In a technological era where the world is connected via a highly-advanced internet network, humans interact with artificial intelligence units known as Net Navis. Housed within PET handheld devices, humans and Net Navis coexist between the real and cyber worlds as friends and allies. Net Navis are designed for various tasks, most specifically battle against viruses and rogue Net Navis operated by net crime syndicates. A young boy named Netto Hikari receives his first Net Navi named Rockman and the two become an unstoppable net-battling duo. Together, they thwart the evil schemes of criminals like World Three and the Netmafia Gospel.
The year is 200X, and everything electronic is connected by internet. In this world, there is no one, rich or poor, who does not own a PET (PErsonal Terminal), and there is not one PET that does not house a NetNavi, an AI Unit that has the power to delete Viruses and the like. Net Battles (where Operators battle their NetNavis) are popular in this era. That is where Operator Hikari Netto and his NetNavi and best friend, Rockman come in. Striving to become the best NetBattlers, they fight Net Crime and protect the net and real world alike from the likes of the evil World 3.
