Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have officially kickstarted Gen 9, but the new region of Paldea might actually play second fiddle to Pokemon 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 expect Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC to 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, with Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl being 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 followed Pokemon Heart Gold and Soul Silver, as well as Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, meaning Pokemon Black and White remakes are next. But it may not be the only time fans visit Unova this gen.
The Logistics of Pokemon Black and White Remakes
Pokemon Black and White remakes, more likely to be based on their sequels Black 2 and White 2, are more of a question of when, not if. Pokemon Sword and Shield kicked off Gen 9 in 2019, with Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl releasing in 2021. Likewise, Pokemon Sun and Moon started Gen 7 in 2016, with Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee filling a similar void in 2018; but with Pokemon Gen 6, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire released one year after Pokemon X and Y. However, this was likely because Pokemon X and Y never received a proper third version or even sequels. This means that Pokemon Black and White remakes 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 of Pokemon Let's Go, Pikachu and Let's Go, Eevee instead. Many fans have been clamoring for Pokemon Let's Go, Johto, and it's unlikely fans get both Pokemon Black and White remakes and Let's Go sequels. That said, the Let's Go mechanic of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet may 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 White remakes 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 of Pokemon Gen 8 was Pokemon Legends: Arceus, as it took fans back to Hisui, the former name of Sinnoh long before the events of the main game. Pokemon Legends: Arceus has proven really popular, and many consider it to be one of the best RPGs of 2022. Some even consider it to be better than Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, so while remakes are still a thing, a new Pokemon Legends game 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: Unova has plenty of room for innovation.
Now, it should be noted, however, that unlike remakes, there is no real indication of where the next Pokemon Legends game 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. Pokemon Gen 8 visited "Sinnoh" twice via Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, as well as Pokemon 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 on Unova in Pokemon Gen 9, even if the Pokemon Black and White remakes have also been shifted to ILCA, would make it a really strong gen; its possibilities are endless.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now, exclusively on Nintendo Switch.
