Pokémon games release on a schedule set by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, not randomly

The Pokémon Company announces new game releases months in advance, usually during Nintendo Direct presentations or through their official social media channels. A new generation of Pokémon games typically launches every three to four years, though spin-off games and remakes come out more frequently. The official Pokémon website and Nintendo's own website are the only places where release dates are confirmed — not gaming news sites, not YouTube channels, not fan forums.

As of early 2024, the most recent mainline games are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, released in November 2022. The Pokémon Company has not yet announced a confirmed release date for the next generation. When they do announce it, the date will appear first on pokemon.com and nintendo.com, then spread to gaming retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon.

Key Takeaways

  • New Pokémon games are announced officially by The Pokémon Company and Nintendo, usually several months before release.
  • The official Pokémon website (pokemon.com) and Nintendo's website are the only reliable sources for confirmed release dates.
  • Mainline Pokémon games release every three to four years, but remakes and spin-off titles come out more often in between.
  • Pre-orders become available after an official announcement and typically open two to three months before the release date.
  • Gaming retailers like GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon receive the same release date information at the same time as Nintendo's official channels.

How The Pokémon Company announces new releases

The Pokémon Company uses Nintendo Direct — a video presentation broadcast online — to announce major new games. These presentations happen several times per year and are livestreamed on Nintendo's YouTube channel and website. When a new Pokémon game is announced, the presentation includes the game's name, the platforms it will release on (usually Nintendo Switch), and the release date.

Between Nintendo Direct events, The Pokémon Company also posts announcements on their official Twitter account (@Pokemon), their Instagram, and their website. If you follow these channels, you will see the announcement the same day it happens. Gaming news websites will report on the announcement afterward, but the original source is always The Pokémon Company's own channels.

The difference between mainline games, remakes, and spin-offs

Mainline games are the core Pokémon RPGs where you catch and train creatures to battle other trainers — games like Scarlet, Violet, Sword, and Shield. These release every three to four years and represent a new generation with new Pokémon species, new regions to explore, and new mechanics. A mainline game is what most players think of when they say "the new Pokémon game."

Remakes are updated versions of older games. Pokémon Legends: Arceus (2022) and Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (2021) are remakes of earlier games with new graphics and sometimes new gameplay. Remakes release more frequently than mainline games — sometimes two or three years apart — because they reuse existing Pokémon and regions rather than creating entirely new ones.

Spin-off games are titles that use Pokémon characters but change the core gameplay. Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee (2018) simplified the catching mechanic. Pokémon Mystery Dungeon and Pokémon Legends: Arceus changed the battle system entirely. Spin-offs can release at almost any time and do not follow the three-to-four-year cycle of mainline games.

Where to find confirmed release dates

The official Pokémon website (pokemon.com) has a "Games" section that lists all current and upcoming releases with their confirmed dates. Nintendo's official website (nintendo.com) also lists Pokémon games under their Switch games catalog. Both sites update these pages the moment a new game is announced.

If you want to be notified the moment a new game is announced, subscribe to The Pokémon Company's official channels: their YouTube channel, their Twitter account (@Pokemon), or their email newsletter through pokemon.com. These will send you information before gaming news sites report it, and the information will always be accurate because it comes directly from the source.

Avoid relying on gaming news websites, YouTube channels, or fan sites for release dates. These sites sometimes report rumors or speculation alongside confirmed information, and it can be hard to tell the difference. Rumors about unreleased games spread constantly online, but only The Pokémon Company's official announcement means a release date is real.

How pre-orders work and when they open

Pre-orders typically open two to three months before a game's release date. When The Pokémon Company announces a new game with a November release date, for example, pre-orders usually open in August or September. You can pre-order through Nintendo's eShop (for digital copies), through physical retailers like GameStop and Best Buy, or through online retailers like Amazon.

Pre-ordering does not give you early access to the game — you receive it on the official release date like everyone else. The main reason to pre-order is to may provide you have a copy on day one if the game sells out, though modern Pokémon games rarely sell out completely. Some retailers offer pre-order bonuses like in-game items or exclusive merchandise, but these vary by retailer and game.

Why release dates sometimes change

The Pokémon Company occasionally delays a game after announcing its original release date. This happens when developers need more time to finish the game or when unforeseen problems arise during development. When a delay is announced, The Pokémon Company posts the new date on their official channels and notifies retailers, who update their websites when ready.

If you have pre-ordered a game and it is delayed, your pre-order remains active — you do not lose your place in line. The retailer will straightforward ship or deliver your copy on the new release date instead. You can cancel a pre-order at any time if you change your mind, though some retailers charge a small fee for cancellations made close to the release date.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if a release date I found online is real?

Check pokemon.com or nintendo.com directly. If the date appears on both sites and on The Pokémon Company's official social media accounts, it is confirmed. If you only see it on gaming news websites or YouTube, it may be speculation or a rumor. The official sources are always the final word.

Can I pre-order a game that has not been announced yet?

No. Pre-orders only open after an official announcement with a confirmed release date. If a retailer's website shows a pre-order option for an unannounced game, that listing is either a placeholder or an error. Wait for The Pokémon Company to announce the game officially before attempting to pre-order.

What is the difference between a release date and a launch date?

These terms mean the same thing in the context of Pokémon games — both refer to the day the game becomes available for purchase. Some people use "launch" for digital releases and "release" for physical copies, but The Pokémon Company uses them interchangeably.

Do all Pokémon games release on the same day worldwide?

Most mainline Pokémon games release on the same day in North America, Europe, and Japan, though the exact date may vary slightly by region. Some games have staggered releases where one region gets the game a few days or weeks before another. The Pokémon Company specifies the release date for each region when they announce a game.

Where can I find information about Pokémon games that are no longer sold?

Older Pokémon games that are no longer in production may still be available through secondhand retailers like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or local game stores. The Pokémon Company does not re-release older mainline games, though they sometimes create remakes with updated graphics. Check the official Pokémon website to see which games are currently available for purchase.