Satoshi Tajiri conceives the idea of Pokémon inspired by his childhood interest in collecting creatures and connecting it with video game mechanics.
The original Pokémon video games, Pokémon Red and Green, are released for the Game Boy in Japan, marking the start of the Pokémon franchise.
The Pokémon Trading Card Game is released in Japan, expanding the franchise beyond video games.
The Pokémon animated television series premieres in Japan, significantly increasing the franchise's popularity worldwide.
The English versions of the original Pokémon Red and Blue games are released in North America, starting the global spread of the franchise.
Pokémon Snap, a photography-based Pokémon game, is released for the Nintendo 64.
The second generation of Pokémon games, Gold and Silver, are released in Japan, adding new Pokémon and gameplay features.
Pokémon Stadium, a 3D battle game for the Nintendo 64, debuts in Japan.
The Pokémon franchise surpasses $1 billion in sales worldwide across all products including games, cards, and merchandise.
Third-generation Pokémon games Ruby and Sapphire are released, introducing new mechanics and Pokémon.
Remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Green games are released for the Game Boy Advance.
Fourth-generation Pokémon games Diamond and Pearl are released for Nintendo DS, offering new features and online connectivity.
Overall revenue generated from the Pokémon franchise exceeds $10 billion worldwide.
Fifth-generation Pokémon games Black and White are released, introducing new Pokémon and a more complex storyline.
Sixth-generation Pokémon games X and Y are released for the Nintendo 3DS, featuring full 3D graphics and new gameplay mechanics.
Pokémon Go, a mobile augmented reality game developed by Niantic, is released, achieving massive worldwide success and reviving interest in the franchise.
Eighth-generation Pokémon games Sword and Shield are released for the Nintendo Switch, introducing the first fully 3D open-world elements in the main series.
The Pokémon franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary with various events, releases, and merchandising campaigns worldwide.
Arceus, the Alpha Pokémon, is said to have emerged from an egg and created the Pokémon universe, including time, space, and antimatter.
Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina come into existence representing time, space, and antimatter respectively, establishing the balance of the Pokémon world.
Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are resurrected to represent thunder, volcano, and the northern winds respectively, influencing nature and weather.
The first human settlements and regions where the earliest Pokémon-human relationships and training began.
Pokémon Contests are introduced as a new way to showcase Pokémon's abilities beyond battles.
The establishment of the Pokémon League provides trainers the opportunity to compete and prove their skills.
The notorious criminal organization Team Rocket begins their operations, aiming to exploit Pokémon for their selfish gains.
The phenomenon of Mega Evolution, allowing certain Pokémon to temporarily evolve during battle, is discovered.
Mysterious Ultra Beasts arrive from Ultra Space, threatening the balance of the Pokémon world.
