Overview of Current Pokémon Game Release Trends
- The year 2025 marks an unprecedented three-year interval between major Pokémon game releases.
- Since 2022, no new primary series Pokémon games have launched, with a new title set for release in 2025.
- Confirmed for this year, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is heading to the original Nintendo Switch.
The Pokémon franchise is experiencing its longest hiatus between main series game launches, with a span of three years now recorded as of 2025. Historically, Pokémon games have launched with remarkable frequency, ever since the initial wave of enthusiasm in the 1990s. These releases vary widely, encompassing everything from innovative spin-offs to nostalgic remakes, and introducing new generations that expand the franchise’s extensive lore.
Since the debut of Pokémon games in 1996, the maximum gap between major series entries had previously been limited to two years. The last notable interval began with Pokémon Sword and Shield on the Nintendo Switch in 2019, followed by Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in 2021. Fast forward to 2025, and a new record has been set with a three-year gap.
The year 2022 was significant for Pokémon enthusiasts, as it brought both Pokémon Legends: Z-A and the ninth generation titles, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. However, since that time, no main series Pokémon games have been released. This absence has left many fans feeling let down, but there is a silver lining: a new game is slated for this year, alongside expectations for further releases in the near future.
Main Series Pokémon Games in the U.S.
- Pokémon Red and Blue – 1998 (originally in Japan, 1996)
- Pokémon Yellow – 1998
- Pokémon Gold and Silver – 1999
- Pokémon Crystal – 2000
- Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire – 2002
- Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen – 2004
- Pokémon Emerald – 2004
- Pokémon Diamond and Pearl – 2006
- Pokémon Platinum – 2008
- Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver – 2009
- Pokémon Black and White – 2010
- Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 – 2012
- Pokémon X and Y – 2013
- Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – 2014
- Pokémon Sun and Moon – 2016
- Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – 2017
- Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee – 2018
- Pokémon Sword and Shield – 2019
- Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – 2021
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus – 2022
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet – 2022
- Pokémon Legends: Z-A – 2025
Scheduled for release in 2025 on the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is already generating buzz, with rumors suggesting a potential port for the next-generation Switch 2. According to speculative leaks, another main series title might arrive later in 2025, although this title is not expected to be the tenth generation. Speculations abound regarding potential remakes of Black and White; however, these remain unconfirmed.
While 2022 was void of new main series Pokémon titles, both Pokémon Scarlet and Violet were bolstered by significant expansions in 2023. Fans are eager for Generation 10 Pokémon games, which are believed to be in development with a likely release no earlier than 2026. Should they emerge in 2026, it will extend the wait between generations, matching the four-year gap observed between Generation 4’s Diamond and Pearl and Generation 5’s Black and White.
Despite initial predictions that Generation 10 would be exclusive to the upcoming Switch 2, recent information suggests these titles are being designed for the original Switch, similar to Legends: Z-A, with potential future adaptations for the new hardware.
While excitement abounds around Pokémon franchise leaks, it’s wise for fans to maintain a healthy skepticism. Anticipation for upcoming announcements is high, with the next Pokémon Presents event scheduled for February 27, promising to deliver thrilling updates for the Pokémon community.
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