What were the Japanese titles of the two Pokémon games that launched the franchise in 1996?

The Japanese titles of the two Pokémon games that launched the franchise in 1996 were Pocket Monsters Red and Green.

Game Freak developed the paired Game Boy role-playing games, which Nintendo released in Japan on February 27, 1996. The two versions shared the same broad adventure but contained version-exclusive Pokémon, encouraging players to connect their Game Boys and trade.

The games were originally planned for December 21, 1995, but their release was delayed while related products were prepared. The Japanese names used the franchise title Pocket Monsters; the shorter Pokémon name became standard in international markets.

Many international players know the launch pair as Pokémon Red and Blue, but that is a localization distinction. Japan received Red and Green first, while the later Japanese Blue version was a revised edition and the overseas releases used Red and Blue.