>>56199289>Gen2Game mechanics (breeding, held items, day/night cycle and weekly static encounters, shinies)
>Gen3Region, Legendaries lore, game mechanics (abilities, expanding on berries, hels items and weather), Exploration, side/extra content (Contests, Secret Bases, Regi and Rayquaza puzzles), new Pokedex finally being the focus and not needing previous gen Pokemon as a crutch as much as GSC did.
>Gen4Physical/Special moves split, Pokemon gender differences, Legendaries and World lore, bringing back the day/night cycle and weekly static events.
>Gen5HMs not mandatory for game progression in dungeons (though I personally prefer what Gen7 will do with PokéRide), plot, infinite TMs.
>Gen6Graphics and art direction, interaction with Pokemon via Pokémon-Amie, online system, player customization, OST, MegaEvolution, Fairy Type, EVs minigame and other QoLs to make competitive more accessible.
>Gen7Most cohesive generation in terms of Region Inspiration - Pokemon Designs, plot, RotomDex, improvements on Pokemon-Amie, more balanced difficulty, PokéRide, best Shiny and HA hunting method so far with SOS Battles, attempt to shake the formula a bit through the lack of Gyms.
>Gen8More aesthetically pleasing graphics overall thanks to the jump to HD no longer locking the models into grainy pixelated outlines, QoLs like Mints, good player customization again after the downgrade of Gen7, Dyna/Gigantamax being a better gimmick than Z-Moves, Dens.
>Gen9Best characterization of box Legendaries through their use as a Mount and the way they're involved in the plot, best accessibility to resources to build competitive Pokemon quickly so far, plot (Arven and Koraidon's/Miraidon's, Kieran's), better implementation of Pokemon in the overworld compared to SwSh, DLC, Following Pokemon being in the base game and the Let's Go feature.
