What‘s the next Pokemon game after Scarlet and Violet?
With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet just released in November 2022, kicking off the new Gen 9 era, Trainers are already speculating: what will the next Pokemon game be after this new Paldea adventure? While Game Freak plays their cards typically close to their vest, analyzing patterns, rumors, and official announcements provides clues. Here‘s my breakdown as a long-time Pokemon gaming fan on what we could see release through 2024 and beyond!
Scarlet and Violet on Track for Long-term Support With Upcoming DLC
First up, we know Game Freak plans to support these new Gen 9 titles well into 2023 rather than rush a brand new game thanks to the recently revealed "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero" DLC expansions. Likely releasing late 2023, this paid content will let trainers continue adventures in Paldea with new story, areas, characters, and of course – more Pokemon!
Historically, it takes around 3 years for post-release DLC like this to stop rolling out once a generation starts. With these expansions still inbound, Game Freak seems focused on enhancing the Gen 9 experience through at least late 2023 rather than diverting resources already for the next tentpole release.
Between the two versions, Scarlet and Violet melted sales records with over 10 million physical copies sold in their first three days per Famitsu numbers. For comparison, that tops the lifetime sales of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl! This breakout success suggests keeping Gen 9 going strong takes priority. We could even see a third version game la Pokémon Z still on the table depending on DLC adoption.
Gen 9 Enhancements Should Hold Fans Over For Now
So while not the most exciting prediction for those awaiting brand new games, all signs point to Scarlet and Violet updates being the main Pokemon releases through 2023 at minimum. But websites like Serebii offer unofficial leaks that reveal what could be in the upcoming DLC, including:
| New Areas | Supposedly 2 new large areas |
| New Story Content | Tweets point to engaging additions |
| Expanded Pokedex | Up to 230 new Pokemon if rumors pan out |
Just the chance to catch 230 additional Pokemon would practically offer a whole new adventure! If these leaks hold any water, the wait for the next game after Scarlet and Violet may be easier thanks to meaningfully expanded content and lore keeping this generation engaging well into 2024 and beyond potentially.
Black and White Remakes Continue Revisit Pattern – My Leading 2023/2024 Prediction
Peering deeper into my crystal ball for what comes next, Pokemon history offers clues. Game Freak tends to alternate between introducing new generations and revisiting past ones via remakes. We‘ve seen this pattern with FireRed/LeafGreen –> Diamond/Pearl –> HeartGold/SoulSilver –> Black/White – X/Y and so on.
Coming off Scarlet and Violet commencing Gen 9, this precedent suggests a remake could come next rather than kicking off Generation 10 already. And the lone core series games yet to receive the remake treatment? Black and White! First released on the Nintendo DS back 2010/2011, I believe Unova remakes are inevitable as Game Freak fills this obvious gap.
Now when could these hypothetical Black and White remasters release? 2023 may be rushing it given the upcoming Scarlet/Violet expansions. But 2024 seems like an ideal timing in my view. By then, fans could be hungry for totally new mainline games rather than just Gen 9 DLC.
What would Unova remakes look like? I‘d guess a visual style blending Legends Arceus’ faithful reimagining with Scarlet/Violet’s sleek aesthetics – maybe calling back to Black and White’s unique seasons mechanic too. And hardware-wise, Switch again seems assured barring a shocking mid-generation upgrade.
Regardless of exact form, the stars feel aligned for Black and White to get their deserved glow-up treatment constituting the next headline Pokemon release after we get our fill of Scarlet and Violet additions. Unova was a real creative high point for the series – I know I’d return in a heartbeat!
Traditional Gen 9 Sequels Possible Too – Just Not Yet
Beyond remakes, Pokemon‘s future has often meant new generations seeing direct numbered sequels. We got Gold and Silver expanding after Red and Blue… then Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon capping off Sun and Moon more recently. So could Scarlet and Violet also receive follow-ups carrying on the Paldea journey rather than entering Gen 10?
I‘d bank on it…eventually! New generations usually last at least 3 years before successor games though. Especially with Scarlet and Violet DLC en route, Game Freak seems unlikely rush a sequel out quickly. But once the Gen 9 well runs dry in 2024 or 2025 perhaps? Traditional Scarlet and Violet 2 versions with a larger Paldea dex, more playing off the originals‘ lore and characters, make plenty of sense down the line.
The one wrinkle could be if sales fall short of expectations once the DLC hype dies down. But with those record-setting launch numbers, I expect vibrant continuing interest in Gen 9 helping warrant a direct sequel once we get further beyond 2023.
Further Out – Legends Revisit or Brand New Spinoff Concept
Looking ahead even more conjecturally, there‘s still room for Pokemon Legends to become an occasional sub-series. Legends Arceus earlier this year garnered strong reviews and interest in its radicalopen world historic take on Sinnoh. I could see Game Freak returning to this format for beloved past regions or even attempting new gameplay concepts not yearly, but every few years potentially.
Rumors floated of a possible Johto origin story game. Or they could go really bold with the Paldea civilization idea hinted at but never fully explored in Scarlet and Violet – maybe even tying into legends like Koraidon and Miraidon! Either way, though not guaranteed annually, I‘d bet Legends releases pepper main series generations moving forward.
And who knows – maybe 2024 or beyond could bring some entirely new left-field Pokemon spinoff. The franchise has spawned everything from snapped to brawlers to quests over 25+ years after all! But following the Scarlet and Violet DLC keeping 2023 engaging, I still think faithful Black and White remakes make the most thematic sense as the next true Pokemon title likely coming 2024 to buy time before Gen 10 inevitably emerges later on.
The Waiting is the Hardest Part!
So there you have it – my current predictions on what awaits on the Pokemon gaming horizon after Scarlet and Violet! From continued Gen 9 support through late 2023 to possible Unova remakes in 2024, then maybe traditional ScarVio sequels or experimental spinoffs later on, fans hopefully face exciting years ahead. While I can‘t wait to learn what‘s definitely next, analyzing history and patterns suggests strong options. Now time will tell as we await official word from Game Freak!
What potential Pokemon games do you most want to see come 2023 and beyond during this Scarlet/Violet phase? Personally, I need those Unova remakes sooner than later. But no doubt the creators still have some surprises up their sleeves for trainers everywhere!
