"Pokemon GO to End Support for Certain Devices Soon"

Summary

• Pokemon GO will soon become unplayable on some older mobile devices due to updates that will end support for 32-bit Android devices.
• Players using these affected devices should save their login information and consider upgrading their phones to continue playing after the updates in March and June 2025.
• Despite this setback, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise, with confirmed and rumored game releases on the horizon.

Pokemon GO is set to become inaccessible on several older mobile devices, with some phones losing access as early as March 2025. This change affects only 32-bit Android devices, so fans who have not upgraded their phones in a while may need to consider a trade-in to continue playing.

As an augmented reality game that encourages players to explore the real world to catch and battle Pokemon, Pokemon GO is approaching its ninth anniversary this summer, having launched in July 2016. Although it reached peak player activity of around 232 million active players in its debut year, it remains popular, with over 110 million players active in the 30-day period ending December 2024, according to ActivePlayer reports.

However, some of these players will lose access over the next few months as Niantic aims to optimize the game for more current devices, resulting in the end of service for 32-bit Androids. The official Pokemon GO website announced on January 9 that several older phone models will no longer be supported following updates set for March and June 2025. The first update will impact some Android devices that downloaded the game from the Samsung Galaxy store, while the second will specifically target 32-bit Android devices that acquired Pokemon GO through Google Play. The game's development team has provided a list of affected phones, though it is not exhaustive. Importantly, 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones will continue to be supported.

Pokemon GO Ending Support for the Following Devices

• Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, J3
• Sony Xperia Z2, Z3
• Motorola Moto G (1st generation)
• LG Fortune, Tribute
• OnePlus One
• HTC One (M8)
• ZTE Overture 3
• Certain Android devices released before 2015

The developers advise players with affected devices to save their login information securely, as they will still be able to access their accounts after upgrading to a compatible phone. However, until they upgrade, they will not be able to access their accounts, including any purchased Pokecoins.

While this news may be disappointing for affected players, 2025 holds promise for the Pokemon franchise. Pokemon Legends: Z-A is awaiting a confirmed release date, and there are rumors of remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a new installment in the Let's Go series. Although details for Pokemon GO in 2025 are unclear, a leaked date for a Pokemon Presents show on February 27 may provide more insights.