Launched in Japan in 1996 with Pokémon Red and Green, the Pokémon franchise has become a global sensation. Created by Satoshi Tajiri and developed by Game Freak, it was inspired by Tajiri’s childhood hobby of insect collecting. The name “Pokémon” is a shortened form of the original “Pocket Monsters.” The essence of Pokémon involves capturing and training various creatures, each with unique abilities. Players, as Pokémon trainers, aim to excel in battles, complete their Pokédex, and overcome villains in a world full of adventures.
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| Rank | Game | Genre | Developer | Publisher | Platform | Release Date | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  | Role-playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Game Boy | February 27, 1996 | 31.38 million |
| 2 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | November 15, 2019 | 26.17 million |
| 3 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | November 18, 2022 | 24.36 million |
| 4 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Game Boy Color | November 21, 1999 | 23.1 million |
| 5 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo DS | September 28, 2006 | 17.67 million |
| 6 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo 3DS | October 12, 2013 | 16.72 million |
| 7 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo 3DS | November 18, 2016 | 16.32 million |
| 8 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Game Boy Advance | November 21, 2002 | 16.22 million |
| 9 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo DS | September 18, 2010 | 15.64 million |
| 10 |  | Role-Playing | Game Freak | Nintendo | Nintendo Switch | November 16, 2018 | 15.07 million |
The franchise expanded beyond video games to include a popular animated series, movies, a trading card game, toys, and books, with Pikachu emerging as a cultural icon. Pokémon’s impact on pop culture includes introducing a mix of collecting and battling, fostering a community spirit among fans through trading and competitive events.
Best Selling Pokemon Games
1. Pokémon Red/Blue/Green
Release Date: February 27, 1996 (Japan)
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
With sales reaching 31.38 million units, Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green versions set the stage for the global Pokémon phenomenon. Pokémon Red and Green (with Blue being an updated version released later) are the first games in the Pokémon series, where players embark on a journey to become Pokémon Masters. Set in the fictional Kanto region, players capture and train Pokémon to battle against other trainers, with the ultimate goal of defeating the Elite Four and the Pokémon Champion. The games introduced the world to the concept of catching, training, and battling with a variety of unique creatures, laying the foundation for a franchise that would become a global phenomenon. With 151 original Pokémon to collect and trade between versions to complete the Pokédex, these games fostered a sense of community and collaboration among players.
2. Pokémon Sword/Shield
Release Date: November 15, 2019
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch have captivated players worldwide, selling 26.17 million units. Set in the Galar region, which draws inspiration from the United Kingdom, these games introduce the eighth generation of Pokémon. They brought fresh features like the “Wild Area,” a vast open space where Pokémon roam freely, and “Dynamaxing,” which allows Pokémon to temporarily grow in size during battles. With a compelling storyline, innovative Max Raid Battles, and the inclusion of both new and classic Pokémon, Sword and Shield have become a significant addition to the Pokémon series, offering a rich and engaging experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
3. Pokémon Scarlet/Violet
Release Date: November 18, 2022
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have quickly become a hit on the Nintendo Switch, selling 24.36 million units. Set in the expansive Paldea region, which is heavily inspired by the Iberian Peninsula, these games mark the ninth generation of Pokémon. They introduce several groundbreaking features, including a fully open-world experience, allowing players unprecedented freedom to explore. The games also debut the “Terastal” phenomenon, where Pokémon can gain new forms and powers. With a mix of new and familiar Pokémon, alongside a unique three-storyline structure that players can navigate in any order, Scarlet and Violet offer a fresh and dynamic approach to the Pokémon adventure, appealing to both seasoned players and those new to the franchise.
4. Pokémon Gold/Silver
Release Date: November 21, 1999 (Japan), October 2000 (North America)
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Gold and Silver, released for the Game Boy Color, have achieved remarkable success with sales of 23.1 million units. Set in the Johto region, these games introduced players to the second generation of Pokémon, adding 100 new species to the existing roster. Notable for bringing day-night cycles that affect gameplay and Pokémon appearances, Gold and Silver expanded the Pokémon world with new mechanics, such as breeding and special Pokémon evolutions. The games also allowed players to revisit the Kanto region from the first games, offering a nostalgic experience with added challenges. With their rich content and innovative features, Pokémon Gold and Silver have cemented their legacy as pivotal entries in the Pokémon series, beloved by fans for their depth and engaging gameplay.
5. Pokémon Diamond/Pearl
Release Date: September 28, 2006 (Japan), April 22, 2007 (North America)
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl for the Nintendo DS have garnered significant acclaim, selling 17.67 million units. These games transport players to the Sinnoh region, inspired by Japan’s Hokkaido and part of the Russian Far East, introducing the fourth generation of Pokémon with over 100 new species. Diamond and Pearl were pivotal in enhancing the series with features like online trading and battling through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, bringing a new level of interactivity and community to the franchise. The introduction of the Physical/Special split in move categories significantly impacted battle strategies, making gameplay more nuanced and strategic. With their rich storytelling, expansive world, and innovative features, Pokémon Diamond and Pearl stand out as essential chapters in the Pokémon saga, offering a memorable and engaging experience for both long-time fans and newcomers.
6. Pokémon X/Y
Release Date: October 12, 2013
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon X and Y, exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS, have reached impressive sales of 16.72 million units worldwide. These games introduce players to the beautiful Kalos region, inspired by France, and mark the debut of the sixth generation of Pokémon. X and Y are notable for bringing the Pokémon world into 3D, offering fully rendered 3D models and environments for the first time in the main series. The games introduced new features like Mega Evolution, which allows certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve into a more powerful form during battle. With a rich storyline, the addition of the Fairy-type, and the introduction of new social features like the Player Search System (PSS) for easier online interactions, Pokémon X and Y have been celebrated for revitalizing the series and appealing to a new generation of players while maintaining the charm that long-time fans cherish.
7. Pokémon Sun/Moon
Release Date: November 18, 2016
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Sun and Moon have been a huge success on the Nintendo 3DS, selling 16.32 million units. Set in the tropical Alola region, inspired by Hawaii, these games introduce players to the seventh generation of Pokémon. Sun and Moon broke new ground by replacing traditional Pokémon Gyms with Island Trials, offering a fresh take on the series’ formula. These games also introduced Z-Moves, powerful attacks that can be used once per battle, and the concept of Alolan Forms, where classic Pokémon have adapted to the unique environment of Alola with new looks and types. With engaging new mechanics, a vibrant setting, and a focus on storytelling and character development, Pokémon Sun and Moon have redefined the Pokémon experience, offering both depth and innovation to new players and series veterans alike.
8. Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire
Release Date: November 21, 2002 (Japan), March 19, 2003 (North America)
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, released for the Game Boy Advance, have achieved sales of 16.22 million units. These games transport players to the diverse Hoenn region, introducing the third generation of Pokémon with over 135 new species. Ruby and Sapphire were significant for their introduction of weather effects and natural disasters that impact gameplay, as well as the introduction of two-on-two Pokémon battles, adding a new layer of strategy to combat. The games also featured a more dynamic storyline involving battles against either Team Magma or Team Aqua, depending on the version. With their vivid graphics, enhanced mechanics, and engaging narrative, Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire have left a lasting impact on the Pokémon series, offering a rich and immersive adventure for fans around the globe.
9. Pokémon Black/White
Release Date: September 18, 2010 (Japan), March 6, 2011 (North America)
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Black and White for the Nintendo DS have reached sales figures of 15.64 million units. These games introduce players to the Unova region, inspired by New York City, and bring in the fifth generation of Pokémon, featuring 156 new species—the largest number of new Pokémon introduced in a single generation at the time. Black and White stand out for their strong narrative focus, exploring themes of idealism and reality through the stories of Team Plasma and its leader, N. The games also introduced seasonal cycles, with the game world changing with the seasons, affecting which Pokémon can be caught and various in-game events. With innovative features like triple battles and rotation battles, along with enhanced graphics and animation, Pokémon Black and White have been praised for rejuvenating the series and providing a deep, engaging experience for both newcomers and long-standing fans.
10. Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Let’s Go, Eevee!
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
Developer: Game Freak
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch, have collectively sold 15.07 million units. These games take players back to the beloved Kanto region, reimagined for a new generation with vibrant graphics and engaging gameplay. Designed to appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers, especially those introduced to Pokémon through Pokémon Go, these titles blend classic RPG elements with innovative mechanics. The games feature a unique capture system inspired by Pokémon Go, cooperative play for two players, and the ability to connect with Pokémon Go, allowing for the transfer of Pokémon between games. With Pikachu or Eevee as a partner accompanying players on their journey, these games offer a fresh yet nostalgic experience, revisiting the charm and adventure of the original Pokémon series in a modern context.
Exploring the Legacy
In summary, the Pokémon franchise remains a powerhouse in the gaming world, with its top-selling games showing the series’ broad appeal. From the early days of Pokémon Red, Blue, and Green to the latest hits like Pokémon Sword and Shield, and the nostalgic Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee!, each title has left a mark on fans and the industry. The sales data not only showcases the franchise’s success but also its ability to evolve and connect with players new and old. As the Pokémon world continues to expand with new innovations and adventures, its enduring legacy and appeal are clear, promising more exciting experiences for gamers everywhere.
Which Pokémon game is the most challenging?
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon stand out in the Pokémon series. While their predecessors, X and Y, aimed to offer a welcoming experience for newcomers, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon took a different turn, earning a reputation as the franchise's most formidable entries.
What is the lengthiest Pokémon game?
As of 2006, the Pokémon title holding the record for the longest gameplay is Diamond and Pearl on the Nintendo DS. The average playtime to navigate through the main story and additional content is around 93 hours, with a complete experience stretching up to 260 hours. The remastered versions for the Switch are notably shorter, with a completion time of approximately 26.5 hours.
Which Pokémon reigns as the strongest?
In the realm of Pokémon, Arceus stands at the pinnacle, especially among standard forms. This gender-neutral deity surpasses all but a handful of the series' Mega Evolutions, securing its place as the most formidable Pokémon to date.
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