12 Pokémon Fans Were Desperate to Catch on Game Boy 30 Years Ago
12 Pokémon Fans Were Desperate to Catch on Game Boy 30 Years Ago
Angela AndaloroMon, March 2, 2026 at 3:13 PM UTC
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Pikachu (left), Pokémon BlueCredit: Pokemon.com; Nintendo -
On February 27, 1996, Pocket Monsters Red and Green was released
The games, which became known in the US as Pokémon Red and Blue versions, had Game Boy fans hooked on conquering the Kanto region
These are the Pokémon that stand out to fans of the games, which opened the door for Pokémon to become the popular franchise it is today
Gotta catch 'em all!
On February 27, 1996, a new video game was introduced to the market that would lead to extreme fanfare and devotion. The role-playing adventure was imaginative and paired a sense of discovery with a love of creatures.
Pocket Monsters Red and Green, which would later become Pokémon Red and Blue (and Yellow), had players take on an exploration of their world on their first trip away from home, capturing Pokémon to help face the challenges on the way to becoming a master trainer and Pokémon champion.
Japanese children quickly fell in love with Pokémon, thus beginning a global phenomenon that includes multiple anime series, mangas, video games, clothes, decor, and so much more. Thirty years later, there's no understating what Pokémon has meant to fans of all ages.
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01 of 11
Pikachu
PikachuCredit: Pokemon.com
Pikachu became the face of Pokémon, in part because of his adorable original design and in part, because of the original TV series, which debuted in 1997. His popularity inspired Pokémon Yellow, which allowed fans to get Pikachu as a starter Pokémon.
02 of 11
Charizard
CharizardCredit: Pokemon.com
Charizard immediately gained intrigue because of his spot on the cover of Pokémon Red, but real gamers appreciated the grind it took to get Charmander to go the distance and eventually evolve into Charizard as the journey picks up difficulty.
03 of 11
Blastoise
BlastoiseCredit: Pokemon.com
Appearing on the cover of Blue version, Blastoise held a similar appeal. Raising a sweet and silly Squirtle into a Blastoise took a devoted trainer who wanted to go the distance. His moves and power made him a serious acquisition for trainers willing to put in the work.
04 of 11
Electabuzz /Magmar
Electabuzz, MagmarCredit: Pokemon.com
Version-specific Pokémon were a huge draw that encouraged players to get two copies of the game, or trade with friends, in order to complete their Pokédex.
Pokémon Red players know it wasn't easy to snag a Electabuzz, but it was a great pickup for the team. The version-exclusive electric type packed a serious punch and looked cool too.
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05 of 11
Dratini
DratiniCredit: Pokemon.com
Of course, players wanted a Dragonite for battle strength, but having a Dratini while in pursuit was nothing to sniff at. Dratini was pretty and powerful, making a great addition to any team.
06 of 11
Jolteon
JolteonCredit: Pokemon.com
Before you had a Jolteon, you likely had an Eevee, which was great for the Pokémon trainer who believed in endless possibilities. Evees were special in that particular evolutionary items or processes could result in different variations. Electric types were very popular in the first generation, with Jolteon
07 of 11
Aerodactyl
AerodactylCredit: Pokemon.com
Aerodactly proved that inspiration for Pokémon didn't just come from the modern world. The Kanto region had a rich history that held the same kind of intrigue many kids have with dinosaurs and Appextinct creatures.
08 of 11
Zapdos
ZapdosCredit: Pokemon.com
Players only get one chance to catch this legendary Pokémon, which makes everyone that much more eager to pursue the elusive electric type.
09 of 11
Snorlax
SnorlaxCredit: Pokemon.com
Similar to Pikachu, Snorlax was an early standout that captivated fans based off character design and backstory alone. The anime tie-in earned Snorlax tons of fans who identify with his tendency to knock out anywhere.
10 of 11
Haunter
HaunterCredit: Pokemon.com
Ghost type Pokémon have a special kind of edge, and Haunter was no exception. In addition to a fun character design and powerful moves, the Pokémon could play a pivotal part in the game's action if chosen for the team.
11 of 11
Mewtwo
MewtwoCredit: Pokemon.com
Mewtwo's legendary backstory and difficulty to catch make it one of the most memorable first-generation Pokémon. Anyone who saw 1998's Pokémon: The First Movie has an even more special appreciation for how this character advanced the universe's early lore.
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Source: “AOL Entertainment”
