What is the next Pokémon game in 2024?
If patterns hold, longtime fans can expect brand new mainline Pokémon games to launch in late 2024, introducing the 10th Generation with further evolved mechanics and a vibrant new region.
Piecing Together Clues Pointing to Gen 10
Game Freak develops new generations approximately every three years. With Scarlet and Violet releasing holiday 2022, precedent suggests Gen 10 could release holiday 2024 to align with their schedule. Additionally, trusted insiders and analysts like CentroLeaks have hinted Gen 10 is already well into development.
Table: Past Release Timelines Suggest 2024 Launch
| Generation | Year Released | Years Between |
|---|---|---|
| I | 1996 | 0 |
| II | 1999 | 3 |
| III | 2002 | 3 |
| IV | 2006 | 4 |
| V | 2010 | 4 |
| VI | 2013 | 3 |
| VII | 2016 | 3 |
| VIII | 2019 | 3 |
| IX | 2022 | 3 |
| X | 2024 | ? |
With an average gap around 3 years between generations, 2024 seems a likely target. Game Freak also seems to avoid launching new generations in the same years as remakes, further pointing to 2024 rather than 2023.
Where in the World Could Gen 10 Take Place?
Fans theorize Australia could inspire the next region as developers researched there in 2019. The vivid Outback, Great Barrier Reef, and cosmopolitan Sydney present diverse inspiration. New Zealand‘s epic landscapes or Pacific islands also offer possibilities. Real-world areas often influence Pokémon regions, like France for Kalos and UK for Galar. Any would allow delightful new species reflecting local wildlife!
I‘d personally love to see a New Zealand-inspired map with rolling green hills, icy mountain peaks, and breathtaking coastal views for trainers to explore. And Australian influences could introduce mammals like wombats and kangaroos finally joining the Pokédex!
Pushing Gameplay Boundaries Further
As the first proper open world Pokémon games, Scarlet and Violet redefined the traditional formula. Rumors already suggest Gen 10 aims to enhance this further with online integration. I‘d expect location-based passive multiplayer allowing random encounters with others out in the world. Perhaps Raid Battles at set times summoning trainers together temporarily too!
Following Pokémon could also evolve (pun intended) to actively assist catching and battles. Terrain may factor more into move types — fiery moves powered up on desert sands for example. With over a thousand creatures now, new regional variant forms help keep rosters fresh as well. I‘d love to design some myself inspired by Kiwi animals and culture!
Don‘t Forget Remakes, Spin-Offs, and DLC Down the Line!
Beyond introducing new generations, Game Freak intersperses reimagined classics, crossover titles with other franchises, and expanded content for current games.
Remakes often launch a year or two after new generations, so Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl seem destined for full Switch makeovers in 2025 or 2026. And the success of Let‘s Go, Pikachu! and Eevee! begs for Johto sequel editions. I‘d faint if a Pokémon Conquest 2 someday combined strategic battles with Nobunaga‘s Ambition characters again. That was a childhood favorite!
For Scarlet and Violet themselves, substantial DLC like Sword/Shield‘s Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra expansions seems probable. I expect at least two additional zones introduced over the next year or two.
The Waiting Game: Pinning Down an Exact Date
So when precisely could Gen 10 grace Nintendo Switch systems? Historical data provides clues:
- Most main titles launch November, in time for holiday sales
- Remakes tend to target early year instead
- Years without major RPG releases see more spin-off experimentation
So November 15th, 2024 seems the destined launch for Gen 10‘s paired editions if patterns repeat! With console reveals rumored by mid-2023, I anticipate first trailers by April 2024.
A 2024 holiday launch lets the Gen 9 anime conclude its assumed 3 season run. It gives sufficient spacing from Scarlet/Violet. And the extended timeline allows Game Freak to implement ambitious ideas.
Holding My Breath for Official Announcements!
As a lifelong fan who remembers begging my parents for a Game Boy Color and Pokémon Blue for Christmas 1999, speculating on future generations ignites nostalgia and excitement. I still proudly display my collection of over 300 figures and plushies!
Gen 10 has massive shoes to fill following Scarlet and Violet‘s critical and commercial success. But Game Freak yet to let us loyal trainers down. I trust they‘re cooking up ideas again to capture our imaginations on brave new journeys! Fingers crossed for a tropical Australian island or frigid New Zealand mountaintops to battle within by 2024 holidays.
So while anticipating official updates, I‘ll keep honing my Terastal strategies, dreaming up wacky regional fakemon, and telling everyone I know November 2024 is a date to circle on calendars for the next huge Pokémon RPG adventure!
