Pokémon Red, along with Pokémon Green, are the first video games in the Pokémon series of games. They are the first paired versions of Generation I. Developed over the course of several years, Red and Green established several standards for later Pokémon games and sequels. They take place in the Kanto region, with the player having to collect eight Gym Badges to become the Pokémon Champion while also completing the Pokédex by collecting all 151 Pokémon.

The player character starts out in Pallet Town. When the player character tries to leave the town without a Pokémon of their own, they are stopped in the nick of time by Professor Oak, who invites them to his lab. There, he gives them a Pokémon of their own and a Pokédex, telling them about his dream to make a complete guide on every Pokémon in the world. After the player character battles their rival and leaves the lab, they are entitled to win every Gym Badge, compete in the Pokémon League, and fulfill Oak's dream by catching every Pokémon.