Pokemon GO's "Rediscover Kanto" allowed many Generation 1 Pokémon into the wild and, of course, this triggered the nostalgia waves among longtime players. It was so good at first, but eventually, the event that was at one time received with enthusiasm, has, over months with no slowdown on Kanto Pokémon spawn, led to irritation in the players' community.

Is this overemphasis on Kanto Pokémon a trend overshadowing newer generations? Here is the breakdown of what has happened.

The 'Rediscover Kanto' Event: What We Got

'Pokemon GO' Rediscover Kanto Event Disappoints Many Fans: Why?

Designed in light of the early days of the Pokémon franchise, "Rediscover Kanto" is an April 2024 event meant to commemorate it. To be more specific, along with increased Generation 1 Pokémon spawn rates, their iconic Kanto starters—Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle—also enjoy higher Shiny chances, and there were special research tasks Kanto-themed added on top.

While the event was originally expected to last only a couple of months, players quickly noticed that the changes persisted well beyond the advertised end date.

Even months after the event concluded, Kanto Pokémon continued to dominate the wild spawns, leaving many to question whether the event was really just a limited-time occurrence or the start of a more permanent shift in the game's direction.

Kanto Saturation: A Franchise-Wide Trend

The emphasis on Kanto Pokémon in Pokémon GO is not an isolated incident. Fans have noticed that, across various Pokémon games and spin-offs, Generation 1 remains heavily favored. This includes exclusive features such as Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax forms in Generations 6 and 8, which often highlight Kanto Pokémon like Charizard.

Moreover, the Pokémon trading card game continues to produce Generation 1-centric sets and merchandise.

While nostalgia plays a significant role in keeping Kanto Pokémon front and center, the over-saturation is palpable. Players who have spent years watching the franchise evolve often find themselves wishing for a more balanced representation of the entire Pokémon world, especially as the number of Pokémon has surpassed 1,000.

The Charizard Effect: Too Much of a Good Thing?

Charizard has been a fan favorite since its Generation 1 debut and has become synonymous with the Kanto-centric trend. It has Mega Evolutions, a Gigantamax version, and even headlined as Champion Leon's signature Pokémon in Generation 8.

For many fans, the constant focus on Charizard is excessive and overdone, considering how many new Pokémon have flooded the later generations.

While the popularity of Charizard is undeniable, it is difficult to ignore the growing sentiment that Generation 1's heavy representation is leaving other regions and Pokémon in the shadows.

Players of Pokémon GO have especially been frustrated by the constant return to Kanto, with some even posting memes and complaints on platforms like Reddit about the lack of variety in wild spawns.

What's Next for Pokémon GO in 2025?

However, there is still hope in the future for Pokémon GO to break out of the Kanto craze. The upcoming seasons, for example, include the Dual Destiny season, which is solely dedicated to Unova Pokémon. This means that new creatures will be introduced in the game.

GameRant reports that the new ones from the Galar and Paldea regions are expected as well, and Niantic has dropped hints on these coming updates.

Moreover, the much-rumored Pokémon Legends Z-A, which will focus on the Kalos region, might be an excellent opportunity for Niantic to expand the scope of wild spawns and put a well-needed emphasis on newer generations.

Will Niantic Respond to Fan Feedback?

As Pokémon GO evolves further, it's apparent that the future of the game will be built around making a delicate balance between nostalgia and innovation.

Of course, Kanto Pokémon will be special in many players' hearts, but more regional diversity and representation will slowly grow as time passes by.

Niantic would have to listen very hard to fan feedback and play mechanics should adjust in one way or another so frustrations do not grow.

Therefore, the "Rediscover Kanto" event may have been a nostalgic journey in itself, but the Generation 1 Pokémon are prevalent in Pokémon GO, creating rifts within the fanbase.