After the successful releases of Pokemon Scarlet, Pokemon Violet, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus in 2022, the current year for Pokemon has been relatively quiet. The highly anticipated game, Detective Pikachu Returns, stands as the most notable release, while fans can anticipate the arrival of both parts of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet by the end of the year. Other events on the horizon for 2023 include the integration of Generation 9 into Pokemon HOME and the long-awaited launch of Pokemon Sleep. However, overall, 2023 may not go down as a particularly memorable year for Pokemon.
Looking ahead to 2024, the future holds great uncertainty for both Pokemon and Nintendo as a whole, with persistent rumors of a potential successor to the Nintendo Switch. This presents an opportunity for Pokemon to redeem itself, as some of its previous entries on the Switch have encountered technical issues that could potentially be addressed on more powerful hardware. It is important to note that there is no confirmation that Pokemon's next mainline entries will be ready for release in 2024, nor is there any indication of a complete transition to a new console. However, considering past release patterns, 2024 could be a significant year for Pokemon enthusiasts.
Multiple Mainline Pokemon Games Could Land In 2024
There is usually a gap of three or four years between each Pokemon generation, and by 2024, it will be about halfway between the release of a remake. Remakes have been a regular part of the Pokemon franchise since Generation 3's FireRed and LeafGreen, but in recent years, they have taken on different forms such as Pokemon Let's Go! and Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
Fans are worried that if the Pokemon Generation 5 remakes follow the same disappointing approach as BDSP, but they could also be handled like previous remakes or even replaced by Pokemon Let's Go! versions of Generation 2's games. Speaking of games set in Johto, there might also be a chance for the release of the next Pokemon Legends entry in 2024.
Pokemon Spin-Offs Are Sure To Accompany 2024
: Game Freak's plans for future Pokémon games remain uncertain, with no confirmation yet on whether they will continue the Legends series. However, following the captivating journey back in time with Legends: Arceus, it's possible that the next adventure could involve time travel alongside the mystical Celebi. Even if this prospect doesn't come to fruition, Pokémon enthusiasts can look forward to the rumored enhancements for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet in 2024, coinciding with the expected launch of a new Switch model. If this new model happens to be the anticipated Switch 2, it opens up the exciting possibility of remastered versions of these games, as well as other Pokémon titles, being released on the upgraded console.Moving on from Game Freak's accomplishments, there are numerous other game studios that are likely developing Pokemon spin-offs. Based on previous release patterns, it is highly probable that we can expect a notable Pokemon spin-off to hit the market in 2024. While there is no concrete information on what this game could entail, several possibilities come to mind. Spike Chunsoft, for instance, might be on the verge of releasing the next installment in the beloved Pokemon Mystery Dungeon series. Fans are eagerly anticipating a potential remake of the fan-favorite Explorers of Sky.
The framework for Rescue Team DX has already been completed, which means that the title could have been finished anytime between 2020 and 2024. However, there are also a few other common spin-off categories that might see new entries in the upcoming year. It has been three years since the release of Pokemon Cafe and about two years since its update to Cafe ReMix, so now would be a fitting time to announce another small Pokemon diversion.
What is worth noting is the close relationship between the Pokemon Company and Bandai Namco in recent years. They have collaborated on titles such as the Pokken Tournament series and the recently released New Pokemon Snap in 2021. Although these games may not have reached the same level of sales as the mainline Pokemon games developed by Game Freak, they have still managed to gather a small but dedicated fanbase. This suggests that Bandai Namco may have something else in store for the Pokemon franchise, and 2024 would be a suitable year to ensure that it is not released on its own.