''Pokémon'' (originally "''Pocket Monsters''") is a
series
Series may refer to:
People with the name
* Caroline Series (born 1951), English mathematician, daughter of George Series
* George Series (1920–1995), English physicist
Arts, entertainment, and media
Music
* Series, the ordered sets used i ...
of
role-playing
Role-playing or roleplaying is the changing of one's behaviour to assume a role, either unconsciously to fill a social role, or consciously to act out an adopted role. While the ''Oxford English Dictionary'' offers a definition of role-playing a ...
video game
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, controller, keyboard, or motion sensing device to generate visual feedback. This fee ...
s developed by
Game Freak
is a Japanese video game developer, best known as the primary developer of the mainline ''Pokémon'' series of role-playing video games published by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company.
History
Predating the video game company, ''Game Freak'' ...
and published by
Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and video game consoles.
Nintendo was founded in 1889 as by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi and originally produce ...
and
The Pokémon Company
The Pokémon Company (株式会社ポケモン, ''Kabushiki gaisha Pokemon'') is a Japanese company responsible for brand management, production, publishing, marketing, and licensing of the ''Pokémon'' franchise, which consists of video game s ...
. Over the years, a number of spin-off games based on the series have also been developed by multiple companies. While the main series consists of RPGs, spin-off games encompass other genres, such as
action role-playing
An action role-playing game (often abbreviated action RPG or ARPG) is a subgenre of video games that combines core elements from both the action game and role-playing genre.
Definition
The games emphasize real-time combat where the player h ...
,
puzzle
A puzzle is a game, Problem solving, problem, or toy that tests a person's ingenuity or knowledge. In a puzzle, the solver is expected to put pieces together (Disentanglement puzzle, or take them apart) in a logical way, in order to arrive at th ...
,
fighting
Combat ( French for ''fight'') is a purposeful violent conflict meant to physically harm or kill the opposition. Combat may be armed (using weapons) or unarmed ( not using weapons). Combat is sometimes resorted to as a method of self-defense, or ...
, and
digital pet
A virtual pet (also known as a digital pet, artificial pet, or pet-raising simulation) is a type of artificial human companion. They are usually kept for companionship or enjoyment. People may keep a digital pet in lieu of a real pet.
Digital ...
games. Most ''Pokémon'' video games have been developed exclusively for Nintendo
handhelds
A mobile device (or handheld computer) is a computer small enough to hold and operate in the hand. Mobile devices typically have a flat LCD or OLED screen, a touchscreen interface, and digital or physical buttons. They may also have a physical ...
,
video game console
A video game console is an electronic device that Input/output, outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home video game console, home consoles, which are generally placed i ...
s, dating from the
Game Boy
The is an 8-bit fourth generation handheld game console developed and manufactured by Nintendo. It was first released in Japan on April 21, 1989, in North America later the same year, and in Europe in late 1990. It was designed by the same ...
to the
current generation of video game consoles.
Main series games/remakes
Side games
''Pokémon Stadium'' series
Other side games
Spin-off games
Trading Card Games
''Pokémon Card GB'' series
''Play It!'' series
Other Games
Pinball games
''Mystery Dungeon'' series
''Ranger'' series
''Rumble'' series
''Snap'' series
Puzzle games
''Pokémon Puzzle League'' series
''Pokémon Trozei'' series
Other puzzle games
''Pikachu'' series
Arcade games
''Puck'' series
''Pokkén Tournament''
''Mezastar''
''PokéPark'' series
Mobile apps
''Pokédex 3D'' and ''Pokédex 3D Pro''
''Pokédex 3D'' is an app available for download from the
Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop is a digital distribution service powered by the Nintendo Network for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, and by a dedicated online infrastructure for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in June 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was en ...
. It is a
Pokédex, which displays information on Pokémon from ''Black'' and ''White'' as well as a 3D model. Only a few Pokémon are initially available, and more can be unlocked through means such as
SpotPass and StreetPass
SpotPass and StreetPass are communication systems first introduced in the Nintendo 3DS. SpotPass was later incorporated into the Nintendo 2DS, models of the New 3DS and New 2DS, and Wii U game consoles. SpotPass delivers content from the Internet ...
and
AR cards.
On April 21, 2012, Nintendo announced that there would be a National Pokédex version called ''Pokédex 3D Pro''. It was released in Japan on the Nintendo eShop on July 14, 2012, and internationally on November 8, 2012. Unlike the original, the ''Pro'' edition of the app is not free, and all Pokémon are available from the start rather than unlocking them over time, although some that are not available can be unlocked by entering a special code on the official website. In addition, it has new background music, modes, more scenes and backgrounds and features the voice for the name of every Pokémon. The ''Pro'' edition replaced the original free app as it was removed from the eShop on June 17, 2012 in Japan and on October 1, 2012 internationally. An official
iOS
iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is the operating system that powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone; the term also includes ...
version was released on November 15, 2012 but was delisted on November 30, 2015.
''Pokémon Dream Radar''
Pokémon Dream Radar (ポケモン ARサーチャー ''Pokemon AR Sāchā'', literally meaning: ''"Pokémon Augmented Reality Searcher"'') is the second downloadable game in the series and it featured Augmented Reality view to capture Pokémon, collecting Dream Orbs and Items in the Interdream Zone. Pokémon Dream Radar allows you to transfer any Pokémon you've captured and any Items you've obtained to a copy of Pokémon Black and White 2 inserted in the
Nintendo 3DS
The is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo. It was announced in March 2010 and unveiled at E3 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. As an eighth-generatio ...
cartridge slot to give the players extra in-game content.
''Pokémon Bank''
''Pokémon Bank'' is a mobile application available on the
Nintendo eShop
The Nintendo eShop is a digital distribution service powered by the Nintendo Network for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS, and by a dedicated online infrastructure for the Nintendo Switch. Launched in June 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was en ...
for
Nintendo 3DS
The is a handheld game console produced by Nintendo. It was announced in March 2010 and unveiled at E3 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. As an eighth-generatio ...
. It was released in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan on December 25, 2013, Hong Kong on January 22, 2014, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand on February 4, 2014, and in North and South America on February 5, 2014. It is an online storage system which allows players to store up to 3000 Pokémon and access requires a stable internet connection. The app is free to download, but requires an annual fee in order to access the servers. ''Bank'' is compatible with
''Pokémon X'', ''Y'',
''Omega Ruby'', ''Alpha Sapphire'',
''Sun'', ''Moon'',
''Ultra Sun'' and ''Ultra Moon'' and the game's Pokémon Storage System. Pokémon holding items and a cosplay variant of
Pikachu
is a fictional species in the ''Pokémon'' media franchise. Designed by Atsuko Nishida and Ken Sugimori, Pikachu first appeared in the 1996 Japanese video games ''Pokémon Red'' and ''Green'' created by Game Freak and Nintendo, which were ...
cannot be stored. The additional app ''Poké Transporter'' allows players to transfer Pokémon from
''Pokémon Black'', ''White'',
''Black 2'' and ''White 2'' and the Virtual Console releases of
''Red'', ''Blue'', and ''
Yellow
Yellow is the color between green and orange on the spectrum of light. It is evoked by light with a dominant wavelength of roughly 575585 nm. It is a primary color in subtractive color systems, used in painting or color printing. In the R ...
''. ''Pokémon Bank'' was later updated to add ''Poké Transporter'' capabilities for
''Gold'', ''Silver'', and ''
Crystal
A crystal or crystalline solid is a solid material whose constituents (such as atoms, molecules, or ions) are arranged in a highly ordered microscopic structure, forming a crystal lattice that extends in all directions. In addition, macros ...
'' as well.
''Pokémon Go''
The
augmented reality
Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory. AR can be de ...
mobile game ''Pokémon Go'' was released in July 2016 on both Android and iOS platforms. It utilizes internal GPS tracking system in order to find and catch Pokémon in real-time. The system places in-game locations such as Gyms and Pokéstops in predetermined locations (such as
landmark
A landmark is a recognizable natural or artificial feature used for navigation, a feature that stands out from its near environment and is often visible from long distances.
In modern use, the term can also be applied to smaller structures or f ...
s) throughout the real world in order to get the player active and become a Pokémon trainer in real life. The Pokémon themselves spawn randomly, with some conditions; nocturnal Pokémon have a higher chance to spawn at night, and water type pokémon may spawn close to water. Gyms are used to battle and train Pokémon against other players in the area, and nearby PokéStops give free items when spun (they have a 5-minute cooldown per use). It originally featured all
Generation 1 Pokémon. In February 2017, Generation 2 Pokémon were added excluding the legendaries of the region, including Suicune, Raikou, Entei, Celebi, Lugia, and Ho-Oh. In July 2017, the missing Legendary Pokémon from the Johto region were added. Niantic has since added Pokémon from the Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar and Hisui regions into Pokémon Go. While the title is free-to-play, it also implements
microtransaction
Microtransactions, often abbreviated as mtx, are a business model where users can purchase virtual goods with micropayments. Microtransactions are often used in free-to-play games to provide a revenue source for the developers. While microtransact ...
s, allowing players to spend real currency to gain access to more items in game. The game was met with mixed responses when released. In September 2016, Niantic released the Pokémon Go Plus, a $35 wearable, which issues alerts about any events in the game, including the appearance of a Pokémon or nearby PokéStop.
''Pokémon Duel''
On January 24, 2017, ''Pokémon Duel'', a competitive digital board game was released for mobile devices on the
App Store
An App Store (or app marketplace) is a type of digital distribution platform for computer software called applications, often in a mobile context. Apps provide a specific set of functions which, by definition, do not include the running of the co ...
and
Google Play
Google Play, also known as the Google Play Store and formerly the Android Market, is a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google. It serves as the official app store for certified devices running on the Android (operating sys ...
. ''Pokémon Duel'', formerly known as ''Pokémon Co-master'', was co-developed with Heroz Japan, a company that specializes in artificial intelligence. Based on the
Pokémon Trading Figure board game, players can move Pokémon pieces around a virtual playing field. Upon reaching an opponent's Pokémon, the two may engage in battle. The strategy game lets one play single-player against the computer or compete with other players online.
''Pokémon Playhouse''
In 2017,
Nintendo
is a Japanese Multinational corporation, multinational video game company headquartered in Kyoto, Japan. It develops video games and video game consoles.
Nintendo was founded in 1889 as by craftsman Fusajiro Yamauchi and originally produce ...
, together with the Pokémon Company, announced the creation of a
mobile app
A mobile application or app is a computer program or software application designed to run on a mobile device such as a phone, tablet, or watch. Mobile applications often stand in contrast to desktop applications which are designed to run on d ...
targeted at preschool aged children called ''Pokémon Playhouse''.
''Pokémon Masters EX''
On August 29, 2019, ''Pokémon Masters'', a 3-on-3 battle game was released on the
App Store
An App Store (or app marketplace) is a type of digital distribution platform for computer software called applications, often in a mobile context. Apps provide a specific set of functions which, by definition, do not include the running of the co ...
and
Google Play
Google Play, also known as the Google Play Store and formerly the Android Market, is a digital distribution service operated and developed by Google. It serves as the official app store for certified devices running on the Android (operating sys ...
. ''Pokémon Masters'' was developed by
DeNA
Dena (in Luri and fa, ) is the name for a sub-range within the Zagros Mountains, Iran. Mount Dena, with length and average width, is situated on the boundary of the Isfahan, Kohgiluyeh and Boyer-Ahmad and Chaharmahal and Bakhtiari Provin ...
.
The game can be downloaded from th
Pokémon Masters official websiteOriginally named ''Pokémon Masters,'' it was renamed ''Pokémon Masters Ex'' in August 2020 on the 1st anniversary of the game.
''Camp Pokémon''
''Camp Pokémon'', known as ''Pokémon Camp'' in Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, is a free app provided by The Pokémon Company International for Android and iOS. It was first accessible to iOS users on October 21, 2014, and was released for Android devices on April 14, 2016.
''Pokémon Home''
In June 2019, The Pokémon Company announced a new cloud service for storing Pokémon, intended to replace ''Pokémon Bank''. It was later revealed the service would be called ''Pokémon Home'' and was released for
Nintendo Switch
The is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. The console itself is a Tablet computer#Gaming tablet, tablet that can either be docking station, docked for use as a home video ...
,
iOS
iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is the operating system that powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone; the term also includes ...
, and
Android
Android may refer to:
Science and technology
* Android (robot), a humanoid robot or synthetic organism designed to imitate a human
* Android (operating system), Google's mobile operating system
** Bugdroid, a Google mascot sometimes referred to ...
. ''Home'' would be available in two tiers, a paid premium subscription and a free tier with less storage and a limited feature set. A subscription to
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online (NSO) is an online subscription service for the Nintendo Switch video game console. Nintendo Switch Online features include online multiplayer, cloud saving, voice chat via a smartphone app, access to a library of Ninten ...
would not be required to use ''Pokémon Home''. It was released in February 2020. The service is primarily aimed toward
''Pokémon Sword'' and ''Shield'' and Pokémon can be transferred between them and the service at will. Pokémon contained in ''Pokémon Bank'' can be transferred to ''Home'' but would be a one-way transfer and cannot be transferred back to the aforementioned titles. The same can be said about Pokémon transferred from the
''Let's Go, Pikachu!'' and ''Let's Go, Eevee!'' titles, except this one way transfer system only applies after you transfer a Pokémon into ''Pokémon Home,'' then into ''
Pokémon Sword and Shield
and are 2019 role-playing video games developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo Switch console. They are the first installments in the eighth generation of the ''Pokémon'' video game series ...
''. On November 11, 2020, Niantic released an update for ''
Pokémon Go
''Pokémon Go'' (stylized as ''Pokémon GO'') is a 2016 augmented reality (AR) mobile game, part of the ''Pokémon'' franchise, developed and published by Niantic in collaboration with Nintendo and The Pokémon Company for iOS and Android ...
'' that allows the unidirectional transfer of Pokémon to ''Pokémon Home''.
''Pokémon Smile''
''Pokémon Smile'' is a free app for Android and iOS devices. The game uses the device's camera to play the game. By brushing your teeth, Pokémon are rescued from bacteria. The game was announced during a ''
Pokémon Presents
Nintendo Direct is a series of online presentation or live shows produced by Nintendo, where information regarding the company's upcoming content or franchises is presented, such as information about games and consoles. The presentations began i ...
'' presentation on June 17, 2020 and was made available later the same day.
PC and Computer titles
''Pokémon TCG Online''
''Pokémon TCG Online'' is the official digital version of the
Pokémon Trading Card Game
The , abbreviated as ''PTCG'' or ''Pokémon TCG'', is a collectible card game developed by Creatures Inc. based on the ''Pokémon'' franchise. It was first published in October 1996 by Media Factory in Japan. In the US, it was first published by ...
available for
PC,
iOS
iOS (formerly iPhone OS) is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its hardware. It is the operating system that powers many of the company's mobile devices, including the iPhone; the term also includes ...
, and
Android
Android may refer to:
Science and technology
* Android (robot), a humanoid robot or synthetic organism designed to imitate a human
* Android (operating system), Google's mobile operating system
** Bugdroid, a Google mascot sometimes referred to ...
. As of early 2023, the game has received its final expansion set, and is planned to be discontinued in the near future. This is partially due to the application's age, and the arrival of its recent replacement, ''Pokémon TCG Live'', which has been met with mixed opinions from the entire playerbase.
''Pokémon PokéROM Gotta Learn 'em All!''
''Pokémon PokéROM Gotta Learn 'em All!'' is a series of playable and collectable mini CD-Roms released by
Mattel Interactive
Mattel Interactive (Known as Mattel Media until 1999) was a video game publisher and software distributor.
History
Mattel originally founded the company as Mattel Media in February 1996, as an aim to expand into the multimedia unit by producing ...
in 2000. Each CD features math puzzles, print programs to print out Pokémon, build a desktop Pokémon collection, and observe Pokémon
''Pokémon 2000''
''Pokémon 2000'' was a first-person online only adventure game released by Cyberworld International Corporation in 2000. Created as a promotion for
the second ''Pokémon'' film for AOL Time Warner, ''Pokémon 2000'' played within Cyberworld's specialized web browser which could display web pages on one side and simple ''
Wolfenstein 3D
''Wolfenstein 3D'' is a first-person shooter video game developed by id Software and published by Apogee Software and FormGen. Originally released on May 5, 1992, for DOS, it was inspired by the 1981 Muse Software video game ''Castle Wolfenstei ...
'' like 3D worlds on the other. Due to a contract dispute, the game was pulled and is no longer able to be played after being available for four weeks with over one million downloads.
''Pokémon Project Studio''
''Pokémon Project Studio'' is a computer program released by
The Learning Company
The Learning Company (TLC) was an educational software company founded in 1980 in Palo Alto, California and headquartered in Fremont, California. The company produced a grade-based line of learning software, edutainment games, and productivity ...
on November 9, 1999 in the U.S. This program lets the user create all kinds of Pokémon related projects such as calendars or greeting cards. Each version had stock artwork of different
Generation I Pokémon. Some Pokémon were version-specific—for example,
Kangaskhan was only available in the ''Blue'' version, whereas
Tauros was only available in the ''Red'' version. Stock art of human characters like
Ash Ketchum
Ash Ketchum, known as in Japan, is a fictional character in the '' Pokémon'' franchise owned by Nintendo. He is the protagonist of the ''Pokémon'' anime and certain manga series as well as on various merchandise related to the franchise ...
and
Professor Oak
Professor (commonly abbreviated as Prof.) is an academic rank at universities and other post-secondary education and research institutions in most countries. Literally, ''professor'' derives from Latin as a "person who professes". Professors ...
was also included, and users could also add photos and images saved on their own computer.
''Pokémon: Masters Arena''
''Pokémon: Masters Arena'' is a ''Pokémon'' game compilation developed by ImaginEngine designed for young children. It contains eight games, testing the players' knowledge to prove themselves as a true Pokémon Master. On mastering all eight games, the player earns 8 posters, which can be printed.
''Pokémon: Team Turbo''
''Team Turbo'' is a
Pokémon
(an abbreviation for in Japan) is a Japanese media franchise managed by The Pokémon Company, founded by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures (company), Creatures, the owners of the trademark and copyright of the franchise.
In terms of ...
game developed by ImaginEngine that is a game compilation designed for young children. It contains five racing games which are used to earn power-ups for use in race courses. From the main menu, one can choose to do any of the 6 races, any of the 5 minigames, or do an "Adventure Mode" in which there are races in order, with minigames in between each to earn extra powerups. The game was published by
ValuSoft and released in October 2005.
''Pokémon PC Master''
''Pokémon PC Master'' is a Pokémon game released on June 20, 2006 in Japan. It is supposed to improve children's knowledge of information technology.
''Perdue'' series
= ''Pokémon Team Rocket Blast Off''
=
''Pokémon Team Rocket Blast Off'' is a Pokémon game released in North America.
= ''Pokémon Poké Ball Launcher''
=
''Pokémon Poké Ball Launcher'' is a Pokémon game released in North America.
= ''Pokémon Seek & Find''
=
''Pokémon Seek & Find'' is a Pokémon game released in North America.
''Pokémon Card Game Online''
''Pokémon Card Game Online'' is a Pokémon game released on November 20, 2009 in Japan.
''Pokémon Medallion Battle''
''Pokémon Medallion Battle'' is a Pokémon game released worldwide on December 23, 2019.
''Pokémon Tower Battle''
''Pokémon Tower Battle'' is a Pokémon game released worldwide on December 23, 2019.
Pokémon mini games (all released in 2001 with the "Pokémon mini" console")
Pokémon Party Mini
Pokémon Pinball Mini
Pokémon Puzzle Collection
Pokémon Puzzle Collection Vol. 2
Pokémon Zany Cards
Pokémon Tetris
Pokémon Race Mini
Pichu Bros. Mini
Togepi's Great Adventure
Pokémon Breeder Mini
Sega games
Seven Pokémon games were released for
Sega
is a Japanese multinational corporation, multinational video game and entertainment company headquartered in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Its international branches, Sega of America and Sega Europe, are headquartered in Irvine, California and London, r ...
game consoles
A video game console is an electronic device that outputs a video signal or image to display a video game that can be played with a game controller. These may be home consoles, which are generally placed in a permanent location connected to a t ...
.
''Sega Pico'' series
''Advanced Pico Beena'' series
Other spin-offs
Notes
References
External links
*
*
{{Pokémon video games series
Video games
Video games, also known as computer games, are electronic games that involves interaction with a user interface or input device such as a joystick, game controller, controller, computer keyboard, keyboard, or motion sensing device to gener ...
List
A ''list'' is any set of items in a row. List or lists may also refer to:
People
* List (surname)
Organizations
* List College, an undergraduate division of the Jewish Theological Seminary of America
* SC Germania List, German rugby union ...
Pokémon
(an abbreviation for in Japan) is a Japanese media franchise managed by The Pokémon Company, founded by Nintendo, Game Freak, and Creatures (company), Creatures, the owners of the trademark and copyright of the franchise.
In terms of ...