The games and the anime about Pokémon are part of many people’s childhood. From the very beginning, the eternally 10-year-old Ash Ketchum and his faithful companion Pikachu have been involved. Now, after over 25 years, an era is coming to an end: in 2023, the last episodes featuring the famous duo will be broadcasted. We from MeinMMO will show you how the Pokémon anime for Scarlet and Violet will continue.
In 1997, 10-year-old Ash Ketchum left his home, the tranquil little village of Pallet Town, with only one goal: to become the very best Pokémon trainer (like no one ever was). Always by his side: the little yellow electric Pokémon and mascot of the franchise, Pikachu.
After 25 seasons and countless adventures, it was finally time: in the 132nd episode of the anime “Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series,” Ash won the tournament of the Eight Masters of the Coronation World Championships and finally became Pokémon Champion.
Many fans wondered how the series would continue. Now it is clear: the anime will continue, but without Ash and Pikachu.
Pokémon from 2023 without Ash and Pikachu
What will happen to the anime? As announced on Twitter on December 16, Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series and thus also the adventures of Ash and Pikachu will come to an end in 2023. However, the two will not disappear without a proper farewell.
When will the new episodes air? The last episodes featuring Ash and Pikachu are set to air starting Friday, January 13, 2023, in Japan. When the final chapter in the story of the two will also be shown here is still unknown.
The episodes are said to be a collection of special episodes that highlight the relationship between Ash and Pikachu and give a glimpse into the future of the two.
A new adventure awaits
Does that mean the end of the anime? Not at all. In the same press release, a new series is also announced, based on the 9th generation of the Pokémon video game series.
Who are the new protagonists? The new protagonists of Pokémon are Riko and Roy from the Paldea region. Other than their appearance, not much is known about the two. However, they will be accompanied by the 3 starters of the Paldea region – Felori, Krokel, and Kwaks.
Additionally, it seems that the shiny version of the legendary Pokémon Rayquaza will play a larger role in the anime.
Whether Riko and Roy will permanently take over the roles of Ash and Pikachu, or if each region will have new protagonists like in the games, is yet unknown.
When will the new episodes air? The new series with Riko and Roy is set to air starting April 2023.
Bitter-sweet farewell for the fans
What are the reactions like? A look at the comments on Twitter reveals that the reactions are quite divided. For many Pokémon fans, Ash and Pikachu are simply part of it; without them, it won’t be the same.
Others welcome exactly that: they look forward to the new adventures and even hope that each new region will feature new protagonists in the future (via Twitter).
If you want to bridge the time until the new Pokémon anime, you still have the games. In Scarlet and Violet, the Tera Raid with childhood favorite Charizard is going into the 2nd round today, December 16. You can find all the information about the event here:
In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, the event with Titan Charizard in Tera Raids is now running – All info
