Pokémon Generations Explained: Regions, Games, and Key Features

In the Pokémon series, Generations are eras of games that introduce new regions, Pokémon species, mechanics, and storylines. Each generation marks a major milestone in the franchise’s evolution, shaping how players explore, battle, and connect.

📜 Generation basics

A generation typically begins with the release of a new pair of main games and may include remakes, enhanced versions, and spin‑offs. Each one adds a unique region, new Pokémon, and often significant gameplay changes.

🎯 Main Games (Core Series)

Flagship titles that define the generation’s identity.
Debut a brand‑new region and introduce dozens of new Pokémon species.
Add major gameplay systems (e.g. breeding in Gen II, abilities in Gen III, Mega Evolution in Gen VI).
Usually released in pairs with version‑exclusive Pokémon and minor story differences.
May receive an enhanced version (e.g., Emerald, Platinum, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) or DLC (The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra Expansions for Sword & Shield) with expanded content.

♻️ Remakes

Revisit an older main game and rebuild it with the current generation’s engine and style.
Update mechanics to match the modern era (e.g. Fairy type in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire).
Improve quality‑of‑life features like menus, storage, and training systems.
May add new areas, side quests, or post‑game content not in the original.
Faithfulness varies — some are near‑identical recreations, others are reimaginings with new mechanics.

Pokémon Games by Generation and Region
Generation	Region / Games
Gen 1	🗾 Kanto: Red, Blue & Yellow
Gen 2	🌸 Johto: Gold, Silver & Crystal
Gen 3	🗾 Kanto: Leafgreen & Firered (Remake) 🏝️ Hoenn: Ruby, Sapphire & Emerald
Gen 4	🌸 Johto: HeartGold & SoulSilver (Remake) 🏔️ Sinnoh: Diamond & Pearl
Gen 5	🏙️ Unova: Black & White 1 🏙️ Unova: Black & White 2
Gen 6	🍇 Kalos: X & Y 🏝️ Hoenn: OmegaRuby & AlphaSapphire (Remake)
Gen 7	🌴 Alola: Sun & Moon 🌴 Alola: Ultra Sun & Moon
Gen 8	🏔️ Sinnoh: BrilliantDiamond & ShiningPearl (Remake) 🏰 Galar: Sword & Shield 🪶 Hisui: Legends Arceus
Gen 9	🐂 Paldea: Scarlet & Violet

🎮 Core features by generation

While each generation is unique, some hallmark features stand out.

Gen I: Introduced 151 Pokémon and the Kanto region.
Gen II: Added Johto, items, day/night cycle, and breeding.
Gen III: Hoenn region, abilities, and natures.
Gen IV: Sinnoh region, online battles/trading.
Gen V: Unova region, fully animated sprites.
Gen VI: Kalos region, 3D graphics, Fairy type, Mega Evolutions.
Gen VII: Alola region, trials instead of gyms, Z-Moves.
Gen VIII: Galar region, Dynamax/Gigantamax.
Gen IX: Paldea region, open‑world exploration, Terastallization.

🌍 Regions and inspirations

Kanto: Inspired by Japan’s Kantō region.
Johto: Inspired by Japan’s Kansai region.
Hoenn: Inspired by Kyushu, Japan.
Sinnoh: Inspired by Hokkaido, Japan.
Unova: Inspired by New York City, USA.
Kalos: Inspired by northern France.
Alola: Inspired by Hawaii, USA.
Galar: Inspired by Great Britain.
Paldea: Inspired by the Iberian Peninsula.