Are Pokemon Black and White Remakes on the Horizon?

by Frank McDougall
in News, Release
on 26 May 2024

There has been quite a buzz surrounding the possibility of Pokemon Black and White remakes, but how credible are these rumors? Today, we take a closer look at the available information and ask ourselves if we can expect these remakes sooner rather than later.

While many fans are eager to see remakes of the beloved Pokemon Black and White games, it seems unlikely that they will be released anytime soon. The recent announcement of Pokemon Legends: Z-A, scheduled for release in 2025, indicates that The Pokemon Company is taking their time with game development. Considering this, it is doubtful that remakes of Black and White would be released in 2024.

One argument in favor of the remakes is the fact that 2024 would mark the first year since 2015 without a new mainline Pokemon game or DLC release. However, this alone is not sufficient evidence to support the remakes.

There have been rumors from credible sources about an outsourced game related to the Unova region, but Pokemon Legends: Z-A does not fit this description. It’s important to note that this prediction is the only one from this source that has been incorrect. Therefore, we cannot rely solely on this information to confirm the remakes.

The release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl in 2021, the first outsourced main series games, adds another layer to the discussion. While these games sold well, they received criticism for their graphics and other aspects. If The Pokemon Company is planning outsourced remakes of Black and White, they would likely stick with ILCA, the developers of Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

In March, The Pokemon Company established a new subsidiary called Pokemon Works, located in the same building as ILCA. This timing suggests that the remakes may not have been revealed earlier because Pokemon Works had not yet been fully established. If the remakes are announced, Pokemon Works could be credited as the developer, while ILCA would still be involved in the development process.

It’s important to consider that all these coincidences could simply be coincidences. The remakes may not exist, and The Pokemon Company might be postponing projects to ensure a higher quality result in the end. Only time will tell.

One final hint that could suggest the remakes is the Indigo Disk DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The inclusion of Unova content in these games could either be a foreshadowing of the remakes or a way to temporarily satisfy fans’ desire for Unova content.

Overall, while there are several indications that Pokemon Black and White remakes could be in the works, we cannot confirm their existence just yet. Whether these hints are mere coincidences or something more remains to be seen. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

Facts not mentioned in the article:
– Pokemon Black and White were originally released for the Nintendo DS in 2010.
– The games were highly acclaimed and are considered some of the best entries in the Pokemon series.
– The Unova region, where Black and White takes place, introduced many new Pokemon species and unique gameplay features.
– The remakes of previous Pokemon games, such as FireRed and LeafGreen and Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, have been well-received by fans.

Most important questions:
1. Are there any official announcements or statements from The Pokemon Company regarding the remakes?
2. Will the remakes feature any significant changes or additions compared to the original games?
3. Which developer will be responsible for creating the remakes?
4. When can we expect the remakes to be released?

Key challenges or controversies:
– The challenge of creating faithful remakes that satisfy both old and new fans while bringing the games up to modern standards.
– Balancing the nostalgia factor with introducing fresh elements to keep the remakes relevant.
– Addressing any potential criticisms or shortcomings of the original games, such as graphics or gameplay issues.
– Managing fan expectations and ensuring the remakes meet the high standards set by previous Pokemon remakes.

Advantages:
– Remakes allow new generations of players to experience beloved games that they might have missed out on.
– Updated graphics and gameplay mechanics can enhance the overall experience.
– The remakes may introduce new features or quality-of-life improvements that were not present in the original games.
– The Unova region, with its unique story and Pokemon, can be explored by a new audience with improved visuals and updated gameplay.

Disadvantages:
– There is a risk of alienating fans of the original Black and White games if the remakes deviate too much from the source material.
– The remakes may not capture the same magic and charm as the original games, leading to disappointment for fans.
– Issues or controversies from the original games, such as story elements or design choices, may resurface and create debates among fans.
– The expectation for the remakes to meet high standards set by other Pokemon remakes might put undue pressure on the developers.