In Pokémon Red and Blue, which professor gives the player their first Pokémon?

In Pokémon Red and Blue, Professor Oak gives the player their first Pokémon.

Professor Oak is the fictional Pokémon researcher who begins the player's journey in the Kanto region. In the opening sequence, he explains that Pokémon and humans live together before leading the player to his laboratory.

The player chooses one of three species from Oak's laboratory: Bulbasaur, Charmander, or Squirtle. Rival character Blue immediately chooses another, establishing the recurring starter-Pokémon rivalry central to the game.

Oak also gives the player a Pokédex, a digital encyclopedia used to record information about encountered Pokémon. His grandson is the player's rival, although the character is called Blue in the English games and Green in the original Japanese versions. Professor Oak should not be confused with later researchers such as Professor Elm of Johto or Professor Birch of Hoenn.