Pokemon Leak May Reveal Surprising Plan for Generation 10 Games

Pokemon Gen 10: Switch & Switch 2 Release Possible, Leaks Suggest

Recent leaks suggest a surprising development regarding the upcoming Generation 10 Pokémon games. While many anticipated a Switch 2 exclusive release, the latest information points towards potential native versions for both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.

Initial speculation heavily favored a Switch 2 launch, primarily due to the performance issues plaguing Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the original Switch hardware. The open-world design of Gen 9 proved demanding, leading many to believe Game Freak would prioritize the more powerful Switch 2 for the next generation.

However, leaks from a Game Freak hacker, as reported by Centro Leaks, paint a different picture. The Generation 10 games, codenamed "Gaia," appear to be primarily developed for the original Switch. A separate project, "Super Gaia," has also been identified, seemingly a Switch 2 optimized version. Furthermore, there's speculation of a native Switch 2 release for Pokémon Legends: Z-A.

Backward Compatibility and Potential Performance Enhancements:

The confirmed backward compatibility of the Switch 2 ensures that regardless of native releases, Switch 2 owners will be able to play both Generation 10 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While it's plausible that the Switch 2 will offer improved performance for these titles, similar to enhancements seen on newer PlayStation and Xbox consoles, the specifics remain unclear. How Nintendo might incentivize Switch 2 owners to play these ports remains to be seen.

A Grain of Salt and the February 27th Pokémon Presents:

It's crucial to remember that all this information is currently unconfirmed. While the February 27th Pokémon Presents event is anticipated, reports suggest a focus on original Switch titles, not the Switch 2. If the Generation 10 games indeed target the original Switch, a dedicated Switch 2 main-series Pokémon game might be significantly further off. Therefore, treat all leaked information with caution until official confirmation.