Summary
With The Indigo Disk wrapping up the major new content forPokemon Scarlet and Violet, many fans have turned their attention towards what comes next for the series. The most common theory based on leaks and rumors is a return to the Unova Region afterPokemon Scarlet and Violet, whether through Gen 5 remakes or aPokemon LegendsUnova game. However, another theory gaining popularity within the community is that players could potentially see a new game set in Unova and one set in Gen 2’s Johto region release very close to each other ahead of a brand-new Gen 10.
It’s been a long-established fact that thePokemonseries likes to revisit past regions through remakes, and the addition ofPokemon Legends: Arceusas a new style of game in which to revisit certain locations gives the franchise a lot of potential for multiple releases set in different regions. Players could end up seeing a remake ofPokemon Black and Whiteas well as aPokemon LegendsJohto, or aPokemon Let’s GoJohto and aPokemon LegendsUnova under the new precedent set by the series. Whatever form these games take, there is some surprising evidence in favor of a dual Johto/Unova release in the near future.
Why Johto and Unova Could Both See New Pokemon Games
ThePokemoncommunity is already abuzz with rumors and leaks surrounding a new game set in the Unova Region.CrediblePokemonleaker Riddle Khuhas teased a return to the Unova Region, which is supported by evidence present inPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC. Additionally, many fans have been anticipating Gen 5 remakes afterPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but now rumors of a potential new Johto game have also started circulating, and there is some strong evidence supporting this dual-release theory.
Both Regions Have Gone the Longest Without a New Game
The last time players went to theJohto Region was inPokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which were released back in 2010, and the Unova Region back in 2012 with the release ofPokemon Black 2 and White 2. This means these are the two regions that have gone the longest without getting new games, since in the time since their release, fans have revisited Hoenn inPokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, Kanto inPokemon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, and Sinnoh inPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. As such, both of these regions are overdue for a revisit.
Recent Pokemon Games Have Been Giving New Forms to Johto and Unova Mons
It’s pretty clear that Game Freak is aware of the fan base’s desire for Johto and Unova content, since recent games likePokemon Legends: ArceusandPokemon Scarlet and Violethave heavily featured new forms or evolutions for Gen 2 and Gen 5 mons.Pokemon Legends: Arceusfeatured new critters like Overqwil, Ursaluna, and Wyrdeer as new evolutions for Gen 2 monsters, as well as Basculegion and new regional variants for Lilligant, Zorua and Zoroark, and Braviary for Gen 5.Scarlet and Violet’s Paradox formsalso predominantly feature Gen 2 and Gen 5 mons, with Johto’s Legendary Beasts and Unova’s Swords of Justice being a particular focus.
Scarlet and Violet’s DLC Teases Both Regions
The most recent hints towards new Johto and Unova games come from The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC forPokemon Scarlet and Violet.The Teal Mask’s Kitakamifeatures many native Johto mons, and its rustic, rural Japanese aesthetic is very similar to that of the Johto Region, suggesting the two are located near each other. It’s also revealed in this DLC that The Indigo Disk’s Blueberry Academy is located in the Unova Region, potentially setting players up for a full return to these two regions in the near future.
