On what date did Pocket Monsters Red and Green first release in Japan for the Game Boy?

Pocket Monsters Red and Green first released in Japan on February 27, 1996, beginning the Pokémon video-game phenomenon.

Game Freak developed the role-playing games for Nintendo’s Game Boy. Players explored the Kanto region, captured creatures, trained them, battled other Trainers, and traded Pokémon between cartridges. The games were designed around interaction, making the Game Link Cable an important part of the experience.

The launch date was later than originally planned. Development was completed in 1995, and a December 21 release had been scheduled, but the launch was postponed while related products were prepared. The delay did not prevent the games from becoming major successes.

Outside Japan, the original pair was reworked and released as Pokémon Red and Blue. The Japanese Green version was not released internationally in its original form. The February 27 date is now commemorated annually as Pokémon Day, making it especially significant for the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2026.