Pokémon Go launched in the summer of 2016 and has been updated regularly ever since. In 2017 we got Gen 2, Raid Battles, the new Gyms, the first two generations of Legendary Pokémon and the beginning of Gen 3. So far, 2018 has brought us Field Research, Trading, Friendship, Alolan Forms, and now, Gen 4, and Player vs. Player (PvP) Trainer Battles. So, what will 2019 bring?
Team Changes coming, once a year, starting February 26, 2019
This will fill some of you with dread, some with rage, some with hope, and some with joy. But, starting February 26, 2019, if you're willing to spend $10 in Poke Coins, you can change teams from Valor to Instinct, Valor to Mystic, or Instinct to Mystic — but only once a year.
Taking down Gyms and battling in raids have been a team effort over the last two years. Whether you're on #TeamInstinct, #TeamMystic, or #TeamValor, you came together with your teammates and helped one another be better Trainers. We've loved watching you share your team pride and band together with others to take on new challenges. Are you ready to take your talents to a new team? The team leaders would be excited to recruit you!We're happy to share Team Change with you. Later this month, starting at 1:00 p.m. PST on February 26, Team Change will allow Trainers to change teams once per year. Interested Trainers will be able to purchase a Team Medallion for 1,000 PokéCoins from the shop.Choose your team wisely, Trainers, as you may only purchase a Team Medallion once every 365 days. Once purchased, you can find the Team Medallion in your Bag. When you decide to activate it, you'll be guided through the team-selection screens to choose your new team.Any of your Pokémon that are in Gyms when you change teams will be returned with no PokéCoins earned once it's defeated. You also can't battle your own Pokémon, so if you return to a Gym one of your Pokémon is defending, your Pokémon will be returned to you with no PokéCoins earned. (You'll be able to find more information on our Help Center page.)We can't wait to see the new Gyms you win with your friends and Pokémon! There's just one question: Will you be hatching Eggs with Spark, conducting research with Blanche, or battling alongside Candela? Let's team up and GO!
Hopefully, Pokemon Go isn't going to bring back any of the divisive, team-focused gameplay that split communities and often spilled over into real-world harassment and even violence. Hopefully, this is just for people who are otherwise in an area overwhelmed by one team or another and needing some relief to get into or out of the Gym game.
But we'll have to wait and see.
