On what date were Pocket Monsters Red and Green first released in Japan?

Pocket Monsters Red and Green were first released in Japan on February 27, 1996. The Game Boy role-playing games created the foundation for the Pokémon franchise’s worldwide expansion.

Game Freak developed the games, Nintendo published them, and Satoshi Tajiri created the original concept. Players explored the Kanto setting, captured Pokémon, trained them, battled other Trainers, and traded with another Game Boy through the Link Cable.

The Japanese releases were followed by an enhanced Blue version. For international markets, Nintendo used Pokémon Red and Blue, because the original Japanese Green was not released outside Japan in its original form.

The date is celebrated annually as Pokémon Day. It is distinct from the premiere date of the Pokémon television anime, which arrived in Japan later in 1997. The games therefore mark the franchise’s starting point, while the anime expanded its audience and characters.