The latest update to the mega-popularPokemon GOhas rendered the game completely unplayable for some users.Pokemon GOfirst hit the scene in 2016 and has been consistently popular ever since. The augmented reality mobile game has maintained its fanbase through frequent updates that have added new features and Pokemon to catch.
Pokemon GOhas seen some rather dramatic updates since it was first released. At the time of its launch,Pokemon GOdidn’t really have much to do, but that changed as the years went on and new features like raids,legendary Pokemon, trading, and more were added to the mix.Pokemon GOis a far more fully-featured experience now than it was nine years ago, but that means the scope of the game has also outgrown some of the weaker hardware it was once playable on.
Unfortunately, the latest update toPokemon GOhas made the game unplayable for those using 32-bit Android devices. This announcement was first made back in January, and at the time, the developers explained that byeliminating support for 32-bit Android devices,Pokemon GOwould have a more streamlined development process, in turn allowing the team to “focus resources on supporting newer operating systems and technologies.” Unfortunately, somePokemon GOmissed this announcement and have been blindsided by the latest update, rendering the game unplayable on their phone. ImpactedPokemon GOplayers are greeted with the message, “This app isn’t compatible with your device anymore. Contact the developers for more info” when trying to play the game.
Pokemon GO Abandons Support for 32-Bit Android Devices
While Apple phased out support of 32-bit iPhones ages ago, there have been newer 32-bit Android devices on the market. It’s reasonable for aPokemon GOAndroid player to assume that the phone they purchased just a few years ago would remain compatible with the game, but unfortunately, that is not the case moving forward. The only recourse is forPokemon GOplayersto upgrade to a better phone if they want to keep playing the game.
This decision won’t impact the vast majority ofPokemon GOplayers, but it will definitely be bad news for some fans of the game. Unfortunately, it’s highly unlikely thatnewPokemon GOowner Scopelywill walk back the decision. It will likely be better forPokemon GOin the long run to leave older devices behind, as frustrating as that may be for those that own those devices. Specifics as to whatPokemon GOwill be doing now that it no longer supports weaker devices have yet to be revealed.
