Summary
- Pokemon GO will soon be unplayable on some older mobile devices following updates that will end support for 32-bit Android devices.
- Players using affected devices should save their login information and consider upgrading their phones to continue playing after the updates in March and June 2025.
- Despite the inconvenience, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise with planned and rumored game releases.
Pokemon GO is set to become unplayable on several older mobile devices, with some phones losing access as early as March 2025. This change will only affect 32-bit Android devices, meaning fans who have not upgraded their phones in a while may need to consider a trade-in to keep playing.
As an augmented reality walking game, Pokemon GO encourages players to explore the real world to catch and battle new Pokemon. Launched in July 2016, the game celebrated its ninth anniversary this summer. While it peaked at around 232 million active players in its debut year, it remains popular, with over 110 million players reported in the 30-day period ending December 2024.
However, some players will lose access over the next few months as Niantic aims to enhance the game's performance on newer devices, leading to 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 in 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 affect 32-bit Android devices that acquired Pokemon GO through Google Play. The development team has provided a list of affected phones, but 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 affected players to save their login information securely, as they can still access their accounts after upgrading to a compatible phone. However, until they upgrade, they won't be able to access their accounts, including any purchased Pokecoins.
While this news may disappoint affected players, 2025 is shaping up to be a significant year for the Pokemon franchise. Pokemon Legends: Z-A awaits a confirmed release date, and rumors suggest remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a new installment in the Let's Go series. Although details about Pokemon GO's plans for 2025 remain unclear, a leaked date for a Pokemon Presents show on February 27 may shed more light on what's to come.
