Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto recently revealed that the dual release strategy of Pokémon games, starting with Pokémon Red and Blue, was designed to rival the incredible sales of the Super Mario series. During a recent investor Q&A, he recounted a conversation with Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri, where Tajiri joked about needing to sell two copies to each consumer to outdo Mario's sales. This approach not only allows for player interaction through trading Pokémon unique to each version but also creates a profitable model for Nintendo. As fans await the next mainline Pokémon games to celebrate the brand's 30th anniversary, the dual version trend continues, ensuring the franchise remains at the forefront of the gaming market.

Why does Pokémon release two versions of each game?

The dual version strategy encourages player interaction and trading, as each game offers different Pokémon and story elements while also maximizing sales potential for Nintendo.

Pokémon, originally launched in 1996 with the iconic Red and Blue versions, has become a cultural phenomenon. Its unique gameplay encourages social interaction among players, which has been a significant factor in its enduring popularity. As the franchise approaches its 30th anniversary, there's a strong anticipation for the upcoming 10th generation games, which will likely continue the tradition of releasing paired versions to engage the fanbase further.