Pokémon: Ash is finally leaving the series after 25 years

We’re mere days away from the release of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and I cannot wait for the very memeable Lechonk, Smoliv, and Fidough to enter my life. You may be aware that the internet is rife with leaks. Don’t worry, you won’t find any in this article. I will say though that Sprigatito’s leaked evolutions have elicited a very strong reaction from fans - and you can find out why if you’re curious.

Last week, Ash Ketchum was the talk of the Pokémon world. Most of us have grown up alongside Ash and after two and a half decades, the iconic Pokémon trainer finally became the Pokémon World Champion. The moment took place in the latest episode of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys, where Pallet Town’s Ash beat Leon to the title. Fans think that Ash may be leaving the series soon though.

Check out our preview of Pokémon Scarlet & Violet ahead of the game’s release on 18 November.

It took Ash more than 1,000 episodes to finally become a Pokémon master but fans think this huge achievement may spell the end of his journey. As reported by The Gamer, there are three episodes left of this series of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys. ‘Project Mew’ and ‘Seize The Future’ will likely wrap up Goh’s storyline but it’s the title of the final episode that’s left fans feeling worried.

The title roughly translates as either ‘Pokémon - I’m Glad I Got To Meet You’ or ‘Pokémon - I’m Glad I Chose You.’ As The Gamer points out, the very first episode was titled ‘Pokémon - I Choose You,’ so it all sounds very full circle. The series is produced by OLM and it’s worth pointing out the studio’s creative director recently detailed that the company was understaffed and “in trouble,” further backing up that it might be the right time to end Pokémon Ultimate Journeys.

Seeing as Ash is now World Champion, he’s hardly going to disappear forever but it certainly sounds like we won’t be seeing the character on a weekly basis anymore. Well, this wouldn’t be the first time that Pokémon has made me sad.