What Lies Ahead for the Pokemon Franchise in 2025

Between April and July seems to be the sweet spot for the release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, with additional support expected to carry over later in the year. Meanwhile, the rumor mill is buzzing with talk of a new mainline title for the Nintendo Switch 2, tentatively set for 2025. Many speculate this could either be a remake of Black and White or return to the Johto region. Besides game releases, the 2025 Pokemon World Championships are set to shine a spotlight on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, as well as other beloved titles in the franchise.

When it comes to Pokemon, the excitement never truly wanes. Although the traditional development cycle seems to be stretching with the tenth generation not hitting until 2026, 2025 is already shaping up to be a year brimming with anticipation. The annual Pokemon Day on February 27th is a red-letter day for fans, and this year’s celebrations might just hold some major surprises if the whispers on the internet hold any truth. With video games dominating Nintendo consoles, enticing mobile titles, and the enduring trading card game, the Pokemon franchise might just exceed expectations this year.

One of the year’s headliners is predicted to be Pokemon Legends: Z-A, set in the enchanting Kalos region. Although its release date remains under wraps, leaks and past trends suggest a possible gameplay trailer early in 2025, with the full release likely between March and June. Fans can look forward to consistent post-launch support, possibly including patches and new downloadable content.

Looking beyond 2025, there’s much speculation around upcoming releases. While it seems the tenth Pokemon generation will launch in 2026, fans might not have to wait long for a fresh addition to their collection. Rumored plans for a 2025 release on the Nintendo Switch 2 could involve a reimagining of the classic Pokemon Black and White games. A cryptic tweet from well-known leaker Riddler Khu hints at this possibility with an image of a black and white dolphin — a nod, perhaps, to the original codename for these games. Alternatively, Johto’s time in the spotlight might have finally come around again, potentially through a new “Pokemon Let’s Go” title. As with any rumor, it’s best to stay cautious until official announcements are made. If anything should surface, fans might hear about it on Pokemon Day 2025.

August will set the stage for the Pokemon World Championships in Anaheim, California. With Pokemon Legends: Z-A unlikely to include PvP elements, the championships will likely feature Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as the mainstay for the VGC segment, though specifics on the regulations remain uncertain. Other competitions will highlight popular games like Pokemon GO and the ever-expanding Pokemon TCG, with potential appearances by newer titles like Pokemon TCG Pocket.

Moreover, ongoing support for current Pokemon titles is expected throughout the year, with updates big and small rolling out for several games, such as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon GO, and the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Notably, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have just wrapped up an exciting Shiny Rayquaza event, hinting at more thrilling encounters to come. Pokemon TCG is also gearing up for the launch of its Prismatic Evolutions set, predicted to be among the most successful yet, largely due to its focus on Eevee and its evolutions.

The franchise is gearing up for a dynamic 2025, with each series installment receiving attention to ensure fans remain engaged and immersed in their Pokemon-loving adventures.