Which two Pokémon game versions first launched in Japan in 1996?

The two Pokémon game versions that first launched in Japan in 1996 were Pokémon Red and Green.

Pocket Monsters Red and Green were released for the Game Boy on February 27, 1996. They formed the first paired release in the series, with version-exclusive Pokémon encouraging players to connect and trade.

International audiences often know the first games as Pokémon Red and Blue. That is because Nintendo used the Japanese Blue version’s improved artwork and programming as the basis for the overseas releases, while the original Japanese Green version was not released internationally in the same form.

Japanese Blue first appeared as a special edition for CoroCoro Comic subscribers in October 1996 before receiving a wider retail release later. Pokémon Yellow followed in Japan in 1998 and was inspired partly by the popularity of the anime and Pikachu. These naming differences are why anniversary discussions distinguish the Japanese launch pair from the international pair.