Which 1996 Nintendo game was the first in the Pokémon video-game series?

Pokémon Red and Green were the first games in the Pokémon video-game series.

Game Freak developed the original Pokémon games for Nintendo's Game Boy. Pokémon Red and Green launched in Japan on February 27, 1996, beginning the franchise with 151 collectible creatures, turn-based battles, trading, and version-exclusive Pokémon. Players could connect two Game Boy systems with a Link Cable to trade and battle.

The first international release differed from the Japanese originals. Nintendo released Pokémon Red and Blue outside Japan, using an updated Japanese version called Pokémon Blue as their base. Pokémon Yellow later added elements inspired by the animated television series, including a Pikachu that followed the player.

Because most international players first encountered Red and Blue, they sometimes assume those were the original pair worldwide. Historically, Red and Green were the first Pokémon games, while Red and Blue became the best-known launch versions in overseas markets.