What original release date had Pokémon Red and Green been planned for before the delay?

Pokémon Red and Green had originally been planned for release on December 21, 1995.

The Game Boy games were ultimately delayed until February 27, 1996. According to the games’ development history, the delay occurred because related derivative products were not yet ready for sale.

That postponement is significant because February 27 became the actual beginning of the Pokémon franchise’s public history. The date is now commemorated annually as Pokémon Day and formed the starting point for the franchise’s 30th anniversary in 2026.

The planned date is often confused with the actual launch date. December 21, 1995 was the intended schedule, while February 27, 1996 is the date on which the Japanese games truly reached players.