Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Devices in 2025
Upcoming updates to Pokemon GO will end support for several older mobile devices, impacting players using 32-bit Android phones. These changes, scheduled for March and June 2025, mean affected users will need to upgrade their devices to continue playing.
The popular augmented reality game, launched in July 2016, maintains a substantial player base exceeding 110 million monthly active users (as of December 2024). However, Niantic's optimization efforts to enhance performance on newer devices necessitate this change. The January 9th announcement on the official Pokemon GO website detailed the upcoming incompatibility. The first update (March 2025) will affect some Samsung Galaxy Store users, while the second (June 2025) specifically targets 32-bit Android devices from Google Play.
Affected Devices (Partial List):
- 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
Players with affected devices are urged to securely save their login credentials. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible phone, they will temporarily lose access, including any purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Anticipated releases include Pokemon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored titles such as Pokemon Black and White remakes and a new Let's Go installment. Further details regarding Pokemon GO's future may be revealed at a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th.
