Fans were very excited about the possibility of a new Pokémon Legends game set in the Johto region, but recent leaks suggest Game Freak chose to develop Pokémon Legends: Z-A instead, leaving many players disappointed. Johto is a particularly popular region within the Pokémon series, making the news especially upsetting for some.
The Johto region, introduced in the second generation of Pokémon games, quickly became a beloved part of the series, and many fans have long wished for a return to it. Unfortunately, Game Freak’s decision not to create a pair of new Pokémon Legends games set in Johto has disappointed those fans.
Pokémon Legends Johto Won’t Happen Any Time Soon
A recent leak from the Hidden Power Podcast Twitter account shows that Game Freak considered developing a dual pack of games set in the Johto region. Ultimately, they chose to focus on Pokémon Legends: Z-A instead. Given the mixed reception to Pokémon Legends: Z-A after its 2025 release, some wonder if that was the right call. Meanwhile, the high prices of HeartGold & SoulSilver copies in 2026 demonstrate a strong fan desire for a return to the Johto region.
When fans learned that plans for a potential return to the Johto region were scrapped in favor of Pokémon Legends: Z-A, many expressed their disappointment online. One user commented that Johto would have been an ideal setting for a Legends game, and their post received nearly 400 likes. Another fan agreed, stating that Johto was more deserving of a remake than the Sinnoh region.
As a huge Legends fan, I totally agree with user Miserable Misanthrope! We need a Legends game set in the Johto region’s past – I’m dying to see what the Legendary Beasts were like before the tower fire. Honestly, at this point, I wouldn’t even mind if they made two separate versions of the game, but one game would be the dream!
This Seems Like A Huge Wasted Opportunity
Considering how beloved the Johto region is and that recent Pokémon games haven’t been hugely popular, now is a great time to revisit the idea of a full remake. Nostalgia is a powerful thing, and bringing Johto back with modern graphics and gameplay would be a fantastic opportunity for the franchise.
It’s also possible that because the Pokémon series isn’t currently at its strongest, revisiting the Johto region now might not be the best idea. It could benefit from waiting a few years until Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have made some improvements. Still, it’s disappointing to see this potential go unrealized, but we can at least look forward to the next generation of Pokémon games.
Read More
- Everything We Know About Georgie & Mandy’s First Marriage Season 3
- Stranger Things Brings Back Divisive Season 2 Character in Season 5 Vol. 1
- Man of Tomorrow: James Gunn Debunks Rumor Regarding DCU’s [Spoiler]
- Taika Waititi Developing New Comedy for Hulu
- ‘Wuthering Heights’ Debuts Fresh Rotten Tomatoes Score
- Ray Romano Joins Netflix’s Running Point Season 2 In Major Role
- Pluribus Review: Vince Gilligan Delivers An Eerie, Slow-Burning Instant Sci-Fi Classic You Can’t Miss On Apple TV
- Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Nearly Sold Out: One Final Date Remains (And It’s Not Cheap)
- Danny Seagren, First Live-Action Spider-Man and Jim Henson Puppeteer, Dead at 81
- Avengers: Doomsday Delivers the MCU’s Most Exciting Reunion 8 Years Later
2026-02-23 16:09