On what date did Pocket Monsters Red and Green debut in Japan?

Pocket Monsters Red and Green debuted in Japan on 27 February 1996.

Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo for the Game Boy, these role-playing games introduced players to a world where creatures could be captured, trained, traded, and battled. Their release marked the beginning of the Pokémon video-game franchise and is the date commonly associated with Pokémon Day.

The games were originally planned for 21 December 1995, but the launch was delayed because related merchandise was not ready. The delay helped the developers finish the product and prepare the wider franchise around it. Japan received Red and Green, while international players later received Red and Blue; the Japanese Green version was not released overseas in its original form.

The first games initially sold slowly, then became major hits through word of mouth and continuing media attention. Their success led to an enhanced Japanese Blue version, the anime series, the trading card game, and a global expansion.