So I think we all know that Red and Ash, while not the same person, are similar in character design. The idea I had, was what if he became your rival in the next game, usually the rival appears in the anime as well and then was written off like most rivals, comes back on cameos. So it can be a satisfying end to Ash in both game and in anime, he can age finally, and we can get someone new in the spotlight.
I admit, Ash has been around in the Pokémon anime long enough. He has been 10 or 11 years old for over 20 years, which makes absolutely no sense. I'm thinking why not integrate the main characters from the Pokémon Adventures manga into an anime instead? At least they change the cast up every generation, and then they could add an older-looking Ash in as a cameo. But that's just my personal opinion.
I don't think he's ever been canonically confirmed to still be 10 in the Japanese version, but I might be wrong. I remember I started off watching the gen 5 episodes in English sub because I didn't want to wait for the English dub. I don't think his age was mentioned, but in the English dub it was. My own head canon before gen 5 was that he aged 1 year every generation. And I think the Pokémon league is an annual tournament so that would make sense. So currently he would be 16 or 17, still young enough to be considered a child, but not 10. I think it would be a lot easier, and probably better quality-wise, if they just made a new Pokémon series based closely off of the manga and directed towards an older audience. They can keep Ash around for the younger audience and keep the current series going at the same time.
Ah dang, Ash is still 10! So, the secret to being immortal is...being a Pokémon trainer? Well, I've had more Pokémon in one game then Ash has ever had in his entire career. Well, having Ash as a rival could be fun. Or he could mess up.
Well guess I've lost that game. I could never beat Ash. He's too superior with his Pikachu.. and his.. uh.. Hm. I'll have to get back to you on this one. Seriously though, I do like the idea of Ash's farewell from the franchise showing him as a formidable rival and him finally achieving his dream at the end of game. (Of course as his rival I'll be taking his new champion status instantly away from him)
Okay real talk here. I'd be creamed. Because somehow, he always has out powered Pokémon. They try to make him look like he's special but they give him overly powered Pokémon so it's an unfair fight. Like Greninja. Let's be real. Everyone only get's Greninja and he gets a special Greninja.
If Ash were the rival, I'd beat him since I know what team he's gonna use since I watch the anime. And to another point: is it likely that Ash will become the rival? No. The game canon and anime canons are so different and I think it would be like trying to put a square peg through a round hole. And they handled the first anime and game integration (Ash Greninja) terribly anyway. Would still be fun destroying Ash's dreams though.
I think it would be interesting if future games had a Pokémon League system similar to that of the anime (kind of like the battle dome in emerald). Ash could be one of the contestants, if not the final one to determine the champion. Going along with him as your rival... it could be interesting. One thing for sure is that I would destroy his team into ashes because we really do need a new main anime char lol. Maybe Lillie can take his place for a few years. xD
I'd say start aging him and slowly phasing him out over a period of 5 or so years irl. Then just bring him back for specials and cameos, that would be awesome.
*uses Ground-type Pokémon* *Ash pulls out Pikachu, ignores every game mechanic we know and love, and defeats it with a single 'THUNDERBOOOOOLLLLLTTT'* I think it'd be super satisfying to slowly age him and bring him back for cameos. Especially if he decides to retire, and then sees Ho-Oh again. THAT would be great. #MissingNo
I’d be like, “What are you doing here?” Then I’d only have trouble on his Pikachu, and I might win the rest a bit easier. Still, I think it’s would be pretty neat.
