Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older 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 in March and June 2025 will end support for these devices. This affects a significant number of older Android models, impacting players who haven't upgraded their phones in recent years. While the game boasts over 110 million active players (December 2024 data), this change will directly affect a subset of that player base.
The first update (March 2025) will impact some Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store. The second (June 2025) will specifically target 32-bit Android devices obtained via Google Play. While a complete list isn't provided, affected devices include, but aren't limited to:
- 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 affected devices are urged to safeguard their login credentials. While they can access their accounts after upgrading their phones, access will be unavailable until a compatible device is acquired. This includes any purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored titles such as Pokemon Black and White remakes and a new Let's Go installment are on the horizon. A potential Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th may shed more light on future Pokemon GO updates.
