The Pokémon franchise started off in its first generation with its initial release of Pocket Monsters Aka and Midori ("Red '' and "Green '', respectively) for the Game Boy in Japan on February 27, 1996. When these games proved popular, an enhanced Ao ("Blue '') version was released sometime after, and the Ao version was reprogrammed as Pokémon Red and Blue for international release. The games released in the United States on September 30, 1998. The original Aka and Midori versions were not released outside Japan. Afterwards, a further enhanced version titled Pokémon Yellow: Special Pikachu Edition was released to partially take advantage of the color palette of the Game Boy Color, as well as to feature more elements from the Pokémon anime. This first generation of games introduced the original 151 species of Pokémon, in National Pokédex order, encompassing all Pokémon from Bulbasaur to Mew. It also introduced the basic game concepts of capturing, training, battling, and trading Pokémon with both computer and human players. These versions of the games take place within the fictional Kanto region, inspired by the real world Kantō region of Japan, though the name "Kanto '' was not used until the second generation.
when did pokemon first come out in japan
February 27, 1996