Pokémon Crystal was the first main-series Pokémon game to let players choose a female protagonist.
The game introduced the character Kris as an alternative to the male player character. This was a significant expansion of player choice because Pokémon Gold and Silver, which Crystal enhances, offered only a male playable character.
Crystal was released for the Game Boy Color in Japan in 2000 and internationally in 2001. It also added animated Pokémon sprites, a story emphasis on Suicune, and several other refinements to the Johto adventure.
A common mix-up is Pokémon Yellow, which was released earlier and changed the starter arrangement by giving the player Pikachu. Yellow did not provide a selectable female player character. Crystal’s choice was later retained and expanded in subsequent Pokémon games.