Expertise the whole sequence from begin to end.

There are a lot of Pokemon video games. This could come as no shock, given Pokemon is the biggest media franchise on this planet and has over 25 years of historical past. Nonetheless, in case you haven’t adopted the sequence since its first technology, deciphering it may be overwhelming.

The mainline Pokemon sequence is assessed by “generations.” It is because many Pokemon video games are just about equivalent, save for a handful of variations or just a few enhancements. For instance, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are comparable sufficient that solely hardcore followers will play each. This will get particularly complicated when you embrace remakes and rereleases of previous Pokemon video games. There are over ten video games that could possibly be thought of “Technology 1,” and also you solely have to play one among them!

Thus far, there are 9 generations of Pokemon titles that make up the core franchise. This isn’t counting spinoffs, although there are oddballs that we’ll focus on beneath. If you happen to’ve by no means performed a Pokemon recreation earlier than, any technology is an efficient start line. That mentioned, if you wish to meet up with tremendous followers and expertise the mainline sequence from begin to end, right here is your greatest route.

Technology 1

Technology 1 is probably the most well-known technology of Pokemon, but paradoxically it’s now probably the most complicated. As the one Pokemon technology to be remade twice, you may have just a few choices.

The simplest strategy to play Technology 1 is to get both Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu or Let’s Go Eevee on the Change. These are probably the most trendy variations of this technology and have a slew of quality-of-life options that closely modernize the unique Sport Boy video games. If that is your first Pokemon recreation, the one caveat is that wild Pokemon battles are changed by a Pokemon GO model catching minigame that isn’t present in later titles. That mentioned, in case you have been launched to the franchise by way of Pokemon GO, it is a good strategy to break into it.

Your second best possibility is to obtain the unique Pokemon Yellow on the 3DS. This digital console rerelease is functionally the identical because the Sport Boy authentic of the 90s, with just a few tweaks to make them work on extra trendy {hardware}. Pokemon Yellow incorporates bonus content material not present in Pokemon Purple or Blue, so it’s the most compelling of the Sport Boy releases.

The final possibility is to play both Pokemon Fireplace Purple or Leaf Inexperienced for the Sport Boy Advance. These are superior to the unique Sport Boy Technology 1 video games, however discovering these video games these days isn’t any small feat. When you’ve got entry to them, these are a good way to expertise Technology 1. But except you wish to pay a premium on the second hand market, you’re higher off with one of many choices above.

Technology 2

Your choices for Technology 2 are like Technology 1, minus a Nintendo Change remake.

Essentially the most accessible possibility is Pokemon Crystal on the 3DS. Like Pokemon Yellow, that is just about equivalent to the Sport Boy Colour authentic with just a few tweaks. That is additionally the “Particular Version” recreation of Technology 2 like Yellow was to Technology 1, which makes it superior to Pokemon Gold & Silver.

It’s actually heartbreaking to suggest the Sport Boy model of Technology 2 over your different. Pokemon Coronary heart Gold & Soul Silver are extensively beloved remakes of Technology 2 for the DS. It’s simply a sequence highpoint, however good luck discovering a replica these days. These video games are out of print and command massively inflated costs, and also you’ll have to pay much more if you need the Pokewalker accent. Within the occasion you’ll be able to entry both of those variations, this shall be your greatest expertise. That mentioned, $10 for Pokemon Crystal is healthier worth than $100 for Coronary heart Gold.

Technology 3

This Technology is fortunately extra simple.

You may expertise Technology 3 by way of both Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire for the 3DS. These are remakes of the Sport Boy Advance originals that not solely modernize the video games however characteristic unique new content material as nicely. You may nonetheless purchase bodily copies for an affordable worth, although they’re obtainable to obtain by way of the 3DS eShop as nicely.

Pokemon Emerald for Sport Boy Advance is a fan favourite model of Technology 3. Actually, there are causes to want this over the 3DS remakes. Nevertheless, for gamers thinking about an informal playthrough, it’s exhausting to justify the second-hand markup when the 3DS titles are simply accessible.

Technology 4

Your two choices listed below are like Technology 3, although there’s a larger disparity in high quality.

Pokemon Good Diamond or Shining Pearl on the Change are your best choices. These remakes of Technology 4 are controversial, as they’re inferior to the unique releases in some baffling methods. That mentioned, they’re the identical recreation as their core, and there are some quality-of-life enhancements. Search for this one at a reduction.

Pokemon Platinum on the DS is extensively thought of the perfect model of Technology 4. Regardless of being older than Good Diamond and Shining Pearl, that is probably the most content-rich model of this journey obtainable. If you will discover an genuine second-hand copy at an affordable worth, seize this one.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Whereas it’s not a “Technology” of Pokemon, Pokemon Legends: Arceus remains to be thought of an official mainline Pokemon recreation. Although it’s a latest launch, I’d begin Legends: Arceus right here in case you’re enjoying the sequence so as.

Legends: Arceus takes place within the distant previous of the world Technology 4 takes place in, so that you’ll see many references to these video games. Moreover, its extra modern gameplay shall be a welcome break in case you’ve marathoned the previous 4 video games. The one model of Legends: Arceus obtainable is on the Change!

Technology 5

Uh oh.

Technology 5 is my favourite Technology, however the hardest to play immediately. Pokemon Black and White have solely appeared on the DS to this point, which implies you should get these on the second-hand market. Be looking out for a suitable worth – both Black or White model will suffice.

Exasperating the matter additional, that is the one Technology to obtain sequel video games within the type of Black 2 & White 2. Once more, you’re caught with scouring the second-hand market if you wish to get these video games. These do retread comparable floor as the primary video games, so it’s as much as you if you wish to skip these. That mentioned, these are fan favourite titles which might be thought of excessive factors for the sequence.

Technology 6

The exhausting half is over, and every part is simple from right here.

Pokemon X & Y have been launched on the 3DS and by no means obtained extra variations. Bodily retail copies can nonetheless be discovered, and they’re additionally obtainable on the 3DS eshop. Decide whichever recreation has the prettier monster on the field and have enjoyable!

Technology 7

There are two units of video games in Technology 7. Every are available for the 3DS by way of bodily copies or the eShop.

Of those, you’ll wish to choose both Pokemon Extremely Solar or Extremely Moon. These are expanded variations of the unique video games that characteristic extra Pokemon, extra content material, and different enhancements. Some followers will vouch for the unique Pokemon Solar & Moon because of the story. If that’s no concern to you, you’ll be okay selecting Extremely Solar or Extremely Moon right here.

Technology 8

Pokemon Sword & Defend are available on the Nintendo Change. You will get these bodily or by way of the Change eShop. Decide whichever recreation has the extra interesting Pokemon on the field!

Although expanded variations of those video games have been by no means launched, they’re the primary within the sequence to obtain paid downloadable content material. Each The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra will be downloaded in every recreation’s respective enlargement move. Simply be certain to purchase the move that corresponds to the copy of the sport you personal!

Technology 9

We’re lastly updated! Pokemon Scarlet & Violet can be found bodily and digitally on the Nintendo Change. The monster on the field of every model will play a outstanding half in your journey, so choose whichever seems extra interesting. No DLC has been introduced for these video games as of writing, however it’s too early to inform if these will obtain expansions or not.

Honorable Mentions

We’re executed with the mainline Pokemon sequence, however there are two titles which might be shut sufficient that they deserve consideration.

Pokemon Colosseum and Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness for the GameCube are technically a part of the Pokemon Stadium spinoff sequence. Nevertheless, these titles provided unique story modes which some contemplate to be the primary “actual” console Pokemon video games. Actually, these video games launched ideas resembling Shadow Pokemon which have persevered in trendy video games like Pokemon GO. Each of those video games are caught on the second-hand market, so most will moderately skip these titles to save lots of their wallets. That mentioned, I’m a agency believer that followers of those video games should be acknowledged.

That’s the whole mainline Pokemon franchise from begin to end! That is an expansive franchise that has seen sequels, spinoffs, and sequels to spinoffs. Protecting each recreation within the franchise would require a number of extra guides, however know that enjoying all these video games will advance you proper to the rank of “avid fan” throughout the Pokemon group. With the speedy launch schedule of contemporary Pokemon video games, be looking out for brand spanking new titles and remakes of older titles on the horizon. Even in case you gotta catch ’em all, be certain to do it at an affordable tempo.