Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android 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 that updates in March and June 2025 will end support for these devices. This affects a significant number of older Android models, though 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones will remain compatible.
This change, while potentially inconvenient for affected players, is part of Niantic's ongoing effort to optimize the game for newer hardware. The game, launched in July 2016, maintains a substantial player base, exceeding 110 million active players in December 2024, according to recent reports. However, players using affected devices will need to upgrade their phones to continue playing after the upcoming updates.
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
Niantic advises players on affected devices to securely save their login credentials. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible phone, players will temporarily lose access, including any purchased Pokecoins, until the upgrade is complete.
Despite this news, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokemon Legends: Z-A are on the horizon, along with rumored remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a potential new Let's Go title. Further details regarding Pokemon GO's future may be revealed during a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th.