Core series

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Future generations of Pokémon are an expected part of the franchise. Despite 493 Pokémon currently in existence (and the current final known Pokémon being depicted as the godlike creator of the Pokémon universe), it has been indicated that not every Pokémon has been discovered and not every region explored. New regions and new creatures will no doubt herald the beginning of new generations of Pokémon games.

Masamitsu Hidaka has previously said in an interview that there will be a Generation V and many more to come. Generation V itself may currently be on the horizon. On Janurary 29th, 2010, The Pokémon Company, Satoru Iwata and Junichi Masuda released statements that a new Pokémon RPG is in development for the end of 2010 for the Nintendo DS, will feature a new region and new Pokémon, and is intended to be the first brand new installment since Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. More information is forthcoming.

Fan speculation

175Togepi.png This article contains fan speculation.
There is no solid evidence for or against some parts of this article.

The four currently released generations have established and maintained a series of patterns that hint towards what a new generation may entail. Naturally, a new region, new set of Pokémon, new set of moves, and new characters will be introduced. To some extents, these may encompass new concepts, but the standards set down over the past fifteen years will provide the backbone of the game.

It is generally expected that any future generations will accompany a new generation of Nintendo handheld console: every new game system has brought with it a new series of games, the most recent of which is for the Nintendo DS.

General

The player will start his or her journey with one of three starter Pokémon, which will be of the Grass, Fire, or Template:Type2s. Eight Gyms must be challenged before the player can take on the Pokémon League; a villainous team must be stopped along the way. After the League has been defeated, a range of special areas will become accessible.

It can be assumed that the games will be released initially as a pair, with a third version following several years later. The third version will expand on the plot. Remakes of previous games may follow.

Just as Red and Blue were made in Generation III, and Gold and Silver in Generation IV, it is most likely that Ruby and Sapphire will be remade in Generation V.

The games will be accompanied by new Pokémon manga, anime episodes, and TCG cards.

Pokémon

An assortment of new and old Pokémon will make up a regional Pokédex. Some Pokémon evolution lines, such as those of Geodude, Abra, Zubat, Machop, Psyduck, Goldeen, Tentacool, and Magikarp, have been in every regional Pokédex, so are expected to appear in future generations. Pikachu, as the franchise mascot, alongside its family, is virtually guaranteed.

Some Pokémon may evolve into or from previously released Pokémon. Pokémon with cross-generational evolutions have existed since the second generation.

Legendary Pokémon with myths specific to the region are expected. Recent games feature these Pokémon in roles important to the driving plot. These Pokémon often appear in duos and trios.

The remainder of the Pokémon may be encountered once the milestone of defeating the Pokémon League is accomplished.

Before the release of Generations II, III, and IV, new Pokémon have been used to promote the new games through the anime. Ho-Oh, Togepi, Marill, Kecleon, Blaziken, Munchlax, Lucario, and Manaphy are a few of the Pokémon that debuted before their generation. Additionally, there has been evidence that the newest movie, Phantom Ruler Z, might introduce a Pokémon from Generation V.

Characters

The first four generations have introduced some stock characters. Two player character options (one male, one female) live in a small town with their mother. A previously unknown Pokémon professor will set the player's journey in motion. Eight Gym Leaders stand in the player's way to the Elite Four, as does the player's rival.

Many other characters will exist in various manners: non-player characters to aid the player, Pokémon Trainers to defeat on the road, a villainous team, and perhaps familiar faces.

Geography

Within the new region, there will be at least nine cities or towns, connected by routes. Current trends show that there will be at least one water route, a mountain, caves, and a forest. The route leading up to the Pokémon League has thus far been known as Victory Road.

Each region so far has been based on a real-life area of Japan.

Speculation against future generations

Naturally, there are fans who do not see future generations as a possibility.

Legendary Pokémon typically have a backstory that supersedes those of previous generations. As Arceus is thought to be the creator of the Pokémon world, there are few ways to trump its story.

No game console has been announced yet, and no new Pokémon have been revealed. The first Generation IV Pokémon to be revealed, Munchlax, was shown much earlier on during the Advanced Generation series than the most recent episodes of the Diamond & Pearl series.

Generation IV has lasted nearly as long as Generation III, and will have lasted longer than all previous generations if Generation V's debut games are not released before August 6, 2010 in Japan. While Platinum, HeartGold, and SoulSilver were officially announced in May of the year of their September release, Diamond and Pearl were first revealed to be in the works in October of 2004, very nearly two years before their Japanese release.

See also

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