Games

Decoding the Pokemon Franchise's Development Patterns

Insights into the frequent release of new Pokemon games and how fans can anticipate future titles based on historical patterns.
Decoding the Pokemon Franchise's Development Patterns

Highlights

  • New mainline Pokemon games are typically released every 3-5 years, with DLC or third versions following 1-2 years after the main release.
  • Remakes of Pokemon games align with the order of mainline releases, with the anticipated Black and White remake likely around 2027.
  • Non-mainline Pokemon titles like Pokemon Legends: Z-A bring innovation to the franchise, with unpredictable release schedules offering surprises to fans.

Among video game franchises, Pokemon stands out as a colossal entity, attracting millions of gamers with each new release. Fortunately for enthusiasts, the wait for a fresh game is relatively short.

The development cycle of Pokemon games follows a consistent rhythm, offering fans the chance to speculate on upcoming releases. By examining past trends, it's possible to forecast the launch of future mainline and remake titles.

Pokemon's Mainline Games Development Cycle

Every few years, a new core Pokemon game emerges, especially evident when observing the timeline of Western releases.

  • Red and Blue - 1998
  • Yellow - 1999
  • Gold and Silver - 2000
  • Crystal - 2001
  • Ruby and Sapphire - 2003
  • Emerald - 2005
  • Diamond and Pearl - 2007
  • Platinum - 2009
  • Black and White - 2011
  • Black and White 2 - 2012
  • X and Y - 2013
  • Sun and Moon - 2016
  • Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon - 2017
  • Sword and Shield - 2019

Unlike a third version, Sword and Shield saw two expansions, a trend also seen in Scarlet and Violet.

  • The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra - 2020
  • Scarlet and Violet - 2022
  • The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero - 2023

Discerning the Pokemon Release Timeline Pattern

The release schedule suggests a new mainline Pokemon game every 3 to 5 years, with third versions or DLC typically arriving 1 to 2 years post main release.

Pokemon Remake Development Cycle

Similar patterns surface when scrutinizing the remake release schedule.

  • FireRed and LeafGreen - 2004
  • HeartGold and SoulSilver - 2010
  • OmegaRuby and AlphaSapphire - 2014
  • Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - 2021

Remakes adhere to the mainline game order rather than a fixed release cycle, indicating the next anticipated remake is for Black and White.

Exploring Non-Mainline Pokemon Titles

Alternate titles like Let's Go Pikachu, Let's Go Eevee, and Pokemon Legends: Arceus provide a fresh take on the traditional Pokemon formula. Their release dates remain unpredictable, occasionally coinciding with new Nintendo console launches.

Anticipate the upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A set for a 2025 debut. This enigmatic title seems poised to address lingering questions from Pokemon X and Y while mirroring the gameplay of Legends: Arceus. The diversity in these releases ensures the franchise remains captivating despite its frequent new additions.

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