Licensed Pokemon tabletop games

Pokemon Board Games: Master Trainer, Labyrinth, Monopoly, and More

By Updated

Pokemon board games include 1999’s Master Trainer, Ravensburger’s Labyrinth, three Monopoly editions, Uno, Sorry!, Guess Who?, and chess sets. Each Pokemon board game below lists players, age, and play time. There’s also a quick look at how these games differ from the Pokemon Trading Card Game.

  • 11 games
  • 1999 to 2026
  • 2 to 10 players
  • 6 classic editions

Gotta catch every box! Check out the three picks below, then open a card for the details.

Most visitors are after the old Master Trainer game, a Monopoly edition, or a way to play the card game at the table. The Pokemon Master Trainer board game is the nostalgic pick, while Hasbro's 2025 Monopoly is the current mass-market option. The three picks below are sorted by group size and age.

Looking for a short game? Guess Who? Pokemon takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Three Pokemon board games to suit different tables

The card game isn't a board game. Battle Academy is the starter box.

  • Two players

    Guess Who? Pokemon Edition

    This two-player deduction game features 48 Pokemon, takes about 15 to 20 minutes, and is for ages 6+. A quick match fits the bill.

    Difficulty1 out of 5
    Time to explain1 out of 5about 2 min
    Player experience1 out of 5
    Geek Level3 / 10Knows the main characters
    How we rate

  • Families with mixed ages

    Pokemon Labyrinth

    For 2 to 4 players, ages 7+, with games lasting 20 to 30 minutes. The rules match standard Labyrinth, with an option to leave younger players’ targets face up.

    Difficulty1.5 out of 5
    Time to explain1 out of 5about 5 min
    Player experience1 out of 5
    Geek Level3 / 10Knows the main characters
    How we rate

  • Nostalgia and collectors

    Pokemon Master Trainer

    Released in English in 1999, this game seats 2 to 6 players for about 45 minutes. It’s out of print, so look for a secondhand copy.

    Difficulty2 out of 5
    Time to explain2 out of 5about 8 min
    Player experience2 out of 5
    Geek Level5 / 10Quotes the best lines
    How we rate

These games range from cards to chess sets. Start with titles that have their own rules, such as Pokemon Labyrinth, then compare the Monopoly editions. Their shared name hides some real differences. Each card lists players, age, and play time; the editions line flags reissues and regional releases.

Pokemon Labyrinth, Uno, Sorry!, chess sets, and more Pokemon board games

Out of print doesn't mean gone. Check resale listings for Master Trainer.

Showing all 11

Main games

Pokemon Master Trainer

  • 1999
  • 2-6 players
  • 45 minutes
  • Ages 7+

The original English Pokemon board game follows a trainer through Kanto. Catch Pokemon, trade them, and battle rivals on the way to Indigo Plateau.

How it plays

Roll a die, move your Ash pawn, and follow the space’s instructions. Catch Pokemon by matching a die result to a chip, play item and event cards, and collect Pokemon worth 20 Power Points before challenging the Pokemon Master.

The film or show connection

Ash Ketchum pawns travel through Kanto to Indigo Plateau, the setting of the first anime season.

Difficulty2 out of 5
Time to explain2 out of 5about 8 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level5 / 10Quotes the best lines
How we rate

Type family board game Out of print

  • roll and move
  • collecting
  • trading
  • out of print
Publisher
Milton Bradley / Hasbro
Designers
Bill Sabram and Koichi Ooyama
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • Pocket Monsters (Tomy, Japan, 1997)
  • Second edition (about 2001)
  • Pokemon Master Trainer (2005, different design)

Pokemon Labyrinth

  • 2021
  • 2-4 players
  • 20-30 minutes
  • Ages 7+

Ravensburger’s moving maze swaps treasure for Pokemon. It follows the standard Labyrinth turn structure, so the rules should feel familiar to anyone who knows the game.

How it plays

Slide a spare tile into the maze to shift the paths, then move your Pokemon toward the one shown on your top token. Find all your Pokemon and return to your starting space to win.

The film or show connection

Pikachu, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle are among the Pokemon you chase. The tokens are Poke Balls.

Difficulty1.5 out of 5
Time to explain1 out of 5about 5 min
Player experience1 out of 5
Geek Level3 / 10Knows the main characters
How we rate

Type family board game

  • maze
  • family
  • tile shifting
  • easy to learn
Publisher
Ravensburger
Designers
Max J. Kobbert (original Labyrinth)
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • Pokemon Labyrinth (2021)
  • Pokemon Glow-in-the-Dark Labyrinth (2024)

Source 1 (ravensburger.us) Source 2 (ravensburger.ie)

Pokemon Battle Chess

  • 2011
  • 2 players
  • 15 minutes
  • Ages 6+

This chess-inspired game from Japan gives each Pokemon piece its own moves and attacks. It isn’t standard chess, so check the rules before you buy.

How it plays

Move Pokemon pieces around the board, using their own movement and attack abilities. Defeat the opponent’s Pokemon egg to win. Legend Pieces can join the game under set conditions.

The film or show connection

The pieces include Patrat, Zoroark, Serperior, Emboar, Samurott and Victini. This one isn’t based on a film.

Difficulty2 out of 5
Time to explain2 out of 5about 10 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level5 / 10Quotes the best lines
How we rate

Type family board game

  • chess-like
  • two players
  • Japan release
Publisher
The Pokemon Company
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • BW Version (December 2011)
  • Pokemon Battle Chess (2012)
  • Pokemon Battle Chess W (2012)

Pokemon TCG Battle Academy

  • 2020
  • 2 players
  • 30 minutes
  • Ages 6+

This boxed starter for the Pokemon Trading Card Game comes with a play board and three ready-to-play decks. It’s about as close as the card game gets to a board game box.

How it plays

Two players use preconstructed 60-card decks, take turns playing cards and attacking, and claim Prize cards. Tutorial guides help new players learn, while the board just keeps the cards organized.

The film or show connection

It isn’t based on a film or show. The 2020 decks feature Charizard-GX, Raichu-GX and Mewtwo-GX.

Difficulty2 out of 5
Time to explain3 out of 5about 20 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level6 / 10Has a favorite side character
How we rate

Type trading card game In print

  • starter set
  • card game
  • tutorial
  • in print
Publisher
The Pokemon Company International
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • 2022 edition (Cinderace V, Pikachu V, Eevee V)
  • 2024 edition (Armarouge ex, Pikachu ex, Darkrai ex)

Source 1 (pokemon.com) Source 2 (tcg.pokemon.com)

Licensed classic editions

Monopoly Pokemon Kanto Edition

  • 2014
  • 2-6 players
  • Ages 8+

This Monopoly edition has a Kanto board and eight Gyms. Pokemon take the place of properties, while most of the rules stay close to the standard game.

How it plays

Buy Pokemon properties and collect rent, just as in Monopoly. Professor Oak and Trainer Battle cards replace Chance and Community Chest; Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers take the place of houses and hotels.

The film or show connection

Based on the Kanto region and Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, rather than a single film or episode.

Difficulty1.5 out of 5
Time to explain2 out of 5about 8 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level4 / 10Owns the soundtrack
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition Out of print

  • property trading
  • Kanto
  • out of print
Publisher
USAopoly (now The Op Games)
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Editions and expansions

  • GameStop exclusive (2015) with extra tokens and power cards

Source 2 (engadget.com)

Monopoly Pokemon Johto Edition

  • 2016
  • 2-6 players
  • 60-90 minutes
  • Ages 8+

The Johto follow-up keeps the Kanto edition’s core rules and swaps in Gold and Silver era Pokemon. Raikou and Suicune take the utility spaces.

How it plays

Silver Poke Marts and gold Pokemon Centers replace houses and hotels, while four Poke Balls replace the railroads. Professor Elm and Trainer Battle cards replace Chance and Community Chest.

The film or show connection

The theme is Johto and its eight Gyms, not a film.

Difficulty1.5 out of 5
Time to explain2 out of 5about 8 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level4 / 10Owns the soundtrack
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition

  • property trading
  • Johto
Publisher
USAopoly (now The Op Games)
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • Earlier Johto-themed Monopoly Pokemon Edition (Parker Brothers/Hasbro, 2001)

Monopoly Pokemon Edition

  • 2025
  • 2-4 players
  • 45 minutes
  • Ages 8+

Hasbro’s version removes rent and bankruptcy. It’s a shorter catching game on a Monopoly-style board, with very different play from the Kanto and Johto editions.

How it plays

Explore locations to catch Pokemon for your tracker mat, and battle Trainers who control locations. Win by collecting one Pokemon of each of the eight types, or by being the last Trainer with Poke Balls.

The film or show connection

The tokens are Pikachu, Sprigatito, Fuecoco and Quaxly. The game isn’t based on a specific episode or film.

Difficulty1.5 out of 5
Time to explain2 out of 5about 8 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level4 / 10Owns the soundtrack
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition In print

  • catching
  • battles
  • shorter game
  • in print
Publisher
Hasbro
Show detailsHide details

Source 1 (instructions.hasbro.com) Source 2 (pokemon.com)

Sorry! Pokemon

  • 2000
  • 2-4 players
  • Ages 6+

Sorry! gets a Pokemon makeover, with movement decided by cards. The box has both the classic rules and a Pokemon rule set.

How it plays

Draw a card and move a Pokemon mover toward home, bumping rivals back when the rules allow. Gym spaces led by Blaine, Lt. Surge, Erika and Misty take the place of the usual Home spaces.

The film or show connection

The movers and artwork draw from Pokemon Red and Blue and the early anime.

Difficulty1 out of 5
Time to explain1 out of 5about 3 min
Player experience1 out of 5
Geek Level2 / 10Watched it once on a flight
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition

  • race
  • card driven
  • vintage
Publisher
Hasbro / Parker Brothers
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • Sorry! Pokemon Gold and Silver Edition (2001)

Pokemon UNO

  • 2-10 players
  • Ages 7+

It’s standard UNO with Pokemon artwork. Mattel has made several decks, including some sold only in Japan.

How it plays

Match the top card by color, number or symbol, then be first to empty your hand. The Sword and Shield deck adds special Snorlax and Greninja rule cards.

The film or show connection

The cards feature Pokemon characters. There’s no film tie-in.

Difficulty1 out of 5
Time to explain1 out of 5about 2 min
Player experience1 out of 5
Geek Level2 / 10Watched it once on a flight
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition

  • card game
  • quick
  • travel size
Publisher
Mattel
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • North American edition (2006)
  • Best Wishes (2012, Japan)
  • XY (2014, Japan)
  • Sun and Moon (2017, Japan)
  • Sword and Shield (2019, Japan)

Source 1 (mattel.co.jp)

Guess Who? Pokemon Edition

  • 2026
  • 2 players
  • 15-20 minutes
  • Ages 6+

The newest game here is Guess Who?, with 48 Pokemon replacing the faces. It’s a two-player deduction game aimed at younger players.

How it plays

Each player secretly chooses a Pokemon, then asks yes-or-no questions to narrow down the other player’s pick. The first to correctly guess five mystery Pokemon wins the series.

The film or show connection

Pokemon appear on double-sided character sheets. No film or episode gets a mention.

Difficulty1 out of 5
Time to explain1 out of 5about 2 min
Player experience1 out of 5
Geek Level3 / 10Knows the main characters
How we rate

Type licensed classic edition In print

  • deduction
  • two players
  • kids
Publisher
Hasbro
Show detailsHide details

Source 1 (comicbook.com)

Chess sets

Pokemon Center Chess Set

  • 2021
  • 2 players

This Pokemon Center exclusive chess set has resin pieces and standard chess rules. Only the cast changes.

How it plays

Play standard chess, with Magikarp as pawns, Snorlax as rooks, Rapidash as knights and Dragonite as bishops. Pikachu takes both the king and queen roles.

The film or show connection

The pieces are characters, with no film or episode tie-in.

Difficulty2 out of 5
Time to explain3 out of 5about 15 min
Player experience2 out of 5
Geek Level4 / 10Owns the soundtrack
How we rate

Type chess set

  • standard chess rules
  • collectible
  • limited run
Publisher
Pokemon Center
Show detailsHide details

Editions and expansions

  • Reported limited run of 5,000 numbered sets

Compare Pokemon board games by player count, play time, and age

Pokemon games compared by year, players, play time, age, type and print status
GameYearPlayersPlay timeAgesTypeIn print
Pokemon Master Trainer19992-645 minutes7+family board gameNo
Pokemon Labyrinth20212-420-30 minutes7+family board gameNot listed
Monopoly Pokemon Kanto Edition20142-6Not listed8+licensed classic editionNo
Monopoly Pokemon Johto Edition20162-660-90 minutes8+licensed classic editionNot listed
Monopoly Pokemon Edition20252-445 minutes8+licensed classic editionYes
Sorry! Pokemon20002-4Not listed6+licensed classic editionNot listed
Pokemon UNONot listed2-10Not listed7+licensed classic editionNot listed
Guess Who? Pokemon Edition2026215-20 minutes6+licensed classic editionYes
Pokemon Center Chess Set20212Not listedNot listedchess setNot listed
Pokemon Battle Chess2011215 minutes6+family board gameNot listed
Pokemon TCG Battle Academy2020230 minutes6+trading card gameYes

Pokemon board games, from 1996 to 2026

From the Game Boy launch to the newest Guess Who?, licensed games arrived in waves.

Looking for a short game? Guess Who? Pokemon takes 15 to 20 minutes.

  • 1996

    Pokemon Red and Green launched on Game Boy in Japan on February 27. The card game followed in October.

    Source 1 (corporate.pokemon.co.jp)

  • 1997

    Tomy released the Pocket Monsters board game in Japan, laying the groundwork for Master Trainer.

    Source 1 (gamespark.jp)

  • 1999

    Milton Bradley and Hasbro released Pokemon Master Trainer in English. The English card game began with Base Set in January.

    Source 1 (en.wikipedia.org)

  • 2000

    Hasbro and Parker Brothers released Sorry! Pokemon, followed by a Gold and Silver edition in 2001.

  • 2005

    Hasbro releases another Pokemon Master Trainer, this one built around spinners and Battle Points.

  • 2011

    Pokemon Battle Chess BW Version arrives in Japan in December.

  • 2014

    USAopoly announces Monopoly Pokemon Kanto Edition at Toy Fair in March, then releases it.

    Source 1 (engadget.com)

  • 2016

    Monopoly Pokemon Johto Edition follows, with Raikou and Suicune serving as utilities.

  • 2020

    Pokemon TCG Battle Academy launches on July 31 as a starter set with a game board.

    Source 1 (tcg.pokemon.com)

  • 2021

    Ravensburger's Pokemon Labyrinth reaches stores, listed from September 1.

    Source 1 (ravensburger.us)

  • 2025

    Hasbro announces Monopoly Pokemon Edition, available at major retailers on January 24.

    Source 1 (pokemon.com)

  • 2026

    Guess Who? Pokemon Edition, featuring 48 Pokemon, is reported available from April 2.

    Source 1 (comicbook.com)

The Pokemon Trading Card Game has its own section because many searchers expect to find it here. It's a card game, and Battle Academy is its only boxed link to board games. To compare it with another publisher's card game, see the Disney Lorcana trading card game, which also has no board.

Pokemon TCG Battle Academy: card game or board game?

The Pokemon Trading Card Game often sits beside board games in stores, but it plays differently.

Pokemon board games

Each is a standalone game with its own board and rules, like Master Trainer, Labyrinth or the Monopoly editions. Everything you need is in one box.

Pokemon Trading Card Game

This two-player card game has exactly 60 cards per deck. Win by taking all your Prize cards, knocking out every opposing Pokemon in play, or reaching the start of your turn when your opponent has no card to draw. Booster packs are random, so decks grow from a collection.

Pokemon TCG Battle Academy

The starter box includes three ready-made 60-card decks, a play board and tutorial guides. The board just organizes the cards, so the rules are still for a card game. For 2 players, ages 6+.

Pokemon TCG Classic

This 2023 set has three decks built around Venusaur, Charizard and Blastoise. Metal orbs take the place of coin flips. It’s a card game for two players.

Where it all started

Pokemon started with Game Boy games in Japan in February 1996. The card game arrived in October 1996, followed by English cards in January 1999.

Master Trainer prompts plenty of questions, partly because four different products share the name. Before buying, check the year and player count: the 1999 and 2005 boxes differ. Our Pokemon Master Trainer rules page covers the 1999 game in depth, including the Kanto route and chip catching.

Classic Monopoly fans can stick with the familiar rules in the Kanto and Johto editions.

Pokemon Master Trainer rules and editions

Several games use this name, so check the year before buying.

  1. 1997: Pocket Monsters in Japan

    Tomy released the Japanese original, which became the basis for the English game.

  2. 1999: Pokemon Master Trainer

    Milton Bradley and Hasbro's English release is for 2 to 6 players, ages 7+, and takes about 45 minutes. Roll to move, catch Pokemon by matching die results, then reach 20 Power Points to face the Pokemon Master.

  3. About 2001: second edition

    A later US edition with a wider range of Pokemon. The sources found don't confirm player count, age or play time.

  4. 2005: a different Pokemon Master Trainer

    A new design for 2 to 4 players, with a spinner and Battle Points. Choose Ash, May, Max or Brock as your pawn.

  5. Adventure Edition: fan-made

    This unofficial fan rework adds Gym quests and shops. It requires components from the 1999 game and isn't licensed.

Pokemon Monopoly has three eras: the Parker Brothers games around 1999 and 2001, the USAopoly Kanto and Johto boards, and Hasbro's 2025 catching game. The older boards use the classic rent-and-bankruptcy core. Read the Pokemon Monopoly Kanto Edition for Monopoly rules with a Pokemon coat of paint.

Pokemon Monopoly rules by edition: Kanto, Johto and Hasbro

Pokemon Monopoly has had several versions, and the newest plays very differently.

  • 1999 Pokemon Monopoly

    Reference listings date the first Pokemon Monopoly to 1999, from Parker Brothers. Professor Oak and Trainer Battle cards replace Chance and Community Chest, while an optional Pokemon power kicks in on doubles.

  • 2001 Pokemon Edition

    A Johto-themed version credited to Parker Brothers and Hasbro, featuring Professor Elm and Ash cards and Johto Pokemon.

  • 2014 Kanto Edition

    Trade properties across eight Gyms. Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers raise rent, and a 2015 GameStop version added tokens and power cards. Players: 2 to 6, ages 8+.

  • 2016 Johto Edition

    It shares Kanto's core game, but Raikou and Suicune are utilities, and four Poke Balls take the place of railroads. Players: 2 to 6, about 60 to 90 minutes.

  • 2025 Hasbro Edition

    Forget rent and bankruptcy. Catch Pokemon, fill a tracker mat and battle Trainers. Win by collecting one Pokemon of each of the eight types, or by being the last Trainer with Poke Balls.

Pokemon board game facts

The card game isn't a board game. Battle Academy is the starter box.

  • Pokemon started as a Game Boy video game on February 27, 1996. The trading card game followed in Japan that October.

    Source 1 (corporate.pokemon.co.jp)

  • The Kanto Monopoly board takes its cues from Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. A 2015 GameStop version added extra tokens and power cards.

  • In the 1999 Master Trainer, collect Pokemon worth 20 Power Points before you can face the Pokemon Master.

  • The Pokemon Center chess set gives Magikarp the pawns and Pikachu both the king and queen roles.

  • In Pokemon Battle Chess, defeat your opponent's Pokemon egg to win. Checkmate isn't the goal.

  • Pokemon Labyrinth uses standard Labyrinth rules, with a younger-player option to keep target tokens face up.

    Source 1 (ravensburger.us)

These quick answers cover common questions, from Uno to chess. If you're asking about the card game rather than a board game, the Battle Academy section above covers the rules basics. For quiz-style games based on other films and shows, browse our movie trivia games hub.

Pokemon board game questions and answers

Is there an official Pokemon board game?

Yes, several. Milton Bradley and Hasbro released Pokemon Master Trainer in 1999, and Ravensburger makes Pokemon Labyrinth. You can also find Pokemon editions of Monopoly, Sorry!, UNO and Guess Who?, plus chess sets.

How many players can play the Pokemon Master Trainer board game?

The 1999 edition is for 2 to 6 players, ages 7+, and takes about 45 minutes. The 2005 game with the same name is for 2 to 4 players.

What are the Pokemon Master Trainer rules?

Roll a die and travel around the Kanto board. Match your die roll to a chip to catch Pokemon, use item and event cards, and trade or battle other trainers. Collect Pokemon worth 20 Power Points, then face the Pokemon Master.

How do you play the Pokemon Labyrinth board game?

Use the spare tile to shift a row of maze tiles, then move your Pokemon along open paths toward the Pokemon shown on your top token. Find all your Pokemon and return to your starting space to win.

What are the Pokemon Monopoly rules?

The Kanto and Johto editions follow standard Monopoly, replacing houses and hotels with Poke Marts and Pokemon Centers. Hasbro's 2025 edition plays differently: catch Pokemon, battle Trainers and win with one of each of the eight types or as the last Trainer holding Poke Balls.

Is the Pokemon Monopoly Kanto Edition still in print?

GameSpot's 2025 coverage called it out of print, so copies mostly come from resellers. The Hasbro 2025 Pokemon Monopoly edition is a separate game.

Is there a Pokemon Uno?

Yes. Mattel has made several Pokemon UNO decks, including a Sword and Shield version with Snorlax and Greninja rule cards. Several were sold only in Japan.

Is there a Pokemon Sorry! game?

Yes. Hasbro and Parker Brothers released Sorry! Pokemon in 2000, followed by a Gold and Silver edition in 2001. It has both classic and Pokemon rules.

Is there a Pokemon chess set?

Yes. The Pokemon Center exclusive set follows standard chess rules, with Magikarp as pawns and Pikachu as king and queen. Pokemon Battle Chess is a separate Japanese game with its own rules.

Does Pokemon have a Guess Who? game?

Yes. Hasbro's Guess Who? Pokemon Edition features 48 Pokemon, is for 2 players aged 6 and up, and was reported as available from April 2026.

What is Pokemon TCG Battle Academy?

Pokemon TCG Battle Academy is a starter box for the Pokemon Trading Card Game, with three ready-made 60-card decks, a play board, and tutorials. It's for 2 players, ages 6+, and takes about 30 minutes.

Is the Pokemon Trading Card Game a board game?

No. It's a two-player card game that uses 60-card decks and needs no board. Battle Academy includes a board, but it's there to organize the cards.

Did Pokemon start as a card game?

No. Pokemon Red and Green came first on Game Boy in Japan in February 1996. The card game launched in Japan that October.

Is Pokemon Master Trainer Adventure Edition official?

No. It's an unofficial fan rework that needs components from the 1999 game.

Out of print doesn't mean gone. Check resale listings for Master Trainer.

Looking for a short game? Guess Who? Pokemon takes 15 to 20 minutes.

Sources

  1. Pokemon corporate history corporate.pokemon.co.jp
  2. Pokemon TCG Battle Academy tcg.pokemon.com
  3. Hasbro Monopoly Pokemon Edition instructions instructions.hasbro.com
  4. Ravensburger Pokemon Labyrinth ravensburger.us