If u have omega ruby/the sapphire one I’d do that bc you get the classics of the red and blue but better graphics and way easier/less time consuming, but not way too boring like switch ones

13

red: classic for existing fans but would probably feel really outdated for a modern player b/w: good but doesn't have the 'classic' pokemon until postgame pearl: okay but platinum is way better, which leads us to... soulsilver: sweet spot imo. all the classic gen 1 and 2 mons, location, and music, with way more modern gameplay.

10

To be fair, there isn’t a bad main series game to start with in the franchise. It’s all about quality in my opinion, which all of these have in some way. With that said, Platinum > Pearl, Red is a bit harder to get used to, and Johto has a really weird level curve. I’d go with BW

7

Platinum - amazing story, makes diamond/pearl even better and adds a lot of end game content. If they want the most story content heartgold/soulsilver. If the 3DS games are in the equation I would suggest ultra sun/ultra moon.

5

Omega ruby/Alpha Sapphire if possible! If not then go with black and white.

1

has to be HG/SS, bw has a terrible dex of pokemon your friend will have never heard of

1

If possible either OR/AS, B/W, or HG/SS

1

I would personally say let’s go Eevee or Pikachu since, it has the Kanto pokemon, but also it’s a more modern adaptation that he could stay interested in?

-2