A massive data leak from Pokémon developer Game Freak, which was widely shared online as a result of a hack of the company, has revealed new details about the past and future of franchise games, animated series and live-action projects. This includes unconfirmed information about the next generation of Pokémon – also known as Gen 10 – and a new Pokémon game with a rumored codename Gaea.
As part of the hack, only a few details about the next main Pokémon game were leaked. We don’t know where the next entry will be set, what Pokémon are expected to appear, or what new mechanics might be introduced.
But the next-gen Pokémon game could have at least one twist: It’s reportedly a cross-generational game that will reportedly be available for both the original Nintendo Switch and its yet-to-be-announced sequel, “Switch 2.”
While a cross-generational release is certainly nothing new for Pokémon publisher Nintendo, it would be a rarity for the monster-collecting RPG series. Pokémon games are typically designed for specific generations of Nintendo hardware, although backwards compatibility across generations of Nintendo handhelds and consoles means they are playable on multiple systems. The Pokémon Company and Nintendo may be taking a slightly different approach this time: leveraging the Switch’s huge user base while also giving Switch 2 owners a new Pokémon game to enjoy, rather than waiting for a game designed specifically for Nintendo’s next Gene system was developed.
Gaea could address the issue of delivering a new Pokémon game to a solid audience and target early adopters of the Switch 2, and could also address a common complaint leveled against developer Game Freak’s existing Switch game will: their poor performance. The Switch 2 is reportedly more powerful than the existing seven-year-old Switch, and Gaea
Although Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not confirmed any details about the Game Freak hack, aside from disclosing certain employee information, A reliable Nintendo leaker appears to have confirmed the leak about a cross-gen Pokémon Gen 10. Polygon has reached out to The Pokémon Company for comment and will update once the company responds.
