The next Pokemon Presents event is probably just around the corner and it could bring details about the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, the Black and White successor, and events in Pokemon GO and Unite.
While false alarms constantly pop up on social media regarding Nintendo Direct-style events, sometimes those trends are legitimate. A series of discoveries were made regarding the mobile title Pokemon Masters EX and its update schedule. While the game typically updates at a specific time, an upcoming patch is slated to break that pattern and introduce Nemona as the game’s first Pokemon Scarlet and Violet character.
This would’ve raised eyebrows under any circumstances, but data miners on Twitter went a step further and uncovered an in-game event entitled “5070_2W_Campaign_PokemonPresents” in the game’s code. This all but confirms that a Pokemon Presents is coming and big news is likely inbound.
When is the next Pokemon Presents event?
The next Pokemon Presents event is set to happen on August 8, 2023. This lines up with an off-beat update for Pokemon Masters EX which will introduce Nemona to the cast as the game’s first Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trainer.
The bulk of the announcements will likely center around significant updates to established Pokemon games such as Pokemon Masters EX, Pokemon Cafe ReMix, Pokemon GO, and Pokemon Unite. There will also likely be some reveals centered around the 2023 Pokemon World Championship events for Unite, Scarlet and Violet, GO, and the TCG.
All that said, the biggest reason for excitement stems from the Nintendo Switch games and an upcoming mega-expansion to the TCG.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: 151 expansion, Pokemon TCG Classic may be shown in next Pokemon Presents
The Pokemon TCG has three major releases slated for the second half of 2023, all of which are sure to delight fans.
Two new sets are inbound including Obsidian Flames and its dark-type Charizard as well as the Scarlet and Violet: 151 expansion themed around Mew and the first generation of Pokemon. Both are sure to be a smash hit with collectors and should shake things up for the competitive scene as well.
Alongside these expansions is Pokemon TCG Classic, possibly the most impressive premium collection in Pokemon TCG history. This set comes with decks themed around the three starters and their base set artwork, albeit with some modern rules added to the cards. Alongside the cards are a new style of stackable damage counters and a foldable game case that can package everything up. The Pokemon TCG deck list, price, and release date are still unknown and could come out here.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Teal Mask DLC details are likely to come in the next Pokemon Direct
Much is known about the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero DLC. The DLC will be broken up into two parts, similar to Pokemon Sword and Shield’s Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. Data miners have discovered all the returning Pokemon set to arrive through the Scarlet and Violet DLC, and a number of new Pokemon have already been revealed including their abilities and typing.
The biggest outstanding details regarding the DLC are the exact release dates and more information on the new legendary Pokemon. Hopefully, one or both of these will be in the next Pokemon Presents event.
Will there be Pokemon Black and White remakes? Or Pokemon Black 3 and White 3? Or Pokemon Legends: Unova?
Precedent suggests that the next mainline Pokemon game will be a remake of Pokemon Black and White, but there are two other possibilities in play. Players could instead get a Pokemon Black 3 and White 3, or even a Pokemon Legends: Unova.
Leaks have hinted at the possibility of another Black and White sequel. That said, the perplexing inclusion of minor gen-five character Ingo in Pokemon Legends: Arceus makes more sense if it’s to set up a second Legends game set in Unova. Neither of these have been announced and there isn’t enough evidence to confirm their existence, so a straight remake of Pokemon Black and White is also possible.
Fans shouldn’t hold their breath about a mainline game getting revealed in the next Pokemon Presents, though. The reveal of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and the simultaneous unveilings of Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, and Legends: Arceus came alongside relatively low-key news. While Game Freak is very likely working on at least one new Unova-based game at this time, it’s unlikely any announcement comes on August 8.
