Pokemon Sets Unwanted Record: Longest Gap Between Main Games

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Summary

  • The longest gap between main series Pokemon game releases is now three years, as of 2025.
  • No new main series Pokemon games were released after 2022, but a new one is promised for 2025.
  • Pokemon Legends: Z-A is confirmed for the original Switch this year.

2025 will see the longest stretch without a main Pokemon game, setting an unwanted milestone for the series. Since the 90s, when the original Pokemon games became a hit, new titles have been released frequently. These Pokemon games vary in significance, including experimental spin-offs, remakes, and entirely new generations that introduce numerous new creatures to the franchise lore.

From 1996 when the initial Pokemon games were introduced, there was never more than a gap of two years between the releases of main series games. The longest interval started in 2019 with the release of Pokemon Sword and Shield on Nintendo Switch, which didn’t have a follow-up (Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl) until 2021. Now, in 2025, the longest pause between main series Pokemon games has stretched to three years.

2022 marked the debut of not only “Pokemon Legends: Z-A”, but also the Generation 9 titles “Pokemon Scarlet” and “Violet”. However, no new main series “Pokemon” game has been introduced since then, according to Centro Leaks. This absence of a fresh main series “Pokemon” game has undoubtedly left some enthusiasts feeling let down. The positive aspect is that one more game is anticipated to be launched this year, and there are also rumors of additional games expected in the not-too-distant future.

List of Main Series Pokemon Games in the US

  • Pokemon Red and Blue – 1998 (released in 1996 in Japan)
  • Pokemon Yellow – 1998
  • Pokemon Gold and Silver – 1999
  • Pokemon Crystal – 2000
  • Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire – 2002
  • Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen – 2004
  • Pokemon Emerald – 2004
  • Pokemon Diamond and Pearl – 2006
  • Pokemon Platinum – 2008
  • Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver – 2009
  • Pokemon Black and White – 2010
  • Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 – 2012
  • Pokemon X and Y – 2013
  • Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire – 2014
  • Pokemon Sun and Moon – 2016
  • Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon – 2017
  • Pokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee – 2018
  • Pokemon Sword and Shield – 2019
  • Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl – 2021
  • Pokemon Legends: Arceus – 2022
  • Pokemon Scarlet and Violet – 2022
  • Pokemon Legends: Z-A – 2025

In 2025, we can expect the launch of “Pokemon Legends: Z-A” on the Nintendo Switch. Rumors hint that it might also be available for the Switch 2 if it ever materializes. Other rumors suggest another main Pokemon game could drop towards the end of 2025, but it won’t be the tenth generation. Some speculate that other main series games slated for release in 2025 might be remakes of “Black and White,” but for now, that remains mere conjecture.

Although there haven’t been any new primary Pokémon games launched after 2022, the titles Scarlet and Violet got substantial updates in the year 2023.

Regarding the upcoming Generation 10 Pokemon games, it’s anticipated that they won’t be launched until at least 2026. If they do debut in 2026, this will signify the longest duration between Pokemon generations since the four-year interval between Gen 4’s Diamond and Pearl, and Gen 5’s Black and White. Some speculate that the Generation 10 Pokemon games might be designed exclusively for the Switch 2, but recent leaks indicate they are actually being developed for the original Switch. However, similar to Legends: Z-A, there’s a possibility that these games may also receive native ports for the Switch 2 as well.

Fans are advised to treat all rumors about the Pokemon franchise as highly questionable, but they might receive some insights into the future of the series more quickly than anticipated. The upcoming Pokemon Presents event is slated for February 27, where fans can look forward to numerous thrilling announcements related to the Pokemon series during the broadcast.

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2025-01-20 20:27