For nearly three decades, the Pokémon anime has been a constant presence on television, chronicling the adventures of trainers and their beloved creatures. From Ash Ketchum's humble beginnings in Pallet Town to the current journey of Liko in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, the show has evolved alongside the games. Now, as the franchise prepares for its 10th generation, reports indicate a major shift in how the anime will be produced.
According to a recent leak from CentroLeaks, Pokémon Horizons may be the last weekly anime series, with the next generation adopting a seasonal format with a fixed number of episodes. This change would align with the industry trend toward limited series, similar to how One Piece transitioned to a seasonal production schedule starting with its Elbaph Arc. While The Pokémon Company has not officially confirmed this, the speculation has sparked excitement and curiosity among fans.
The End of an Era
The original Pokémon anime debuted in 1997, following Ash Ketchum, a 10-year-old from Pallet Town, and his partner Pikachu. Over the years, Ash's adventures spanned eight generations, culminating in Pokémon: Ultimate Journeys, where he finally achieved his dream of becoming a Pokémon Master by winning the Masters Eight Tournament. His final episode aired in Japan in March 2023, and a month later, Pokémon Horizons took over, set in the 9th generation with new protagonist Liko.
If the seasonal format becomes a reality, it would mark a significant departure from the long-running weekly model that has defined the series since its inception. This change could allow for higher production values, tighter storytelling, and more focused arcs, similar to other modern anime adaptations.
What to Expect from Pokémon Winds and Waves
The 10th mainline game, Pokémon Winds and Waves, is slated for release in 2027 as a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive. Set in a new region inspired by Southeast Asian cultures, the game will introduce three new starter Pokémon: Browt (Grass-type), Pombon (Fire-type), and Gecqua (Water-type). While details on the plot and legendary Pokémon remain under wraps, leaks hint at the possible return of a mechanic like Mega Evolution, and the game may continue the open-world style of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Fans are also wondering whether traditional gym battles will make a comeback or if the game will experiment with new challenges, as seen in Pokémon Sun and Moon. The shift to a seasonal anime could also mean that the show will sync more closely with game releases, offering a more cohesive narrative experience.
For now, viewers can catch Pokémon Horizons on Netflix, and stay tuned for more updates as the franchise moves toward this exciting new chapter. The potential change in format is a bold step, but one that could redefine how Pokémon stories are told on screen.
