Even before 2023 had started,Pokemonwas already making headlines, from big changes for its long-running anime to prospective updates for its latest ninth generation, so expectations are already high for where the series will go for the year. Currently,Pokemonis still riding the momentum it gained fromPokemon ScarletandViolet.Still, players are already setting their sights on future content whether it has already been confirmed, is currently suspected, or is only rumored. As a result, with fans already trying to preemptPokemon, 2023 has a lot to deliver if it’s to live up to this hype.
At present, what has been confirmed so far has already set the stage for 2023 with hints to even greaterpotential forPokemon’sfuture, ranging from something huge like Ash Ketchum’s retirement from the anime to ongoing updates to side games likePokemon UniteandPokemon GO.Beyond this, future prospects for 2023 that have yet to be confirmed but seem very likely includeScarletandVioletDLC and possibly even Gen 5 remakes, with some even theorizing that afterPokemon Legends: Arceus' success a follow-up is sure to come. With this ever-expanding multimedia empire,Pokemonhas a big year ahead.
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Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC 2023
Despite a rocky start forPokemon’sinception of its ninth generation,Pokemon ScarletandViolethave gradually worked their way into players' hearts, even if it might be a little rough around the edges. However, just asPokemon SwordandShieldbroke with tradition by offering DLC unlike past titles in the franchise, fans are now anticipating the same forScarletandViolet. But while nothing has been officially confirmed so far, there are signs thatScarletandViolethave more to deliver for 2023, with teased new Legendaries and Paradox Pokemon to already-leaked Hisuian Pokemon that should come to Paldea sometime in the near future. As such, the most likely outcome is that Gen 9 will also get an expansion pass or DLC to offer more content for players to tackle.
Everything Happening in Pokemon GO in 2023
Even though it creeps closer to a decade old, Pokemon GO has been going strong since its heyday in 2016. Yet, despite its age, it still has ample more to bring across from the main games such as a sizable range of Pokemon between Gens 4 and 8 - not to mention the addition of Gen 9 to the mix. At least Gen 3 has been fully incorporated intoPokemon GOwith the inclusion of Kecleonas the last remaining Hoenn Pokemon, even alongside the revelation that Primal Reversion, seen inPokemon Alpha SapphireandOmega Ruby, will be also added to the game.
Beyond this, Niantic continues into 2023 with its ongoing efforts to keep the game fresh and interesting, reflected in the already numerous updates for monthly or special celebratory events, quest lines, Community Days, and more. Already January has seen the likes of Chespin and Larvitar feature forPokemon GO’s Community Days, and Noibatis set to start off February, while further into the year fans suspect that Froakie and Fennekin will likely also take center stage to round off the Gen 6 starters. Not to mention the prospects ofPokemon GO’sannual “GO Fest” which, judging by current clues, could take trainers to Hoenn with upcoming Primal Kyogre and Groudon.
Pokemon Unite and Other Updates in 2023
Aside fromPokemon GO, the series has a growing number of satellite games that have since joined its overall roster, many of which match the current industry trend with a free-to-play model. In particular, the series' entry into MOBA territory withPokemon Unitesaw a meteoric rise, outpacing the likes ofPokemon ReMix CafeandPokemon Masters EXsince its release. With no signs of slowing down moving into 2023, it’s already been confirmed it will continue to add cosmetic items and new playable Pokemon like Fairy-types, withPokemon Unitegetting Comfeyinto the mix or the leaked Zacian, as well as ongoing nerfs and buffs to its current roster.
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Meanwhile, other games appear set to maintain course, withReMix CafeandMasters EXsimilarly keeping a regular schedule moving into 2023. Given the age of these other games and displaced popularity by the likes ofUniteorPokemon GO’s unrivaled longevity, it could become anticipated among fans that, like otherPokemonmobile-centric games, these will gradually be phased out as the series moves forward into Gen 9. However, with projected updates such as Umbreon’s February spotlight inReMix CafeorMasters EX’s ongoing improvementsand new sync pairs, they don’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.
Pokemon Legends or Pokemon Black and White Remakes in 2023 and Beyond
DespitePokemon Legends: Arceushaving only been released in 2022 and withPokemon ScarletandVioletso soon after, it’s unlikely that 2023 will see anewPokemon Legendsgamein Gen 9. But following the figurative and literal historic spin-off’s success it seems inevitable that Game Freak would want to capitalize on this, especially when considering it has all but been confirmed that Hisuian Pokemon will be joiningScarletandViolet. Therefore, it’s possible that it could at least be confirmed in 2023 that a futurePokemon Legendsgame is in the works at a later date, though potentially alongside equally likely Gen 5 remakes.
WhilePokemon Legendsis only a hope among fans, a remake ofPokemon BlackandWhiteseems to be a very plausible thing from their perspective. Traditionally, remakes of every generation have always followed with each new generation, giving older games a facelift in graphics and in some cases even a revamp to their story. AfterPokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearl, however, players are no longer so sure what a remake might bring, as for the first time development was outsourced. Since bothGen 4 and Gen 5 were released to the DS, many expect that developer ILCA could again overseeBlackandWhite’sremakes.
But while this would appear to make the most sense, Gen 5 poses a unique challenge never before faced by remakes, as it’s the first generation to have seen direct sequels to previous games withPokemon Black 2andWhite 2. As these are technically different games within the same generation, it’s uncertain how Game Freak or any other developer might approach this. The most likely outcomes are either to release two sets of remakes respectively or to combine the two sets of games to create one all-encompassing story similar to thechanges inAlpha SapphireandOmega Rubywith Primal Reversion, Rayquaza, and Deoxys.
However, similar to the prospects of a newLegendsgame, it’s highly unlikely thatBlackandWhitewill be released in 2023, but they could still get official confirmation from The Pokemon Company further down the line. If this were the case, then that could be a strong indication for fans to anticipate a newLegendsgame to compliment theBlackandWhiteremakes, just asLegends: Arceushad withBrilliant DiamondandShining Pearl. With Unova’s rich history, it has already been a fan-favorite choice for a secondLegendsgame, which could work well in Game Freak’s favor.
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Pokemon TCG 2023 Releases
Even with the announcement thatPokemonTCG Onlinewould be shutting downwith the intention to migrate players toPokemon TCG Live,it’s beyond clear that the official trading card gamestill remains the powerhouse it had always been. This is especially true with streamers and other online personalities usingPokemoncards as part of their content. Thus, following in the wake ofPokemon ScarletandViolet, theTCGis set to add the latest Gen 9 Pokemon in March 2023, eventually becoming legal for Standard and Expanded formats in tournaments after the initial two weeks wait. Between Paradox Pokemon and Terastallization, theTCGmeta is going to significantly expand this year.
EarlyScarletandViolet TCGproduct breakdownsshowcase an expanded offering to justify recent hikes in prices among visual changes to give the new generation a distinctive look and feel. Some Terastallized Pokemon cards have already been either leaked or revealed and despite hopes thatTCGwould do something unique withScarletandViolet’sbattle mechanic gimmick, it’s still being well-received. With the prospect of futureScarletandVioletDLC on the horizon and theCrown Zenithexpansion released in January 2023, theTCGis going to keep growing and evolving in the year to come.
Pokemon Anime is in for Some Big Shake-Ups in 2023
However, in spite of everything else going on withPokemon, one of the biggest revelations announced in 2022 in preparation for its newScarletandVioletseries in 2023 was the historic retirement of Ash Ketchum as the anime’s lead character. After being the literal face of the anime alongside his partner Pikachu since 1997,Ash Ketchum’s journeyis about to officially come to an end after decades of multiple series and movies. While it is arguably the only logical outcome for a perpetually young trainer to have traveled to so many regions for so long, it still came as a shock to thePokemoncommunity that the decision had finally been made.
Now, withnewPokemonanime protagonists Liko and Royhaving been revealed to lead the anime, 2023 will see the start of a new era forPokemon. At present, it isn’t yet clear if the pair will capture fans' hearts the same way that Ash and Pikachu had, with challenges posed such as starter Pokemon being tied to generations while Pikachu is a timeless partner or balancing two characters' arcs instead of just one with Ash. But just as the games themselves have evolved over the years, from open-world design to gender non-conforming trainers, so too could the anime leadPokemonto new horizons.
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