The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
July 26, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Video Game›Pokémon White
Entertainment • Video Game

Pokémon White

Pokémon White is the title commonly used to refer to the Nintendo DS role-playing game *Pokémon White Version*, one half of the paired 2010 releases *Pokémon Black Version* and *Pokémon White Version*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pokémon White (formally *Pokémon White Version*) is a 2010 role-playing game developed by Game Freak and published by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo for the Nintendo DS. It is part of the fifth generation of the Pokémon series and one half of the paired release with *Pokémon Black Version*. The game is set in the Unova region and was released in Canada in March 2011.

Gameplay and premise

Pokémon White is a role-playing video game in which the player captures and battles Pokémon while progressing through the Unova region. Like its paired counterpart, it centres on earning badges, challenging the Pokémon League, and confronting Team Plasma.

Release and platforms

The game was developed for the Nintendo DS and launched in Japan on 18 September 2010, with later releases in Europe, North America, and Australia in March 2011. In Canada, it was released during the same North American launch window.

Place in the series

Pokémon White is part of the fifth generation of Pokémon games and introduced 156 new Pokémon to the franchise. It also introduced new mechanics such as seasonal changes and triple battles.

The direct sequel is *Pokémon White 2*, released in 2012 for the Nintendo DS. The Black and White era also generated guides, spin-off references, and extensive fan and encyclopedic coverage.

Key facts

  • Pokémon White is one of the paired main-series games released with Pokémon Black.
  • The game introduced 156 new Pokémon to the franchise.
  • It is set in the Unova region and involves opposing Team Plasma.
  • The direct sequel is Pokémon White 2, released in 2012.
  • Pokémon White was released in Canada in March 2011.
🍁
Canadian context

Pokémon White was released in Canada in March 2011 as part of the North American launch window, making it familiar to Canadian Pokémon players who followed the main series on Nintendo DS.[2][5]

Frequently asked questions

Is Pokémon White a separate game from Pokémon Black?
Yes. It is one half of the paired release *Pokémon Black Version* and *Pokémon White Version*.
When was Pokémon White released?
It was first released in Japan on 18 September 2010, and in other major regions in March 2011.
What platform is Pokémon White on?
It was released for the Nintendo DS.
What region does Pokémon White take place in?
It is set in the Unova region.
How many new Pokémon did it introduce?
The Black and White games introduced 156 new Pokémon.
Did Pokémon White have a sequel?
Yes. Its direct sequel was *Pokémon White 2*, released in 2012.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Black_and_White
    Supports: Developer, publisher, platform, release dates, setting, generation, new Pokémon count, gameplay premise, and sequel.
  2. Simple English Wikipedia — https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Black_and_White
    Supports: Release dates, platform, number of new Pokémon, and basic role-playing premise.
  3. Bulbapedia — https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/White
    Supports: Disambiguation showing 'White' can refer to the Generation V game context.
  4. Bulbapedia — https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pok%C3%A9mon_Black_Version_and_Pok%C3%A9mon_White_Version_Handbook
    Supports: Handbook related to the Black and White versions and the Unova Pokédex.