Nintendo published Pokémon Red and Green for the original Game Boy.
Game Freak developed the games, but Nintendo handled their publication and released them for its handheld system. This distinction matters because Pokémon’s production involved several closely connected organizations rather than one company performing every role.
The original Japanese releases appeared on February 27, 1996. Nintendo’s Game Boy hardware provided the Link Cable feature that allowed players to trade and battle, making the platform central to the games’ design rather than merely a place to display them.
The Pokémon Company did not exist under its modern name when Red and Green launched. It was established later to manage Pokémon-related business across games, merchandise, licensing, and media. Creatures also became a major Pokémon partner, especially in trading-card and development work. Because all three names appear frequently in Pokémon credits and history, Nintendo’s specific role as publisher is often mistaken for Game Freak’s role as developer.