Pokémon Horizons features a significant one-year time skip

The Pokemon Company has announced a significant time skip in the new series, Pokemon Horizons. This is a first for the franchise, which kept the main character, Ash Ketchum, stuck at the age of 10 for over 20 years. Many fans were concerned about Ash's lack of aging, especially as they grew up while watching the show. In Pokemon Horizons, the story progresses one year after the last episode of the previous season, The Search for Laqua. This change allows the new characters, Liko and Roy, to develop in ways that Ash could not. In the new series, Liko reflects on her journey by creating a picture book, while Roy is seen adventuring with his Mega Lucario. The upcoming series, Pokemon Mega Voltage, continues the story with Liko and Roy. A new character, a boy with a Mega Sableye, joins them, expanding their group. The new series is expected to connect with the upcoming Pokemon Legends Z-A video game, set to launch later in 2025. Fans are left wondering if Ash has also aged a year due to this time skip. There is speculation about finally seeing an 11-year-old Ash Ketchum as the franchise moves forward.