There are 27 original starter Pokémon across all generations. The main Pokémon games have nine generations, from Generation I’s Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle to Generation IX’s Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. Each generation traditionally introduces one Grass-, Fire-, and Water-type starter choice, creating a straightforward total of nine groups of three.
The word “original” matters here: this count refers to the starter species first introduced with each generation, not every Pokémon that can be chosen as a partner in remakes, spin-offs, or special games. For example, Pokémon Yellow gives players Pikachu instead of the standard trio, while Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! use different partner mechanics. Those variations do not add new starter species to the generational total.
The three starters in each group are designed around contrasting types and personalities, and players normally choose one at the beginning of their adventure. Their later evolutions usually preserve the original type, though some gain a secondary type. Regional forms and alternate partner Pokémon can make the list feel larger, but they do not change the 27-species count.