Pokémon Red (Game Boy)

Pokemon Red is one half of the pair that started the biggest media franchise in history. Launching alongside Pokemon Blue in 1996 in Japan and reaching Europe in 1999, Red version features Charizard on the cover and includes version-exclusive Pokemon like Growlithe, Ekans, and Electabuzz. For many European collectors, this cartridge is where it all began.

Between Red and Blue, Red is generally the more sought-after version — Charizard's enduring popularity gives it an edge in the collector market. A clean, working cartridge with a good label is a staple of any Game Boy collection. Complete-in-box copies with the original manual, cartridge tray, and Nintendo inserts are where the real money is.

The biggest concern with any original Pokemon cart is the internal save battery. These CR2025 cells were rated for about 10 years and most have long since died, meaning the game can't save progress. Replacements are easy but require soldering. Check the label for peeling or fading — reproduction labels are common and hurt value. Authentic cartridges have a stamped number on the label and the correct Game Boy logo on the PCB.