Which games began Generation II of the Pokémon video game series?

Pokémon Gold and Silver began Generation II of the Pokémon video game series. Game Freak developed both role-playing games for the Game Boy Color.

Gold and Silver introduced 100 new Pokémon and expanded the series beyond the original 151 species. They added the Johto region, a day-and-night cycle, breeding, held items, Pokémon genders, Shiny Pokémon, and the Dark and Steel types. After players complete the Johto storyline, the games also allow them to revisit Kanto, linking the new adventure to the first generation.

The games were released in Japan on November 21, 1999, followed by international launches in 2000 and 2001. Pokémon Crystal later became an enhanced version, but it was not the pair that began Generation II. Likewise, Ruby and Sapphire started Generation III on the Game Boy Advance. Gold and Silver’s sequel-like structure and connection to Kanto helped make them an especially important follow-up to the original games.