Pokemon Leak May Reveal Surprising Plan for Generation 10 Games

Summary

• Leaks suggest Generation 10 Pokémon games may launch on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.
• Switch 2's backward compatibility ensures playability of existing Switch Pokémon titles.
• Further Pokémon game details are anticipated during the Pokémon Presents event on February 27th.

Recent leaks within the Pokémon franchise hint at Generation 10 games potentially releasing natively on both the original Nintendo Switch and the forthcoming Switch 2. While unannounced, the assumption was that Generation 10 would bypass the original Switch, given the performance criticisms leveled at Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's open world on the older hardware. However, new information suggests otherwise.

According to leaks shared by Centro Leaks, citing a Game Freak hacker, Generation 10, codenamed "Gaia," is primarily being developed for the original Switch. A separate project, "Super Gaia," appears to be a Switch 2 version. These leaks also suggest Pokémon Legends: Z-A may receive a native Switch 2 release.

Generation 10 Pokémon Games: A Potential Original Switch Release?

While details on the Switch 2 are scarce, its backward compatibility with the original Switch is confirmed. This means Switch 2 owners will be able to play Generation 10 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, regardless of native releases. Enhanced performance on the Switch 2, mirroring improvements seen on newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles, is possible but unconfirmed. How Nintendo might incentivize Switch 2 ports remains unclear, especially given backward compatibility.

Currently, all information regarding Generation 10 remains unofficial. Fans should approach these leaks with caution. The February 27th Pokémon Presents event may offer clarity, although it's reportedly focused on games for the original Switch, not the Switch 2. If Generation 10 targets the original Switch, a dedicated Switch 2 main series Pokémon game might be years away.