be defeated in succession before the Champion can be fought. The Champion is often introduced prior to the player's Pokémon League challenge, and may aid the player on their adventure. After defeating the Champion, the player becomes a Champion themself, which is usually honored by their entry into the Hall of Fame. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the only game in the core series to not feature the Pokémon League in any form.

The player's defeat of the Champion can be considered the ending of the game, as it is followed by the credits being shown. However, there is always post-game content that the player gains access to after this. Often, there is a post-game plotline and locations and facilities that could not be previously accessed become available. Since Pokémon Crystal, there is usually at least one facility specifically dedicated to battling. The overarching goal is to obtain many species of Pokémon in order to complete the Pokédex. In the first two generations, every Pokémon species in the game has to be obtained in order to complete the Pokédex, and the player is awarded a diploma for achieving this. From Generation III to Generation VI, there are two separate Pokédexes, each with their own diploma as a reward for completing them: the regional Pokédex, which only contains the Pokémon native to the region the game is set in, and the National Pokédex, which is unlocked in the post-game and contains every Pokémon in the game. Starting in Generation VII, the games only contain a regional Pokédex, the completion of which usually rewards the player with a diploma, while the National Pokédex is confined to companion applications like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME.

Release model

While releases continue to break patterns, the release of core series games tends to follow a pattern.

When a generation of Pokémon games begins, a pair of games is always released. These paired versions feature virtually the same storyline as each other, but the available Pokémon differ, and some other elements are usually slightly different. This encourages trading, as it is required in order to complete the Pokédex.

Many generations feature what Game Freak internally calls an upper version (Japanese: アッパーバージョン upper version)[11] and what Western fans commonly refer to as a "third version", i.e., a follow-up game or pair of games released after the first games of the generation that takes place in the same region with added features. These games typically both share and lack certain regional Pokémon that were available in one or both of the original paired versions; thus, a player of an upper version must link together with the original pair to complete the regional Pokédex as well. On the contrary, upper versions typically contain certain Pokémon from different regions that are unavailable in the original pair, thus being more helpful in completing the National Pokédex. Until Generation VII, only a single third version following an original pair was ever released at a time; Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon were the first of these games to be released as a pair. Unlike other generations, Generation V opted for a sequel story instead, while Generation VI, Generation VIII, and Generation IX entirely forwent follow-up games set in the same region, the latter two instead providing additional features to the original pair of games via paid downloadable content.

Sometimes, a secondary set of paired versions that are remakes of earlier titles may also be released. Starting from Generation VIII, singular version games with the subtitle "Legends" have been released, being original stories taking place in previously visited regions in the distant past and being single-player action RPG titles. Both Generation VIII and Generation IX have released "Legends" games, with Generation VIII releasing Pokémon Legends: Arceus, a game set in a Sinnoh of the past, then known as Hisui, and Generation IX releasing Pokémon Legends: Z-A, a game set primarily in Lumiose City of the Kalos region.

Pokémon

Most generations introduce Pokémon that evolve into or from previously released Pokémon. Legendary Pokémon with myths specific to the region are almost always included, and frequently appear in duos and trios. Most generations also introduce at least one Mythical Pokémon, which are almost always event-exclusive upon being introduced but may become available through other means in later generations.

In all generations, there are some Pokémon that cannot be encountered until after the player becomes Champion. These are often Legendary Pokémon, such as Mewtwo. These Pokémon may or may not be part of the game's regional Pokédex.

Before the release of a new generation, new Pokémon are often used to promote the new games by including them in the anime or in spin-off games.

Box art

The box art for each game features one Pokémon which was introduced in that generation (or, in the case of remakes, the generation of the original games). This Pokémon is referred to by fans as a game mascot, and with the exception of Kanto- and Hisui-based games, it is always the Legendary Pokémon available in that game at the climax of the storyline.

In terms of the artwork itself, the international Pokémon Red and Blue and all region releases of the initial paired games of each generation from Generation III to VII use their game mascot's original Ken Sugimori artwork for their box art, whereas all other core series games use specially made artwork.

The titles in the Japanese games typically use some shade of red and blue for either the characters or outlines of the characters. This is most likely in reference to the first internationally released core games of Pokémon Red and Blue. The DLC Expansion Passes for Pokémon Sword and Shield use green and yellow, likely in reference to both Pokémon Red and Green, along with Pokémon Yellow.

List of core series games

In South Korea, only Pokémon Gold and Silver were released prior to the foundation of Nintendo of Korea and Pokémon Korea in 2006. The first core series game release after this was Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in 2008.

In Greater China, the first core series game release was Pokémon Sun and Moon in 2016.

Original versions Upper versions and expansions Remakes
Generation I
(Japan)
Generation I
(International)
Generation II
Generation III
Generation IV
Generation V
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII
Generation IX

Timeline

Main article: History of the Pokémon world

Trademarks

Nintendo, Creatures, and Game Freak have trademarked several titles with the Japan Patent Office which have not currently been used but which fit the naming scheme of the core series games. The following information comes from the Japan Platform for Patent Information:

English Japanese Application no. Registration no.
Pocket Monsters Topaz ポケットモンスタートパーズ 2002-063587 4677891
Pocket Monsters Tourmaline ポケットモンスタートルマリン 2002-063588 4684698
Pocket Monsters Amethyst ポケットモンスターアメジスト 2002-063589 4677892
Pocket Monsters Moonstone ポケットモンスタームーンストーン 2002-063590 4684699
Pocket Monsters White Gold ポケットモンスターホワイトゴールド 2002-063591 4677893
Pocket Monsters Yellow ポケットモンスター() 2008-093268 5222903
Pocket Monsters Black ポケットモンスター(くろ) 2008-093269 5222904
Pocket Monsters Brown ポケットモンスター(ちゃ) 2008-093270 5222905
Pocket Monsters White ポケットモンスター(しろ) 2008-093271 5222906
Pocket Monsters Gray/Grey ポケットモンスター(はい) 2008-093272 5222907
Pocket Monsters Vermilion ポケットモンスター(しゅ) 2008-093273 5222908
Pocket Monsters Purple ポケットモンスター(むらさき) 2008-093274 5222909
Pocket Monsters Crimson ポケットモンスター(くれない) 2008-093275 5222910
Pocket Monsters Scarlet ポケットモンスター() 2008-093276 5222911
Gray[note 2] グレー 2008-094459 5406253
Pocket Monsters Red ポケットモンスターレッド 2009-060068 5341298
Pocket Monsters Green ポケットモンスターグリーン 2009-060069 5293290
Pocket Monsters Blue ポケットモンスターブルー 2009-060070 5307992
Pocket Monsters Yellow ポケットモンスターイエロー 2009-060071 5341299
Pocket Monsters Brown ポケットモンスターブラウン 2009-060073 5307993
Pocket Monsters Gray/Grey ポケットモンスターグレー 2009-060075 5341302
Pocket Monsters Vermilion ポケットモンスターヴァーミリオン 2009-060076 5307994
Pocket Monsters Purple ポケットモンスターパープル 2009-060077 5307995
Pocket Monsters Crimson ポケットモンスタークリムゾン 2009-060078 5341303
Pocket Monsters Scarlet ポケットモンスタースカーレット 2009-060079 5341304
Delta Emerald[12] デルタエメラルド 2014-035118 5701924

The 2002 trademarks were filed around the same time as trademarks for Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, and Pearl, and are all the English names of minerals written in katakana (topaz, tourmaline, amethyst, moonstone, and white gold). The 2008 trademarks were filed alongside trademarks for Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue, and are all the Japanese names of colors written with a single kanji. The 2009 trademarks were filed alongside trademarks for Black, White, and Scarlet, and are all the English names of colors written in katakana. Of these, vermilion, crimson, and scarlet are shades of red.

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and Pokémon Diamond and Pearl were planned alongside Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.[13] Despite being released after Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen and before Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon Emerald was trademarked earlier than Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire.[14][15][16]

Contrary to what is sometimes reported, an equivalent to Blue matching the pattern of FireRed and LeafGreen was not trademarked by Nintendo, Creatures, or Game Freak. However, Game Freak's Junichi Masuda mentioned 「WATER BLUE」 in Japanese and "WaterBlue" in English on an August 2004 blog post explaining the company's choice of "FireRed" and "LeafGreen" as both the Japanese and international titles for the remakes of Pokémon Red and Green.[17][18]

The Delta Emerald trademark has been commonly misreported as "Pokémon Delta Emerald", but this latter name was not trademarked. This might suggest a relation to the Delta Episode in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, which features references to Pokémon Emerald.

Tsunekazu Ishihara and Junichi Masuda have explained why upper version counterparts to Pokémon Black and White or Pokémon X and Y did not materialize.[19][20][21][22][23] In the case of the hypothetical Pokémon Gray or Grey version, Game Freak decided to instead develop Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 to surprise fans (though Black 2 and White 2 were later considered upper versions in some promotional material for the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass), while the potential game "Pokémon Z" was never planned, with Pokémon Sun and Moon being designed for the Pokémon 20th Anniversary as another surprise.

Eurogamer published several articles which mentioned an alleged port of Pokémon Sun and Moon for the Nintendo Switch codenamed "Stars" between November 2016 and December 2017.[24][25][26][27][28][29] Coincidentally, an early June 2017 article describes a "clerical error" by The Pokémon Company, which initially listed Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon as Nintendo Switch titles instead of Nintendo 3DS titles during their announcement.[30]

Connectivity

Certain demos of core series games allow players to receive special Pokémon and items:

Each of the side series games allow players to transfer their Pokémon and items to and from the core series and/or receive Pokémon and items to bring back to core series games:

  • Pokémon Stadium: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I core series games to battle in 3D.
  • Pokémon Stadium 2: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I and II core series games to battle in 3D.
  • Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire: Allows players to store their Pokémon from the Generation III core series games.
  • Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness: Can trade Pokémon with the Generation III core series games.
  • Pokémon Battle Revolution: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV core series games to battle in 3D.
  • My Pokémon Ranch: Allows players to store their Pokémon from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl (and from Pokémon Platinum in Japan).
  • Pokéwalker: Allows players to store their Pokémon from Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver to gain experience by walking. Additionally, Pokémon caught in the Pokéwalker can be transferred to Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
  • Pokémon Dream World: Allows players to send Pokémon caught in this game to the Generation V core series games.
  • Pokémon Dream Radar: Allows players to receive the Forces of Nature in their Therian Formes in Black 2 and White 2.
  • Poké Transporter: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation V games, and the Generation I and II games on Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, to Pokémon Bank.
  • Pokémon Bank: Allows players to store their Pokémon from Generation VI and VII core series games.
  • Pokémon HOME: Allows players to store their Pokémon from core series Nintendo Switch games, and can also receive transferred Pokémon from Pokémon Bank and Pokémon GO.

Some spin-off games allow players to receive items or special Pokémon in the core series:

See also

References

  1. Iwata Asks : Pokémon X & Pokémon Y : Pokémon Born Anew
  2. Pokemon's Master Speaks - IGN
  3. Familiar First Partner Pokémon Are Appearing in Spades! — Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | Official Website
  4. Inside the Minds behind Pokémon! Pokemon.com, 4 Oct 2013 (archive)
  5. Game Pocket Monster Series | Pocket Monster Official Site (archive)
  6. GAME LIST
  7. Pokemon Official Site (archive)
  8. Nintendo HK Official Youtube channel: Nintendo SpotLight E3 2017 (附中文字幕), 14 Jun 2017
  9. GAME FREAK official site
  10. Ten Can’t Miss Activities in Johto and Beyond - Pokémon.com
  11. Nintendo UK YouTube: Pokémon Ultra Sun & Pokémon Ultra Moon Introduction – Episode 4 – A new Pokémon adventure awaits, 3 Nov 2017
  12. はちま起稿
  13. Game Informer interview from August 14, 2017
  14. Emerald trademark
  15. Ruby trademark
  16. Sapphire trademark
  17. Junichi Masuda's old official blog (Japanese)
  18. Junichi Masuda's old official blog (English)
  19. Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo)
  20. Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo of America)
  21. Iwata Asks about Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (Nintendo of Europe)
  22. Dr. Lava's translation of a Spanish Official Nintendo Magazine interview from late 2016
  23. Reddit AMA by Game Informer on their visit to Game Freak from August 2017
  24. Eurogamer (November 18, 2016)
  25. Eurogamer (November 22, 2016)
  26. Eurogamer (December 6, 2016)
  27. Eurogamer (December 7, 2016
  28. Eurogamer (June 13, 2017)
  29. Eurogamer (December 15, 2017)
  30. Eurogamer (June 6, 2017)
  31. [1] How to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!

Notes

  1. 1.0 1.1 The Official Pokémon YouTube channel: Pokémon 2018 Video Game Press Conference, 30 May 2018
    Masuda: (speaking about Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!) I believe all of these things kind of illustrate how these games have evolved in somewhat of a different direction compared to the traditional main series Pokémon RPGs. And my goal for these games is really to create a Pokémon RPG for everyone. And I believe that not only have we managed to make these titles great entry games for those who are new to the Pokémon RPG series, but at the same time, really provide a new and fresh experience that long-time fans of the series will enjoy. So it's really my hope that all sorts of people will give these games a try. So that concludes my introduction today for Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, but before I go I would like to say just one more thing. So at Game Freak we're also hard at work on another all-new core series Pokémon RPG, exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
  2. Specifically trademarked with this English spelling

External links


Generation I: Red & GreenBlue (JP)Red & BlueYellow
Generation II: Gold & SilverCrystal
Generation III: Ruby & SapphireFireRed & LeafGreenEmerald
Generation IV: Diamond & PearlPlatinumHeartGold & SoulSilver
Generation V: Black & WhiteBlack 2 & White 2
Generation VI: X & YOmega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII: Sun & MoonUltra Sun & Ultra Moon
Let's Go, Pikachu! & Let's Go, Eevee!‎
Generation VIII: Sword & Shield (The Isle of Armor / The Crown Tundra)
Brilliant Diamond & Shining PearlLegends: Arceus
Generation IX: Scarlet & Violet (The Teal Mask / The Indigo Disk)
Legends: Z-A
Pokémon game templates


Project Games logo.png This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.