Generation

A generation is a term that refers to the main region where a set of Pokémon-related media, especially the core series, takes place before the next region is introduced. For example, the first generation is mainly set within Kanto, and the second generation mainly takes place in Johto. A generation lasts for a few years before the next one begins, and there have been eight generations thus far, with the latest one, Generation IX, set to begin in late 2022.

Remakes of older Pokémon titles do not retroactively apply to the original generation. For instance, Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions, which are Game Boy Advance remakes of the first generation titles, Pokémon Red and Blue Versions, are considered to be in the scope of Generation III because Hoenn was the newest region at its time of release.

Generations used to also be defined by the handheld on which a core series title was released. Since the release of the Generation V titles Pokémon Black and White Versions, this would no longer be the case, as the games were released for the Nintendo DS like the Generation IV titles Pokémon Diamond and Pearl Versions and Pokémon Platinum Version.

Although the term "generation" started off as a fan term, it was eventually adopted by Nintendo officially.

List of generations

 * Generation I (1996–1999): Red (Japan), Green (Japan), Blue (Japan), Red (International), Blue (International) and Yellow (International)
 * Generation II (1999–2002): Gold, Silver and Crystal
 * Generation III (2002–2006): Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed and LeafGreen
 * Generation IV (2006–2010): Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold and SoulSilver
 * Generation V (2010–2013): Black, White, Black 2 and White 2
 * Generation VI (2013–2016): X, Y, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
 * Generation VII (2016–2019): Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon, Let's Go: Pikachu! and Let's Go: Eevee!
 * Generation VIII (2019–present): Sword, Shield, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Pokémon Legends: Arceus