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The Pokemon series is classified as an RPG, because it has elements similar to many other RPG games (such as a top-down, tile based view, item management, and a turn based battle system with such familiar elements as hit points, and status effects like poison and sleep), but it does not focus on plot and character developement in the manner of Final Fantasy and many other RPGs. Pokemon games rather focus on the collection and training of many little creatures, which are battled against opponents (either AI-controlled, or live opponents). Depending on which game in the series you are looking at, there may be 151 or 250 unique Pokemon. An unusual feature is the ability to trade ones Pokemon with other players via the Game Boy Link Cable; this forms an integral part of the game as some Pokemon can only be collected by trading.
Pokemon Snap and Hey You Pikachu are not RPGs as the rest of the series are, but spinoffs involving the same characters. Pokemon Stadium requires a Pokemon Game Boy cartridge to be of any use.
Digimon? and [Monster Rancher]? are rival products.