Summary
Pokemon GOis soon to become unplayable on a number of different mobile devices, with some phones set to lose access to the game as early as March 2025. While these phones are older models, as the change will only affect 32-bit Android devices,Pokemon GOfans who haven’t upgraded their phones for a long time may need to consider a trade-in if they want to keep playing.
Anaugmented reality walking gamethat has players wandering about the real world in search of new Pokemon to catch and battle,Pokemon GOis coming up on its ninth anniversary this summer, having launched in July 2016. While past reports show the game hitting peak player activity of around 232 million active players in its debut year, it’s still quite popular, with anActivePlayer reportfor December 2024 showing more than 110 million players in the prior 30-day period.
But some of those players will be cut off over the next few months, as Niantic works to make the game run more smoothly on more current devices, necessitating the end of service for 32-bit Androids. TheofficialPokemon GOwebsiteannounced on January 9 that several older phone models will not be supported by the game following a pair of updates set to launch in March and June 2025. The first update will affect some Android devices that downloaded the game from the Samsung Galaxy store, while the second round will specifically affect 32-bit Android devices that acquiredPokemon GOthrough Google Play. The game’s development team has provided a non-comprehensive list of phones that will not be able to playPokemon GOafter these updates go live, but the message to fans makes note that 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones should still be supported.
Pokemon GO Ending Support for the Following Devices
The message from the developers suggests that players whose phones will be affected should save their log-in information for the game in a safe place, as they will still be able to log into their accounts after upgrading to a more current phone model. However, until they’ve acquired phones that can still support the game after the March and June updates go live, they’ll be unable to access their accounts, including anyPokemon GOPokecoinsthey may have purchased.
While the news is bound to be disappointing for the affected players, 2025 looks to be a big year for thePokemonfranchise, withPokemon Legends: Z-Awaiting for a firm release date and rumors of other games, like remakes ofPokemon Black and Whiteand a new installment in theLet’s Goseries. It’s still unclear what this year will bring inPokemon GO, but aleaked date for a Pokemon Presentsshow on February 27 may provide more information.
WHERE TO PLAY
Now you’re able to battle other Pokémon GO trainers online! Try the GO Battle League today. Join Trainers across the globe who are discovering Pokémon as they explore the world around them. Pokémon GO is the global gaming sensation that has been downloaded over 1 billion times and named “Best Mobile Game” by the Game Developers Choice Awards and “Best App of the Year” by TechCrunch
UNCOVER THE WORLD OF POKÉMON: Explore and discover Pokémon wherever you are! CATCH more Pokémon to complete your Pokédex! JOURNEY alongside your Buddy Pokémon to help make your Pokémon stronger and earn rewards! COMPETE in epic Gym battles and… TEAM UP and UNITE with other Trainers to catch powerful Pokémon during Raid Battles!It’s time to get moving—your real-life adventures await! Let’s GO
