Where to Start · Pokemon
Where to Start with Pokemon
Pokemon is Nintendo and Game Freak's monster-catching RPG series that has run continuously since 1996 across nearly every Nintendo handheld and console. The formula is consistent across all 21 mainline entries — catch monsters, train them, beat eight gym leaders, defeat the Elite Four, stop a villainous team along the way. Each generation introduces a new region, new Pokemon, and new mechanics.
Unlike many long-running series, Pokemon has no required play order — every game is standalone and every region is self-contained. The question is not which game to play first, but which era and platform match where you are right now.
If you only play one Pokemon game
Play Pokemon Scarlet or Violet (2022) if you want the most modern experience — open world structure, full 3D, the most current Pokemon roster. Play Pokemon Black or White (2010) if you want the most story-driven entry in the series — widely considered the best narrative Pokemon has produced, with a villain who has a coherent ideology and a story that takes its themes seriously. Play Pokemon HeartGold or SoulSilver if you want the most content-dense classic entry — two full regions, 16 gym leaders, and a Pokemon walking behind you on the overworld.
The best game in each generation
Gen 1 (Game Boy): Pokemon Red or Blue — the originals. Mechanically dated but historically significant. Gen 2 (GBC): Pokemon Gold or Silver — widely regarded as the peak of the classic era. Gen 3 (GBA): Pokemon Emerald — the definitive version of the Hoenn region with the Battle Frontier. Gen 4 (DS): Pokemon Platinum — expands Diamond and Pearl with more content and a better story. Gen 5 (DS): Pokemon Black or White — the best story in the series. Gen 6 (3DS): Pokemon X or Y — the jump to 3D. Note: X and Y are delisted since the 3DS eShop closed in March 2023, physical copy required. Gen 7 (3DS): Pokemon Sun or Moon — Hawaii-inspired region, good atmosphere. Gen 8 (Switch): Pokemon Sword or Shield. Gen 9 (Switch): Pokemon Scarlet or Violet.
The collector warning — counterfeits
Pokemon is the most counterfeited game franchise in existence. Game Boy, Game Boy Color, and GBA Pokemon copies are flooded with fakes on eBay and secondhand markets. Authentic cartridges have an embossed Nintendo logo on the back. Fake save batteries drain within hours — test the save function before committing to a purchase. DS era fakes are less common but exist. Switch games have minimal counterfeit risk. Always check sold listings not Buy It Now prices, and factor authentication risk into what you pay.
What platforms you actually need
Game Boy / GBC era (Gen 1-2): Original hardware or Game Boy Player on GameCube. GBA era (Gen 3): GBA, DS, or DS Lite (DS Lite plays GBA games). DS era (Gen 4-5): Any DS model. 3DS era (Gen 6–7): Any 3DS model. Gen 6 and 7 are delisted from eShop — physical only. Switch era (Gen 8-9): Nintendo Switch. Pokemon Legends: Z-A (2025) is on Nintendo Switch.
Recommended play order for newcomers
There is no wrong answer. If you want to start modern: Scarlet or Violet. If you want to start classic: Gold or Silver. If you want the best single game regardless of era: Black or White. If you want the most complete package ever made: HeartGold or SoulSilver — two regions, maximum content, beloved by the community.
What to skip
Nothing in the mainline series needs to be skipped — every game is playable and complete. The weakest entries are generally considered Sun and Moon (slow tutorial, hand-holdy pacing) and Scarlet/Violet (technical performance issues at launch, now patched). Neither is bad enough to avoid. The Let's Go games (Pikachu/Eevee) use GO mechanics instead of traditional catching — play them last if you want them at all.