On what date did Pokémon Red and Green debut in Japan, launching the Pokémon video game series?

Pokémon Red and Green debuted in Japan on February 27, 1996, launching the Pokémon video game series.

Game Freak developed the titles for Nintendo’s Game Boy, with Satoshi Tajiri directing the project. The games introduced the central Pokémon formula: exploring a region, catching creatures, training them, battling other Trainers, and trading through the Game Boy Link Cable.

The Japanese releases were called Pocket Monsters Red and Green. Pokémon Blue followed later in Japan as an improved version, while international markets received Pokémon Red and Blue rather than the original Japanese Green. This difference is a frequent source of confusion when discussing the franchise’s first games.

The release date became Pokémon Day, an annual celebration held on February 27. In 2026, the date marked the franchise’s 30th anniversary, connecting the modern global brand to its original Game Boy launch in Japan.