Pokémon Red and Green first released in Japan on February 27, 1996.
Game Freak developed the two role-playing games for Nintendo’s Game Boy. They introduced the basic Pokémon formula: exploring a region, catching creatures, training them, battling other Trainers, and trading with players using the Game Link Cable.
The release was originally planned for December 21, 1995, but it was delayed while related products were being prepared. The games eventually became sleeper hits, helping Pokémon expand into animation, trading cards, manga, films, and merchandise.
Japan received Red and Green, while most international markets later received Pokémon Red and Blue. That regional naming difference sometimes causes confusion when people discuss the franchise’s first games. February 27 is now celebrated annually as Pokémon Day, and in 2026 it marked the franchise’s 30th anniversary.