Pokemon Series Faces Unprecedented Release Timeline Shift
The beloved franchise experiences its longest gap between mainline game releases to date.
The Pokemon franchise is experiencing an unprecedented shift in its release schedule, marking a significant change from its traditionally consistent pattern. For the first time in the series’ history, fans are witnessing a three-year gap between mainline game releases, surpassing the previous two-year maximum interval that had been maintained since the franchise’s inception.
This extended break follows the 2022 releases of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, along with Pokemon Legends: Z-A. The gaming community, accustomed to regular Pokemon releases since the series’ explosion in popularity during the 1990s, now finds itself in uncharted territory. Throughout its history, the franchise has maintained a steady stream of content, including new generations, remakes, and innovative spin-offs.
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
Looking ahead, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is confirmed for a 2025 Nintendo Switch release, with industry insiders suggesting a potential native Switch 2 version. Reports indicate another mainline Pokemon title might arrive in late 2025, though it won’t introduce Generation 10. While some speculate about possible Black and White remakes, these rumors remain unconfirmed.
Generation 10 of Pokemon isn’t anticipated until 2026 at the earliest, potentially setting another record as the longest gap between generational releases since the four-year span between Diamond/Pearl and Black/White. Recent reports suggest these games are being developed for the original Switch, though they may receive Switch 2 enhanced versions.
The Pokemon community’s next major update is expected during the Pokemon Presents event on February 27, where new announcements about the franchise’s future development are anticipated.