Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025
A pair of upcoming updates to Pokemon GO will render the game unplayable on several older mobile devices, starting as early as March 2025. This change primarily affects 32-bit Android devices, leaving many long-time players needing to upgrade their phones to continue their gameplay.
Pokemon GO, the popular augmented reality game celebrating its ninth anniversary this summer, maintains a significant player base. However, Niantic's efforts to optimize the game for newer devices necessitate ending support for older models. The official announcement on January 9th detailed that updates in March and June 2025 will remove compatibility for specific 32-bit Android phones. The first update impacts some Android devices downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store, while the second targets 32-bit Android devices obtained via Google Play.
While a complete list of affected devices wasn't provided, the following models are confirmed to lose support:
- 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
- Several Android devices released before 2015
Players using affected devices are urged to securely save their login credentials. While they can regain access after upgrading their phones, they will be temporarily locked out until then, including any purchased Pokecoins.
Despite this inconvenience, 2025 promises exciting developments for the broader Pokemon franchise. The highly anticipated Pokemon Legends: Z-A awaits a release date, and rumors circulate about potential remakes of Pokemon Black and White and a new Let's Go installment. Further details regarding Pokemon GO's future may be revealed at a rumored Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th.
