Which two Pokémon versions began the series in Japan in 1996?

Pokémon Red and Green were the two versions that began the series in Japan in 1996.

Game Freak designed the paired releases so that each cartridge contained Pokémon unavailable in the other. Trading between players was therefore important for completing the Pokédex. The version system also encouraged players to compare teams and exchange creatures.

Many international fans know the first pair as Pokémon Red and Blue, but that is a localization difference. Japan’s initial releases were Red and Green; a revised Japanese Blue version followed later and became the technical basis for the overseas Red and Blue releases.

The original Japanese Green should not be confused with Pokémon LeafGreen, a later Game Boy Advance remake. LeafGreen belongs to a much later generation of hardware and was released alongside FireRed.