Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Devices in 2025
Several older mobile devices will lose compatibility with Pokémon GO following updates scheduled for March and June 2025. This change primarily impacts 32-bit Android devices, leaving many long-time players needing to upgrade their phones to continue their gameplay.
Pokémon GO, a location-based augmented reality game, celebrated its eighth anniversary in 2024 and maintains a significant player base exceeding 110 million monthly active users (as of December 2024). However, Niantic's optimization efforts to improve performance on modern devices necessitate the discontinuation of support for older hardware.
On January 9th, Niantic announced that the upcoming updates will render certain devices incompatible. The first update (March 2025) affects some Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, while the second (June 2025) specifically targets 32-bit Android devices obtained via Google Play. While a complete list isn't provided, affected devices include, but are not limited to:
Affected Devices:
- 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 securely save their login credentials. While account access will be restored after upgrading to a compatible device, gameplay will be unavailable until then, including access to any purchased Pokécoins.
Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokémon franchise. Highly anticipated releases like Pokémon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored projects such as Pokémon Black and White remakes, and a potential new Let's Go installment, are on the horizon. Further details regarding Pokémon GO's future may be revealed during a rumored Pokémon Presents showcase on February 27th.
