Side series

The side series is a fan designation of Pokémon games that either share marked gameplay similarities or heavily rely on direct interaction and connectivity with the core series games.
==Overview==
Side series games serve as extensions of the core series, often allowing players to transfer caught Pokémon to and from their corresponding core series titles or obtain other significant rewards or bonuses, enhancing connectivity and continuity between different game entries. While some occasionally offer limited rewards, including items that allow the ability to obtain certain Pokémon in the core games, they lack the gameplay similarities and interconnectivity that are distinct to the side series. 
A notable example of a side series game is , a role-playing game released for the Nintendo GameCube. While Gale of Darkness is not the only representative of side series games, it serves as an illustration of the connectivity feature. In this game, players have the option to transfer Pokémon they have caught and nurtured in the Orre region directly to games on the Game Boy Advance console.
This integration between side series and core series games presents a unique opportunity for players to seamlessly continue their Pokémon adventures across different game environments. By bridging the gap between these game types, players can maintain a consistent Pokémon collection and progress their gameplay experiences. Such connectivity reinforces the interconnected nature of the Pokémon gaming universe and offers a deeper level of engagement for players seeking an expanded Pokémon journey.
Note that while Pokémon GO is a closely related game to the core series, it is largely an independent experience with its own gameplay and data that does not rely on connection with the main games to be enjoyed. Connectivity between Pokémon GO and certain core series games does allow the ability to obtain certain rewards, Pokémon, and forms, and Pokémon from Pokémon GO can be transferred to the core series; however, Pokémon cannot be transferred from the core series and stored within Pokémon GO. For these reasons, Pokémon GO is not considered a side series title.
===Connectivity===
Each of the side series games allow players to transfer their and items to and from the core series or receive Pokémon and items to bring back to core series games:
* Pokémon Stadium: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I core series games to battle in 3D.
* Pokémon Stadium 2: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation I and Generation II core series games to battle in 3D.
* Pokémon Box Ruby & Sapphire: Allows players to store their Pokémon from the Generation III core series games.
* Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness: Can trade Pokémon with the Generation III core series games.
* Pokémon Battle Revolution: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV core series games to battle in 3D.
* My Pokémon Ranch: Allows players to store their Pokémon from (and from in Japan).
* Pokéwalker: Allows players to store their Pokémon from to gain experience by walking. Additionally, Pokémon caught in the Pokéwalker can be transferred to Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver.
* Pokémon Dream World: Allows players to send Pokémon caught in this game to the Generation V core series games.
* Pokémon Dream Radar: Allows players to send Pokémon caught in this game to .
* Poké Transporter: Allows players to transfer their Pokémon from the Generation V games, and the Generation I and II games on Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, to Pokémon Bank.
* Pokémon Bank: Allows players to store their Pokémon from Generation VI and Generation VII core series games.
* Pokémon HOME: Allows players to store their Pokémon from core series Nintendo Switch games, and can also receive transferred Pokémon from Pokémon Bank and .
==List of side series games==
Gen	Game	Platform 	Release Date
 	 	 	August 1, 1998Japan
 	 	 	April 30, 1999 Japan
 	 	 	February 29, 2000 North American
 	 	 	March 23, 2000 Australia
 	 	 	April 7, 2000 Europe
 	 	 	2023 Worldwide
 	 	 	December 14, 2000 Japan
 	 	 	March 26, 2001 North American
 	 	 	2001 Australia
 	 	 	October 10, 2001 Europe
 	 	 	2023 Worldwide
 	 	 	May 30, 2003 Japan
 	 	 	July 11, 2004 North American
 	 	 	July 16, 2004 Australia
 	 	 	May 14, 2004 Europe
 	 	 	November 21, 2003 Japan
 	 	 	March 22, 2004 North American
 	 	 	June 24, 2004 Australia
 	 	 	May 14, 2004 Europe
 	 	 	August 4, 2005 Japan
 	 	 	October 3, 2005 North American
 	 	 	November 10, 2005 Australia
 	 	 	November 18, 2005 Europe
 	 	 	December 14, 2006 Japan
 	 	 	June 25, 2007 North America
 	 	 	November 22, 2007 Australia
 	 	 	December 7, 2007 Europe
 	 	 	July 12, 2008 Taiwan
 	 	 	March 25, 2008Japan
 	 	 	June 9, 2008 North America
 	 	 	July 4, 2008 Australia & Europe
 	 	Self-contained 	September 12, 2009Japan
 	 	Self-contained 	March 14, 2010 North America
 	 	Self-contained 	March 25, 2010 Australia
 	 	Self-contained 	July 4, 2008 April 2, 2010 Europe
 	 	Self-contained 	February 4, 2010 South Korea
 	 	Permanent Shutdown January 14, 2014 Worldwide	Initial launch September 18, 2010 
Second launch October 13, 2010 
Japan
 	 	Permanent Shutdown January 14, 2014 Worldwide	April 13, 2011 Worldwide
 	 	 	June 23, 2012Japan
 	 	 	October 7, 2012 North America
 	 	 	October 11, 2012 Australia
 	 	 	October 12, 2012 Europe
 	 	 	November 8, 2012 South Korea
 	& 	 	Initial launch December 25, 2013 
Second launch January 22, 2014 
Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, & Hong Kong
 	& 	 	February 4, 2014 
Europe, Australia, & New Zealand
 	& 	 	February 5, 2014 The Americas
 	 	 	February 12, 2020
 	 	 	February 12, 2020
 	 	 	February 12, 2020
==Related articles==
Category:Game series
Category:Lists