What were the Japanese titles of the two Pokémon games released first in 1996?

The two Pokémon games released first in Japan in 1996 were titled Pocket Monsters Red and Green.

They formed the first paired release in the main Pokémon role-playing game series. Each version contained Pokémon that could not be obtained in the other, encouraging players to connect their Game Boys, trade creatures, and work together to complete the Pokédex.

The naming difference is a frequent source of confusion. Japan later received Pocket Monsters Blue as an improved version, while the international releases were based on the Japanese Blue version and were titled Pokémon Red and Blue. The original Japanese Green version was not released internationally at that time.

The paired-version structure became a lasting Pokémon tradition. Later generations continued to use complementary titles, usually with version-exclusive Pokémon, while enhanced editions and remakes added new story content, features, or updated graphics.