What was the first Pokémon game released in North America?

Pokémon Red and Blue were the first Pokémon games released in North America. Nintendo launched them for the Game Boy on September 28, 1998, after the Japanese Red and Green versions debuted in 1996.

The North American release used Blue instead of Green as the companion version. The games contained version-exclusive Pokémon, so players were encouraged to trade with one another using the Game Boy Link Cable.

Red and Blue introduced North American players to the Kanto region, the original 151 Pokémon, and the goal of completing the Pokédex. They also helped establish Pokémon as a major international video game brand.

Pokémon Yellow followed in North America in 1999. It was based on the anime’s popularity and made Pikachu the player’s initial partner, but it was not the franchise’s first North American release.