Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Devices in 2025
Several older mobile devices will lose compatibility with Pokemon GO following upcoming updates in March and June 2025. This change primarily impacts 32-bit Android devices, leaving many long-time players needing to upgrade their phones to continue their gameplay.
Pokemon GO, a globally popular augmented reality game, celebrates its ninth anniversary this summer. Despite its age, the game maintains a substantial player base, exceeding 110 million active players in December 2024. However, Niantic's efforts to optimize the game for modern devices necessitate ending support for older hardware.
On January 9th, Niantic announced that the March and June 2025 updates will render certain older Android devices incompatible. The first update affects some Samsung Galaxy Store downloads, while the second specifically targets 32-bit Android devices from Google Play. While a complete list hasn't been provided, affected devices include, but are not limited to:
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
- Several Android devices released before 2015
Players using affected devices are urged to securely save their login credentials. While they can access their accounts after upgrading to a compatible device, gameplay will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete. This includes access to any purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated titles like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are slated for release, alongside rumored remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a potential new Let's Go series installment. While Pokemon GO's future plans remain unclear, a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th may offer further details.
