Pokemon Scarlet and Violethave officially kickstarted Gen 9, but the new region of Paldea might actually play second fiddle toPokemon Black and White’s Unova, at least in how relevant it is to the new generation. As fans know, there’s a certain cadence of releases in every new generation. Looking at Gen 8 as an example, fans can expectPokemon Scarlet and VioletDLCto dominate the franchise in 2023.
Beyond that though, fans are already clamoring for the next remake. There is one of some sort in nearly every generation, withPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearlbeing the Gen 8 remakes. The reception thereof was a bit mixed, but fans wanted them for a long time and knew they were coming. They followedPokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver,as well asPokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, meaningPokemon Black and Whiteremakes are next. But it may not be the only time fans visit Unova this gen.
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The Logistics of Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Pokemon Black and Whiteremakes, more likely to be based on their sequelsBlack 2 and White 2, are more of a question of when, not if.Pokemon Sword and Shieldkicked off Gen 9 in 2019, withBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl releasing in 2021. Likewise,Pokemon Sun and Moonstarted Gen 7 in 2016, withLet’s Go, Pikachu and Let’s Go, Eeveefilling a similar void in 2018; but withPokemonGen 6,Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphirereleased one year afterPokemon X and Y.However, this was likely becausePokemon X and Ynever received a proper third version or even sequels. This means thatPokemon Black and Whiteremakes are likely to release in 2024.
There is one small caveat here. Following this cadence, Pokemon Gen 7 didn’t receive a traditional remake and saw the release ofPokemon Let’s Go, PikachuandLet’s Go, Eeveeinstead. Many fans have been clamoring forPokemon Let’s Go, Johto, and it’s unlikely fans get bothPokemon Black and White remakes andLet’s Gosequels. That said, the Let’s Go mechanic ofPokemon Scarlet and Violetmay see these games folded more into future games instead of being something the franchise continues to invest in. It’s hard to say, but between the two,Pokemon Black and Whiteremakes seem to be the more popular choice.
Pokemon Gen 9 Might Feature Pokemon Black and White’s Unova Region Not Once, But Twice
Now, perhaps one of the biggest innovations ofPokemonGen 8 wasPokemon Legends: Arceus, as it took fans back to Hisui, the former name of Sinnoh long before the events of the main game.Pokemon Legends: Arceushas proven really popular, and many consider it to be one of thebest RPGs of 2022. Some even consider it to be better thanPokemon Scarlet and Violet,so while remakes are still a thing, a newPokemon Legendsgame is more than welcome too. In fact, given the lore of Relic Castle, possible distortions related to Black City and White Forest, and the lore around the original dragon that was composed of Zekrom, Reshiram, and Kyurem,Pokemon Legends: Unovahas plenty of room for innovation.
Now, it should be noted, however, that unlike remakes, there is no real indication ofwhere the nextPokemon Legendsgame will take place. There is no pattern like past remakes, nor are there any solid in-game hints. But following Gen 4 with Gen 5 is certainly more logical than jumping all over space-time in-universe, and the focus on the same region as the remakes may help the workflow of both Game Freak and the remake developer (ILCA doing it again seems likely).
Getting both isn’t just likely, but probable ultimately.PokemonGen 8 visited “Sinnoh” twice via Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well asPokemon Legends: Arceus.Repurposing a past Unova makes just as much sense to coincide with its remakes, and the name change would be fitting too. After all, Unova is largely based on New York, and before New York was New York, it was New Amsterdam. Getting to visit too different takes onUnova inPokemonGen 9, even if thePokemon Black and Whiteremakes have also been shifted to ILCA, would make it a really strong gen; its possibilities are endless.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now, exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
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