"Leaked Details Hint at Bold Future 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, allowing it to play Switch 1 Pokemon games.
• More details on future Pokemon games are expected during the Pokemon Presents event on February 27.

Leaks suggest that the upcoming Generation 10 Pokemon games might be available on both the original Nintendo Switch and the new Switch 2. Although no official announcement has been made about Generation 10 at the time of writing, it was widely believed that these games would be developed exclusively for the Switch 2, given the performance issues experienced with the Generation 9 games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, on the original Switch. These games faced criticism for their open-world performance on the older hardware, leading many to think Game Freak would transition to the newer console for the next generation.

However, recent leaks from a Game Freak hacker, shared by Centro Leaks, reveal that the Generation 10 games, codenamed "Gaia," are primarily being developed for the original Switch. Additionally, a version called "Super Gaia" has been identified, suggesting a native release for the Switch 2. There's also evidence that Pokemon Legends: Z-A might receive a native Switch 2 release.

Generation 10 Pokemon Games Could Be Coming to the Original Switch

While details on the Switch 2 are scarce, one confirmed feature is its backward compatibility with the original Switch. This means that owners of the Switch 2 will be able to play Generation 10 Pokemon games and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, even if they don't get native releases on the new console. The Switch 2 might offer improved performance for these games, similar to how newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles enhance older titles, though this is yet to be confirmed. How Nintendo might enhance these potential Switch 2 ports remains unclear, especially since backward compatibility already allows for their playability.

As of now, no official announcements have been made regarding the Generation 10 Pokemon games, so fans should approach this information cautiously. More news could be revealed during the anticipated Pokemon Presents event on February 27. However, it's rumored that this event will focus on games for the original Switch rather than the Switch 2. If the Generation 10 games are indeed targeting the original Switch, it could be some time before the Switch 2 sees a main series Pokemon game tailored specifically for its hardware.