Pokémon GO Retiring Support for Older Devices

Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025

Several older mobile devices will soon lose compatibility with Pokemon GO, impacting players using 32-bit Android phones. Niantic, the game developer, announced on January 9th that updates scheduled for March and June 2025 will end support for these devices. This affects a significant number of older Android models, though 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones will remain compatible.

This change, while potentially inconvenient for affected players, aims to optimize Pokemon GO's performance on more current hardware. The game, launched in July 2016, boasts a substantial player base, exceeding 110 million active players in December 2024, according to ActivePlayer reports. However, players using the affected devices will need to upgrade to continue playing.

Affected Devices:

While a complete list isn't provided, Niantic confirmed incompatibility for several models, including:

• 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
• Various Android devices released before 2015

Players using these devices are urged to securely save their login credentials before the updates. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible device, they will be unable to play until then, including accessing any purchased Pokecoins.

Looking Ahead to 2025:

Despite this change, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are on the horizon, along with rumored remakes of Pokemon Black and White, and a potential new entry in the Let's Go series. While Pokemon GO's future plans remain somewhat unclear, a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th may shed more light on upcoming content.