Pokémon is easily one of my favorite series of all time, and I've played almost every mainline Pokémon game. From remakes to new generations, fans are always curious about the next Pokémon game, so let's explore what's possible for the future of Pokémon.
What Pokémon games are coming out soon?
No one knows what's next for Pokémon in 2024, and not much official news has been revealed, but three main theories and rumors are being shared. These are a new Pokémon Legends game, remakes of Pokémon Black and White, or, the most unlikely, a new mainline Pokémon game in a new region. Pokémon Day on February 27, 2024, is the expectation for when we get a new announcement, but we can discuss the games below for now.
Pokémon Gen 5 Remake Rumors
The most likely, or at least most hoped-for, rumor is a remake of the Generation 5 games, Pokémon Black and White. With Pokémon Diamond and Pearl having been remade in 2021, we are due for a new remake, and Gen 5 would be the next in line. Pokémon Black and White had a less warm launch than other generations but have since become extremely popular.
My speculation and evidence is Pokémon Concierge, which prominently featured Pansage, Panpour, and Pansear, three Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White. They are also some of the few Pokémon unavailable on any of the Nintendo Switch games, making it the perfect time to remake Black and White.
Related: Active Pokemon GO Friend Codes
New Pokémon Legends Rumors
With Pokémon Legends: Arceus' success, fans have been eager for another entry. Rumors of a Pokémon Legends: Celebi seems to be at the forefront of fans' minds, and I agree since Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are my favorites. Seeing Johto in the past, as we did with Sinnoh in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, would be a dream come true for me.
A new Pokémon Legends game would allow The Pokémon Company to expand and improve the new mechanics introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The gameplay in this spinoff was easily the biggest surprise, and I wish some of the mechanics had been adopted in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Hence, a second Legends game is the perfect chance to return to my favorite Pokémon game of late.
New Pokémon Region Rumors
The most unlikely announcement would be Generation 10, as it's only been two years since the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and the DLC has only finished in January 2024. But we may see a teaser for the next mainline Pokémon game, though I put my money on a remake or spinoff title or remake.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet took many steps forward for the series, including the first fully open world. Still, I hope Gamefreak and The Pokémon Company learned from their mistakes regarding the flaws of Gen 9. While I enjoyed Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the horrible framerate, lack of exciting POIs, absence of interior spaces, and more held the games back. The lessons learned in Scarlet and Violet and Pokémon Legends: Arceus could give us the best Pokémon game ever made.
When will the next Pokémon game be released?
The other question on everyone's mind now that DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is complete is when the next Pokémon game will be released. There is no definitive answer, but if we receive an announcement on Pokémon Day, I speculate a release in November 2024 or January 2025.
The Pokémon Company has a history of releasing new Pokémon games in November, though Pokémon Legends: Arceus was released in January. A November or January release is just speculation, especially since no new Pokémon game has been announced at the time of writing, so take this with a grain of salt.
For more information on Pokémon, check out Best Gifts for Pokemon Lovers and All Pokémon Level Ranges in Every Region & Area of Scarlet & Violet on Pro Game Guides.
Published: Jan 12, 2024 09:54 am