Summary
- Leaks suggest Generation 10 Pokémon games may launch on both the original Nintendo Switch and the upcoming Switch 2.
- Backward compatibility on the Switch 2 ensures playability of Switch 1 Pokémon titles regardless.
- Further Pokémon game details are anticipated during the Pokémon Presents event on February 27th.
Recent leaks surrounding 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 had been 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. These criticisms fueled speculation that Game Freak would exclusively target the Switch 2 for the next generation. However, new leaks contradict this.
Information from a Game Freak hacker, as relayed by Centro Leaks, suggests Generation 10, codenamed "Gaia," is primarily being developed for the original Switch. Interestingly, a "Super Gaia" version has also surfaced, seemingly intended for the Switch 2. Furthermore, evidence points to Pokémon Legends: Z-A potentially receiving a native Switch 2 release.
Generation 10 Pokémon Games: A Potential Original Switch Launch?
While specifics on the Switch 2 are limited, its confirmed backward compatibility with the original Switch is significant. This means Switch 2 owners will be able to play Generation 10 and Pokémon Legends: Z-A, regardless of native releases. Improved performance on the Switch 2, mirroring enhancements seen on newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles with older titles, is a possibility, though unconfirmed. How Nintendo might incentivize Switch 2 ports remains unclear, especially given backward compatibility.
Currently, no official announcements regarding Generation 10 have been made. Therefore, treat this information with caution. The anticipated Pokémon Presents event on February 27th might shed more light, 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.
