Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025

Pokemon GO players using older Android devices face an upcoming gameplay interruption. Niantic, the game developer, announced that upcoming updates in March and June 2025 will end support for 32-bit Android devices. This means millions of players may need to upgrade their phones to continue their Pokemon journey.

The popular augmented reality game, celebrating its ninth anniversary this summer, maintains a substantial player base exceeding 110 million monthly active users (December 2024 data). However, this upcoming change will affect a segment of this community. The January 9th announcement detailed the impending incompatibility, impacting devices that downloaded the game via the Samsung Galaxy Store (March update) and Google Play (June update).

While a complete list of affected devices wasn't provided, Niantic confirmed that several older models, including specific Samsung Galaxy, Sony Xperia, Motorola Moto G, LG, OnePlus, HTC, ZTE, and other pre-2015 Android devices will lose access. 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones remain unaffected.

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
• Certain Android devices released before 2015

Players on affected devices are urged to safeguard their login credentials. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible device, gameplay will be temporarily unavailable until the upgrade is complete. This includes access to any purchased Pokecoins.

Despite this setback for some players, 2025 promises exciting developments within the broader Pokemon franchise. The release of Pokemon Legends: Z-A is anticipated, alongside rumored projects like Pokemon Black and White remakes and a potential new Let's Go title. Further details on Pokemon GO's future may emerge from a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th.