What was the Japan-only Nintendo 64 game that first introduced the Pokémon Stadium concept?

Pocket Monsters Stadium was the Japan-only Nintendo 64 game that first introduced the Pokémon Stadium concept.

Released in Japan in 1998, Pocket Monsters Stadium presented Pokémon battles with three-dimensional models rather than the sprites used in the Game Boy games. It was developed for Nintendo 64 and focused on battle competitions, giving players a console-based way to see the original Pokémon rendered in 3D.

The more widely known Pokémon Stadium followed in Japan in 1999 and later reached Western markets in 2000. That release expanded the concept and connected with Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow through the Nintendo 64 Transfer Pak.

Because the later title became internationally famous, players often assume Pokémon Stadium was the first game in the series. The distinction matters: Pocket Monsters Stadium was the Japan-only predecessor, while Pokémon Stadium was the first Stadium title released in Western regions.