Summary
2025 marks the longest gap between main seriesPokemongame releases, breaking an unfortunate record for the franchise. NewPokemongames have been released on a near-constant basis since the originalPokemongames exploded in popularity in the 1990s. ThesePokemongames range in importance from experimental spin-off games to remakes to brand-new generations that add a slew of new creatures to the franchise canon.
Since the originalPokemongames launched in 1996, there’s only ever been a max of two years between main series releases. The previous longest gap started in 2019 withPokemon Sword and Shieldon the Nintendo Switch, which weren’t followed up byPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearluntil 2021. Now that it’s 2025, though, the longest gap betweenmain seriesPokemongameshas been extended to three years.
2022 saw the release of bothPokemon Legends: Z-Aand the Generation 9 gamesPokemon Scarlet and Violet. There hasn’t been a new main seriesPokemongame since then,as pointed out by Centro Leaks. The lack of a new main seriesPokemongame has undoubtedly left some fans disappointed, though the good news is that one new game is promised to be released this year and others are believed to be on the way in the relatively near future as well.
List of Main Series Pokemon Games in the US
Pokemon Legends: Z-Ais releasing in 2025 for the Nintendo Switch, with leaks suggesting that the game may be getting a native Switch 2 port as well. Other leaks have suggested that another main seriesPokemongame could be released in late 2025, but that it won’t be Generation 10. Some have jumped to the conclusion that the other main seriesPokemongames coming in 2025 are remakes ofBlack and White, but that’s just speculation at this time.
While no new main series Pokemon games have been released since 2022, Scarlet and Violet did receive significant expansions in 2023.
As far as the Generation 10Pokemongames go, they aren’t expected to be released until 2026 at the earliest. If they do release in 2026, it will mark the longest gap betweenPokemongeneration since the four years that separated Gen 4’sDiamond and Pearland Gen 5’sBlack and White. While some have assumed that the Geneartion 10Pokemongames will be exclusive to the Switch 2, the latest leaks suggest that the games are actually being built for the OG Switch, though likeLegends: Z-A,they may get native Switch 2 ports as well.
Fans should take allPokemonfranchise leaks with a massive grain of salt, though the bright side is that they should get some answers about the franchise’s future sooner rather than later. Thenext Pokemon Presents eventis expected to take place on February 27, and fans can expect plenty of excitingPokemonseries announcements during the show.
Pokemon
Pokemon is a franchise that needs no introduction. One of the most successful media empires in history, Pokemon spans games, television, films, manga, merchandise, music, and more.
