Pokémon Red and Blue
News, coverage and analysis tracking Pokémon Red and Blue across the outlets.
New Lego Pokemon sets include a Polly Pocket-style diorama that's like my childhood come to lifeLego has officially revealed several new Pokemon-themed building sets, including a large Iconic Trainer Moments Poké Ball diorama featuring Professor Oak's lab and a battle scene. The new collection also includes an up-scaled Red minifigure, Rayquaza, Munchlax, and Arcanine models. These sets are available for pre-order and will launch between August 1 and October 1.
Are these the 100 most influential games of all time?Kitfox Games CEO Tanya Short discusses a list of the 100 most influential video games of all time, compiled by professional game designers. The list, assembled through the Polaris game design retreat, aims to serve as a tool for designers to improve their craft and create influential games.
YouTuber builds pocket-sized Game Boy emulator using an ereader, demonstrates an 'actually playable' refresh…A hardware creator has developed a pocket-sized Game Boy emulator using an ESP32 SoC and an M5Stack PaperS3 e-reader with an e-paper display. This device achieves an 'actually playable' refresh rate, suitable for games like Pokémon Blue and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, by using more memory and advanced greyscaling and dithering techniques.
Renewing the Novelty of PokémonThis article argues that the most successful Pokémon games are those that introduce genuine novelty, rather than just adding more creatures or features. It highlights titles like Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Let's Go, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and Detective Pikachu as examples of how the franchise has successfully rejuvenated its core experience to feel fresh. The piece suggests that while the traditional formula appeals to new generations, long-time fans need innovative approaches to rekindle their discovery.
Japanese gamers reveal their favourite games and the answers might surprise youA survey by Japanese magazine Famitsu revealed that RPGs dominate the preferences of Japanese gamers, with series like Dragon Quest and Final Fantasy being highly influential and desired. Nintendo was named the nation's favorite developer, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a top pick for recommendations and replaying. The survey highlights a significant difference in gaming tastes compared to Western markets, with a strong emphasis on adventure and anime-style games in Japan.
Pokémon Pokopia is getting paid DLC and it starts with an underwater townPokémon Pokopia, a Nintendo Switch exclusive, is receiving paid downloadable content alongside a free underwater update. The first paid expansion, Bubbly Basin, will launch in August and features an underwater town, new outfits, and Pokémon. Two more paid expansions are planned for late 2026 and 2027, with the third adding another new town. The game is set in an ecologically devastated Kanto region where players, as Ditto, rebuild the world.
Pikachu 1996 Style Plush Now Available At The Pokémon CenterThe Pokémon Company has released a retro-style Pikachu plush and keychain, originally launched in Japan, on the Pokémon Center online store. Priced at $29.99 for the plush and $12.99 for the keychain, these items recreate Pikachu's original appearance from Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy. While currently sold out in some regions, restocks are anticipated, and other anniversary merchandise is also available.
New cheaper Lego Pokémon sets let you battle and train with digital smart bricksLego has released 12 new, more affordable Pokémon sets that utilize new smart brick technology for interactive sounds and movements. These sets are designed for younger audiences, featuring simpler designs inspired by the Super Mario line, and allow for simulated battles and training mechanics mirroring the video games. Some sets include smart bricks, while others require them to be purchased separately or from existing Lego lines.- The Games That Defined Our Childhood: A Generation-by-Generation Guide | TAGThis guide breaks down distinct gaming generations within the millennial demographic, highlighting the defining consoles, cultural moments, and games for those born between 1984 and 1998. It explores the impact of console wars, the rise of online multiplayer, and the unique experiences of growing up with different gaming eras, from the SNES and Genesis to the N64, PlayStation, PS2, and Wii.
Donkey Kong 64 beat Pokemon mania to become the best-selling game of 1999 in the USDonkey Kong 64 was the best-selling video game in the US for 1999, surpassing even the immense popularity of Pokemon Red and Blue. Despite launching in late November, the Nintendo 64 title achieved this feat by selling over 2.3 million units in the US. The article also lists other notable games from 1999 that Donkey Kong 64 outsold.
Hands On: Pokémon-Inspired Switch Hopeful 'Petal Runner' Stole The Show At BitSummitPetal Runner, an indie game inspired by Pokémon and EarthBound, stood out at BitSummit with its vibrant pixel art and unique gameplay. Developed by Nano Park Studios, the game focuses on collecting and delivering digital pets called HanaPets rather than battling them. The preview highlights the game's endearing characters, engaging minigames, and a narrative exploring the bond between humans and their digital companions, with a planned PC release in 2026 and an eventual goal for Nintendo Switch.- Retro Gaming in 2026: The Complete Guide to Playing Classic Games Legally | TAGThis guide explores legal options for playing retro games in 2026, noting that only 13.27% of classic US games released before 2010 are still commercially available. It details subscription services like Nintendo Switch Online and PlayStation Plus Premium, digital storefronts such as GOG and Steam, and physical collector's options including Analogue and Evercade hardware. The article also addresses the legalities of emulation, emphasizing that while emulators are legal, downloading ROMs for games one does not own is copyright infringement.
Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (16th May)This weekend's gaming plans include playing Sektori, Aliens: Fireteam Elite on PlayStation 5, and revisiting classics like Pokémon Blue and Yellow. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is highlighted as a standout release, with several staff members planning to play it. The article also notes a Nintendo Switch bundle announcement and a slight delay for The Legend of Zelda movie.- New book dedicated to the first generation of Pokémon on Kickstarter now, into its final week!Ninty Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign for POKEBOOK The Unofficial Companion: Generation 1, a book celebrating the first generation of Pokémon games. The project, which has already surpassed its funding goal, will cover the history of the original 151 Pokémon, including games like Red, Blue, Yellow, Stadium, and Snap, across platforms such as Game Boy and Nintendo 64. The book features contributions from various writers and artists and is expected to launch in late August 2026.
Pokémon Winds and Waves releases behind-the-scenes recording of its main themeThe Pokémon Company has released a behind-the-scenes look at the recording of the main theme for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive, Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves. The NHK Symphony Orchestra performed the theme, which incorporates elements from the original Pokémon Red, Green, and Blue jingle. The games are scheduled for a 2027 release and are said to feature Southeast Asian influences.
Opinion: Pokémon Pokopia Shines Brightest In Its Subdued MomentsThis opinion piece highlights the exceptional sound design and music in Pokémon Pokopia, suggesting it's a key element that elevates the game beyond its core gameplay mechanics. The author praises the dynamic soundtrack that evolves with the environment and the subtle environmental audio cues that enhance immersion, even comparing its musical approach to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
POKEBOOK Is Taking You Back To Kanto For Pokémon's 30th Anniversary YearNinty Media has launched a Kickstarter campaign for 'Pokebook,' a hardcover book celebrating the first generation of Pokémon games and coinciding with the franchise's 30th anniversary. The book will cover Pokémon Red, Blue, Green, and Yellow, along with related titles like Pokémon Stadium and the anime. The campaign aims to fund delivery by August, with various pledge tiers offering additional merchandise.
Pocket console modder shrinks down Game Boy Color into a smart watch, complete with cursed control schemeYouTube creator Chris Hackmann, also known as LeggoMyFroggo, has successfully modified a Game Boy Color into a functional smartwatch called the 'Time Frog Color'. The project integrates original Game Boy Color parts with modern hardware, including a Raspberry Pi RP2040, to display games on a small screen, though it features a challenging control scheme due to its size.- 100+ Gushing Squirtle NicknamesThis article provides a comprehensive list of nicknames for the Pokémon Squirtle, covering various categories such as water-themed, appearance-based, cute, male, female, and pop culture references. It discusses Squirtle's popularity, its evolutionary line into Wartortle and Blastoise, and offers advice on choosing a nickname that fits the Pokémon's personality and appearance throughout its growth.
- You can attend Pokémon EDM shows in Los Angeles and LondonThe Pokémon Company is hosting "Pokémon Night Out" EDM concert experiences in Los Angeles and London, featuring DJs Marshmello and Alison Wonderland with custom sets and Pokémon-inspired visuals. These events are part of the franchise's 30th anniversary festivities. Additionally, Pokémon Red and Blue remakes were re-released on Nintendo Switch Online, and a Game Boy-shaped Pokémon jukebox was launched.