"Leak Hints at Exciting New Direction for Pokemon Gen 10"

Summary

• According to leaks, the Generation 10 Pokemon games may be released for both the original Switch and Switch 2.
• The Switch 2 will be backward compatible, enabling it to play Switch 1 Pokemon games.
• Details on future Pokemon games are expected to be revealed on February 27 during the Pokemon Presents event.

The latest leaks from the Pokemon franchise suggest that the upcoming Generation 10 games could see native releases on both the original Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2. While the Generation 10 Pokemon games remain unannounced, many assumed they would be developed exclusively for the Switch 2, especially following the performance issues experienced with the Generation 9 games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, on the original Switch.

The open-world nature of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet strained the capabilities of the original Switch, leading to widespread criticism and speculation that Game Freak would shift focus to the Switch 2 for future releases. However, recent leaks from a Game Freak hacker, as reported by Centro Leaks, indicate that the Generation 10 games, codenamed "Gaia," are primarily being developed for the original Switch. Additionally, a version called "Super Gaia" has been discovered, suggesting a tailored release for the Switch 2. There's also evidence pointing towards a native Switch 2 release for Pokemon Legends: Z-A.

Generation 10 Pokemon Games Could Be Coming to the Original Switch

While details about the Switch 2 are scarce, one confirmed feature is its backward compatibility with the original Switch. This means that Switch 2 owners will have access to the Generation 10 Pokemon games and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, even if they are not natively released for the new console. The Switch 2 might offer enhanced performance for these games, similar to how newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles improve the experience of older titles, though this remains speculative. How Nintendo might enhance these potential Switch 2 ports is still unclear, given the console's inherent ability to play original Switch games.

As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding the Generation 10 Pokemon games, so fans should approach these leaks with caution. More information might be forthcoming during the anticipated Pokemon Presents event on February 27. However, it's rumored that this event will focus on games for the original Switch, not the Switch 2. If the Generation 10 games are indeed targeting the original Switch, it could be some time before the Switch 2 receives a dedicated main series Pokemon game.