Pokémon GO Delisting Older Devices

Pokemon GO to Drop Support for Older Android Devices in 2025

Several older mobile devices will lose compatibility with Pokemon GO following upcoming updates in March and June 2025. This change primarily affects 32-bit Android devices, leaving many long-time players needing to upgrade their phones to continue playing.

The popular augmented reality game, celebrating its ninth anniversary this summer, maintains a significant player base exceeding 110 million monthly active users (December 2024 data). However, Niantic's optimization efforts necessitate ending support for older hardware to ensure smoother gameplay on current devices.

On January 9th, Niantic announced that the March and June updates will remove compatibility for specific Android devices, including those downloaded from the Samsung Galaxy Store and Google Play. While a complete list isn't provided, affected devices include several models from Samsung, Sony, Motorola, LG, OnePlus, HTC, and ZTE, along with various Android devices released before 2015. Specifically mentioned are the Samsung Galaxy S4, S5, Note 3, and J3; Sony Xperia Z2 and Z3; Motorola Moto G (1st generation); LG Fortune and Tribute; OnePlus One; HTC One (M8); ZTE Overture 3. 64-bit Android devices and all iPhones will remain supported.

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 the upgrade is complete. This includes access to any purchased Pokecoins.

Despite this disruption, 2025 promises exciting developments for the Pokemon franchise. Anticipated releases include Pokemon Legends: Z-A (release date pending) and rumored titles such as Pokemon Black and White remakes and a new Let's Go installment. A potential Pokemon Presents showcase on February 27th may offer further details regarding future Pokemon GO updates.