Pokémon leak reveals that Gen 10 game may be Switch-Switch 2 cross-gen

An enormous leak of data from Pokémon developer Game Freak, extensively distributed on-line as the results of a hack of the company, has revealed new particulars concerning the previous and way forward for franchise video games, animated sequence, and live-action tasks. That features unconfirmed intel concerning the subsequent era of Pokémon — aka Gen 10 — and a brand new Pokémon sport reportedly codenamed Gaia.

Few particulars concerning the subsequent mainline Pokémon sport have been leaked as a part of the hack. We don’t know the place the subsequent entry will likely be set, which Pokémon are confirmed to seem, or what new mechanics may be launched.

However the next-gen Pokémon sport might have at the very least one twist: It’s supposedly a cross-generation sport, and can reportedly be accessible for each the unique Nintendo Change and its still-unannounced successor, the “Switch 2.”

A cross-gen launch, whereas definitely not new for Pokémon writer Nintendo, could be one thing of a rarity for the monster-collecting RPG sequence. Pokémon video games are normally designed for particular generations of Nintendo {hardware}, although backward compatibility throughout generations of Nintendo handhelds and consoles means they’re playable on a number of techniques. The Pokémon Firm and Nintendo could also be taking a considerably completely different strategy this time, capitalizing on the large Change consumer base whereas giving Change 2 house owners a brand new Pokémon sport to take pleasure in, reasonably than ready for a sport function constructed for Nintendo’s next-gen system.

Gaia might tackle the difficulty of delivering a brand new Pokémon sport for a built-in viewers and catering to early adopters of the Change 2, and can also tackle a typical grievance levied in opposition to developer Recreation Freak’s present Change sport: their poor efficiency. The Change 2 is reportedly extra highly effective than the present, seven-year-old Change, and Gaia would conceivably carry out higher on new {hardware}. An improve in visuals will surely be a compelling cause to improve to Change 2.

Whereas Nintendo and The Pokémon Firm haven’t confirmed any particulars concerning the Recreation Freak hack, outdoors of sure worker data being uncovered, one reliable Nintendo leaker appears to have corroborated the leak a couple of cross-gen Pokémon Gen 10. Polygon has reached out to The Pokémon Firm for remark and can replace when the corporate responds.