Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Devices in 2025
Upcoming updates to Pokemon GO will render the game unplayable on several older mobile devices, starting as early as March 2025. This change primarily impacts 32-bit Android devices, leaving long-time players with unsupported phones needing to upgrade to continue their gameplay.
Pokemon GO, the popular augmented reality game celebrating its ninth anniversary this summer, boasts a significant player base. While player numbers have fluctuated since its 2016 launch, the game remains incredibly popular. However, Niantic's efforts to optimize the game for newer devices necessitate ending support for older models.
On January 9th, Niantic announced that a pair of updates, scheduled for March and June 2025, will discontinue support for certain devices. The first update affects some Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, while the second specifically targets 32-bit Android devices obtained via Google Play. While a complete list hasn't been provided, affected devices include various models from Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG, OnePlus, HTC, and ZTE, along with some pre-2015 Android releases. Importantly, 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones remain supported.
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 they can regain access after upgrading their phones, they will be unable to play—including accessing purchased Pokecoins—until they do so.
Despite this setback for some players, 2025 promises to be an exciting year for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are on the horizon, with rumors circulating about potential remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a new entry in the Let's Go series. While Pokemon GO's 2025 plans remain unclear, a rumored Pokemon Presents event on February 27th may shed more light on the game's future.
