Pokémon Generation Guide

A comprehensive encyclopedia of all 9 Pokémon generations. Discover the history, unique mechanics, legendary Pokémon, and defining features of each era.

From Kanto (1996) to Paldea (2022) — 26 Years of Pokémon Evolution

9
Generations
1,025
Total Pokémon
9
Regions
26+
Years of History

The Evolution of Pokémon

Each generation brought revolutionary changes to the Pokémon world. Explore the unique features, legendary Pokémon, and game mechanics that defined each era.

Generation

I

Kanto

1996

National Dex

#001 - #151

151 New Pokémon

The original 151 Pokémon that started the worldwide phenomenon. Generation I laid the foundation for the entire franchise, introducing core mechanics like type advantages, evolution, and the quest to become a Pokémon Master.

New Mechanics

Type SystemEvolutionTradingLegendary Trio

Main Games

RedBlueYellowFireRedLeafGreenLet's Go

Legendary & Mythical Pokémon

Generation

II

Johto

1999

National Dex

#152 - #251

100 New Pokémon

Expanded the Pokémon world with breeding mechanics, baby Pokémon, held items, and a day/night cycle. Johto also introduced the beloved Dark and Steel types to counter Psychic dominance.

New Mechanics

BreedingHeld ItemsDay/Night CycleBaby PokémonShiny Pokémon

New Types

DarkSteel

Main Games

GoldSilverCrystalHeartGoldSoulSilver

Legendary & Mythical Pokémon

Generation

III

Hoenn

2002

National Dex

#252 - #386

135 New Pokémon

Revolutionized battles with Abilities and Double Battles. The tropical Hoenn region featured diverse environments and introduced Pokémon Contests as an alternative to battling.

New Mechanics

AbilitiesDouble BattlesNaturesEVs/IVs ReworkContests

Main Games

RubySapphireEmeraldOmega RubyAlpha Sapphire

Starter Pokémon

Generation

IV

Sinnoh

2006

National Dex

#387 - #493

107 New Pokémon

Introduced online battles via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and the groundbreaking Physical/Special split, making moves based on their nature rather than type. Sinnoh explored mythology and creation.

New Mechanics

Physical/Special SplitOnline BattlesGTS TradingUnderground

Main Games

DiamondPearlPlatinumBrilliant DiamondShining Pearl

Starter Pokémon

Generation

V

Unova

2010

National Dex

#494 - #649

156 New Pokémon

The largest addition of new Pokémon. Unova featured only new Pokémon until postgame, providing a fresh experience. Introduced Triple Battles, Rotation Battles, and the Dream World.

New Mechanics

Triple BattlesRotation BattlesSeasonsHidden AbilitiesDream World

Main Games

BlackWhiteBlack 2White 2

Starter Pokémon

Generation

VI

Kalos

2013

National Dex

#650 - #721

72 New Pokémon

The first 3D main series games with groundbreaking changes like Mega Evolution. The Fairy type changed the metagame, and Kalos brought beautiful graphics and a modern feel.

New Mechanics

Mega EvolutionPokémon-AmieSuper TrainingHorde BattlesSky Battles

New Types

Fairy

Main Games

XY

Starter Pokémon

Generation

VII

Alola

2016

National Dex

#722 - #809

88 New Pokémon

Replaced Gyms with Island Trials and introduced Z-Moves. Alola featured tropical Regional Forms and mysterious Ultra Beasts from Ultra Space added intrigue.

New Mechanics

Regional FormsZ-MovesIsland TrialsUltra BeastsPoké Pelago

Main Games

SunMoonUltra SunUltra Moon

Starter Pokémon

Generation

VIII

Galar

2019

National Dex

#810 - #905

96 New Pokémon

The first main series games on Switch with the Wild Area open zone. Dynamax and Gigantamax became the new battle mechanics, and Galar was inspired by the UK.

New Mechanics

DynamaxGigantamaxWild AreaMax Raid BattlesPokémon Camp

Main Games

SwordShieldLegends: Arceus

Starter Pokémon

Generation

IX

Paldea

2022

National Dex

#906 - #1025

120 New Pokémon

The first fully open-world Pokémon games. Terastallization can change Pokémon types. Paldea features three independent storylines and Paradox Pokémon from different eras.

New Mechanics

TerastallizationOpen WorldParadox PokémonAuto BattlesPicnics

Main Games

ScarletVioletTeal Mask DLCIndigo Disk DLC

Starter Pokémon

Ready to Explore?

Browse the complete National Pokédex with all 1,025 Pokémon, or use our tools to compare and analyze.

View Complete Pokédex