Generation II/Advances in Gameplay/Major Additions


 * The introduction of, bringing the total to 251. Several are evolved forms of or pre-evolutions of , while others are their own evolutionary lines.
 * The addition of, bringing the total to 251 as well.
 * The addition of two new types, the Dark and Steel types, to balance out the overpowered Psychic type and the underpowered Fighting type.
 * A new region to explore, Johto, in addition to the Generation I region, with the latter accessible after the Elite Four have been defeated. Johto has its own set of eight new Gyms and Gym Leaders to defeat, while the Elite Four has changed in three years.
 * Genders for Pokémon, opening up the ability for two Pokémon to if they are similar enough.
 * Two additional boxes in the Pokémon Storage System, which now includes the ability to move Pokémon directly between boxes, bringing Pokémon storage to 280.
 * A new player character,.
 * Seven new types of Poké Balls, all made from special fruit found only in Johto.
 * A built-in clock, allowing for in-game events to be affected by the time of day and the days of the week.
 * Shiny Pokémon, which sparkle when brought into battle.
 * Baby Pokémon, most of them pre-evolved forms of Generation I Pokémon.
 * Friendship, introduced in, becomes a stat used by all Pokémon.
 * Pokémon can now hold items and use them in battle.
 * A special Pokémon virus is introduced that boosts stats.