Highlights

  • August is the month for Pokemon fans to expect major news, with a Pokemon Presents showcase likely happening on August 8.
  • The presentation could feature updates on existing products like Pokemon Unite , Pokemon TCG , Pokemon GO , and Pokemon Masters EX , as well as new announcements like spin-off titles and potential remakes.
  • There is speculation that the presentation may also give a glimpse into the upcoming Detective Pikachu Returns game and other spin-offs like Pokemon Cafe ReMix and Pokemon Sleep , while possibly hinting at a next-gen Pokemon game for a Nintendo Switch successor.

August has arrived, and that means Pokemon fans are expecting some major news later this month. Over the past couple of years, The Pokemon Company has made a habit out of releasing Pokemon Presents showcases in August. Not only do Pokemon fans expect this pattern to continue, but there has also been a datamine from Pokemon Masters EX suggesting that one may come early on August 8. This would put it a few days before the 2023 Pokemon World Championships in Yokohama, Japan, which feels like an ideal window.

Plenty of Pokemon news could be shown at this presentation, and while a lot of it will involve updates on existing products, there could be some major new information too. Aside from the specific release dates for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC, other announcements like spin-off titles and even the rumored Pokemon Black and White remakes could take center stage. There's a lot that could show up, and reasonable speculation alone points to a packed Pokemon Presents.

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Pokemon Unite

pokemon unite mewtwo key visual

The hit MOBA Pokemon Unite recently celebrated its second anniversary, adding a Mewtwo that could become Mega Mewtwo X and a brand-new map. A Mega Mewtwo Y equivalent is expected to release mid-August, which is the perfect window for a Pokemon Presents announcement, and a leaked player hub world may accompany it.

Pokemon TCG

bonsly pokemon tcg obsidian flames

The Obsidian Flames expansion for Pokemon's major trading card component and potentially its TCG Live Battle Pass could be shown before the former's Western release on August 11. More Pokemon TCG sets, such as the commemorative expansion Pokemon Card 151 and Pokemon TCG Classic, could also be covered, and TCG Classic could get its own release date nailed down.

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Pokemon GO

pokemon-go-how-to-get-mega-rayquaza

Pokemon GO Fest 2023 is running throughout August, and will no doubt be covered in the Pokemon GO portion of Pokemon Presents. The New York City GO Fest 2023 running August 18-20 could be brought up directly, as could some details on Mega Rayquaza's August 26 addition as part of GO Fest: Global.

Pokemon Masters EX

Pokemon Red Masters EX

It's already the source of the larger Pokemon Presents leak, but there's more to be said about the mobile gacha game Pokemon Masters EX. Nemona, the main rival from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, was also leaked with an August 8 release date, and she may not come alone. Pokemon Masters has a tendency to receive major updates around its late-August anniversary, such as the addition of the Red and Pikachu pair or the Dynamaxing mechanic. If something that big is coming, it will be at Pokemon Presents for sure.

Detective Pikachu Returns

Detective Pikachu Returns Release Date Announcement

Releasing October 6, Detective Pikachu Returns will serve as Detective Pikachu's console debut and a sequel to his original 3DS game. Details on this title are currently scarce, and a Pokemon Presents set a few months before its launch seems like the perfect opportunity to explain what has changed in this new take on the quirky Pokemon spin-off.

Pokemon Cafe ReMix

Pokemon Cafe Remix

Also in the realm of spin-offs is the puzzle game Pokemon Cafe ReMix. 2022's August Pokemon Presents saw a Mewtwo visit the player's restaurant as part of a limited-time event, so there's a decent chance that a different legendary Pokemon will feature this year.

Pokemon Sleep

pokemon-sleep-snorlax-exerting-drowsy-power

It took years of waiting, but the interesting Pokemon Sleep mobile app recently came out. The Pokemon Presents could include a trailer to advertise its sleep-analyzing gameplay, as well as whatever special events or updates are coming to the game in the near future.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero

pokemon-scarlet-and-violet-hidden-treasure-of-area-zero-illustrations-together

Despite much of their contents being revealed, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansions still don't have firm release dates. One final trailer could show a bit more of what players will do during their adventures, with precise dates announced at the end. Part one, The Teal Mask, will probably get more attention, but a new feature in The Indigo Disk could also be revealed like Pokemon Sword and Shield's Dynamax Adventures in The Crown Tundra. Furthermore, there's a chance that news could appear regarding the rumored visual upgrade for Scarlet and Violet. The 9th generation of Pokemon could still do with more polish, and any steps towards that would be appreciated.

Rumored Generation 5 Pokemon Remakes

Pokemon Black and White Remake Sequel Challenges

A Pokemon Presents held near the World Championships wouldn't carry the appropriate weight if all it had to show was previously announced and released games. For that reason, fans suspect that the heavily-rumored Pokemon Black and White remakes will appear at this event. Guesses about their format, including which prior remakes they will resemble, whether Black 2 and White 2 elements will be incorporated, and if a new Pokemon Legends title could tie into Black and White, have all been circulating discussions. If Generation 5 remakes really are approaching in 2024, there's no better time than now to clarify what they are.

A Possible Next-Gen Pokemon Game

Pokemon developer job listing hints at next-generation hardware

Various other Pokemon spin-offs and shows could appear at an August 2023 Pokemon Presents, but there is potential for an especially massive bombshell to drop. Rumors and leaks strongly suggest that a Nintendo Switch successor is slated for 2024, which opens a big door for Pokemon. After years of struggling to fully utilize the Switch's hardware, a trailer could drop that includes noticeably more detailed environments than usual. This could be for a Scarlet and Violet update, the Black and White remakes, or something brand new. Regardless, Nintendo and the Pokemon Company could get people talking with a mysterious trailer, using Pokemon's fame as a springboard to reach the next generation of Nintendo games.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.

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