Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Devices in 2025
Starting March and June 2025, Pokemon GO will no longer be compatible with certain older mobile devices due to upcoming updates. This change primarily affects 32-bit Android devices, leaving many long-time players needing to upgrade their phones to continue their gameplay.
Pokemon GO, the popular augmented reality game celebrating its ninth anniversary this summer, maintains a significant player base. However, Niantic's efforts to optimize the game for modern devices necessitate ending support for older models. The January 9th announcement on the official website detailed the upcoming incompatibility, affecting Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store (March update) and 32-bit Android devices from Google Play (June update). While a complete list of affected devices wasn't provided, 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
- Various Android devices released before 2015
Players facing incompatibility are urged to securely save their login credentials. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible device, gameplay will be unavailable until then, including access to purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this inconvenience, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are on the horizon, alongside rumored remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a potential new Let's Go title. Further details regarding Pokemon GO's future may emerge from a leaked Pokemon Presents event scheduled for February 27th.
