'Pokemon Z' release date rumors update: 2016 launch unlikely; Pokemons to be introduced in 'Pokemon Sun and Moon?'

A lot of "Pokemon" game fans have been expecting Nintendo to announce the follow-up handheld game to the highly successful "Pokemon X" and "Pokemon Y." The public clamoring for "Pokemon Z" can be expected since "Pokemon X" and "Pokemon Y" were released three years ago for Nintendo 3DS users, and the fans would want to see the next level of "Pokemon" game. While it was first reported that "Pokemon Z" is set to arrive in the early months of 2016, there now lies a possibility that Nintendo will no longer proceed with the release of the much-awaited game this year.

Nintendo is having a busy year with other "Pokemon" games on their list, most especially "Pokemon Sun and Moon." As the company will have their focus on this project, there will be no chance for "Pokemon Z" to come into fruition this year.

iDigitalTimes reported earlier this year that Nintendo might be announcing the development of "Pokemon Z" sometime this year. After all, this year marks celebration of Nintendo for the 20<sup>th year since the first release of the "Pokemon" franchise. In spite of the rumors going around among the fans, both Nintendo and the Pokemon Company have kept their mouths zipped to either confirm or deny the plans for "Pokemon Z."

"Pokemon Z" would be a very fitting game offering in for the 20<sup>th anniversary, although there could already be other games laid out for the players. It was already confirmed that "Pokemon Sun and Moon" will grace the 3DS gadgets before the end of this year.

"As we celebrate 20 years since the launch of Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan, the next era of Pokémon games is being announced! Pokémon Sun Pokémon Moon are coming out for systems in the Nintendo 3DS family in holiday 2016," Nintendo said.

According to the same report from Yibada, it is possible that the Pokemons that will be appearing in "Pokemon Z" will be introduced first upon the release of "Pokemon Sun and Moon."

Although a lot of fans were hyped up with the announcement of "Pokemon Sun and Moon," there are still many who are wondering if the "Pokemon X" and "Pokemon Y" follow-up game will still make an appearance in the near future. For now, 2016 may not be the year for "Pokemon Z," or worse, the game may never be developed by Nintendo according to the reports.