After 25 seasons, Ash Ketchum is retiring from Pokémon

By Tomas Franzese Published December 21, 2022

The Pokémon Company confirmed that Ash Ketchum will no longer be the main protagonist of the series’ anime starting in 2023.

Ever since Pokémon! I Choose You! first aired in Japan on April 1, 1997, the Pokémon anime has followed the exploits of 10-year-old Pokémon trainer Ash Ketchum on his quest to become Pokémon Master. After trying and failing many times across 25 seasons, Ash finally managed to become the world’s greatest Pokémon trainer in Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series after winning the Pokémon World Coronation Series.

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The Pokémon Company is deciding to leave Ash’s journey on a high note and will retire his character as the protagonist of the Pokémon anime after the current season. Thankfully, he is getting a proper send-off across the final 11 episodes of Pokémon Ultimate Journeys: The Series, with classic anime characters like Misty and Brock returning to help tell “the final chapter in Ash and Pikachu’s story.” These final 11 episodes will start airing in Japan on January 13, 2023.

This won’t be the end of Pokémon anime adaptions, though; The Pokémon Company will start a new series later next year, following two new characters named Liko and Roy. Details on this new series are still scarce, but we know it will also feature Sprigatito, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and a Shiny Rayquaza in significant roles. We’re likely to see them venture through Paldea, the region Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are set in.

While the announcement that Ash Ketchum will no longer be the protagonist of the Pokémon series is bittersweet for those of us who grew up with the Pokémon anime, we can hope that the series will give him a beautiful farewell, and that Liko and Roy’s series can successfully capture the hearts of a whole new generation of Pokémon fans.

A former Gaming Staff Writer at Digital Trends, Tomas Franzese now reports on and reviews the latest releases and exciting…

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Gaming

All new Pokémon in The Teal Mask DLC

A big green bear Pokémon in the teal mask.

Even though it isn't a new generation, The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is still introducing a handful of new Pokémon to add to your Pokédex. Whether or not you've already been filling out and completing your collection in the base game, everyone is curious to see what new types, designs, and abilities a new set of Pokémon brings to the table. Here are all the brand new Pokémon you can find while exploring the Land of Kitakami and their types.
Every new Pokémon in The Teal Mask

Ogerpon (4 types)
Ogerpon is the newest Legendary to be added to the series, and is by default a Grass type. However, in keeping with the theme of masks, it will change its form and type depending on what mask it is wearing, such as the Wellspring mask, Hearthflame mask, and Cornerstone mask. By default, Ogerpon is wearing the titular Teal mask.
Okidogi
This is a dog-themed Poison and Fighting-type Legendary that is a Hero of Kitakami. This Pokémon has no evolutions.
Munkidori
This curious monkey is a Poison and Psychic-type Legendary that also holds the title of Hero of Kitakami. Munkidori has no evolutions.
Fezandipiti
The final Hero of Kitakami is Fezandipiti, the Poison and Fairy-type Legendary. As usual, this Legendary can't evolve.
Dipplin
A rare Grass and Dragon type, Dipplin is an evolution of Applin.
Poltchageist
You could probably guess Poltchageist was a Grass and Ghost type by its name and design. This Pokémon can evolve into Sinistcha using either an Unremarkable Teacup or Masterpiece Teacup.
Sinistcha
The evolution of Poltageist we just talked about, Sinistcha remains a Grass and Ghost type.

Gaming

How to start The Teal Mask DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Key art featuring new characters and Pokémon that are in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero: The Teal Mask.

The first of two announced DLC expansions for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has hit, called The Teal Mask. Both DLCs will introduce new places, items, moves, and, most importantly, Pokémon to catch, train, and befriend. This initial adventure will take your trainer to the Land of Kitakami, but excited trainers might be at a loss for how to actually access the new area and content. Because it's integrated directly into the main game, and not an option you can select from the menu, you will need to know how to reach the DLC. This won't take long, so here's how to access The Teal Mask in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet so you can continue your Pokémon journey.
How to access The Teal Mask DLC

After purchasing and installing the DLC for your specific version of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet, either load up your save or start a new game. You will need to either play up through, or have a save already past, The First Day of School chapter. Once you are past that point, you will automatically get a call from Jacq telling you about an annual trip to Kitakami that you, as it just so happens, will be chosen to attend.

Gaming

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet DLC The Teal Mask arrives in September

Some of the new Pokemon from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1 - The Teal Mask.

As the final major announcement of the August 8 Pokémon Presents, The Pokémon Company gave a deep dive into the two DLCs that make up The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The first of these, The Teal Mask, even got a September 13 release date.

Explore beyond Paldea's borders in The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero! ?️