A recent leak has revealed that the core Pokémon series will completely transition to the Nintendo Switch 2 after the debut of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. This news might catch some Pokémon enthusiasts off guard, as it contrasts with earlier leaks about the franchise’s future.
The journey of Pokémon on the Nintendo Switch has had its highs and lows. Titles such as Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, along with Pokémon Sword and Shield, were well-received by players. However, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet encountered several issues at their launch. Fans initially rejoiced over the idea of a Pokémon game offering a more open-world experience, allowing them to explore and tackle gyms at their leisure. Yet, technical glitches significantly dampened the fun.
According to the latest information from Centro Leaks, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be the last core series entry available on the original Nintendo Switch. After its release, Generation 10 will move solely to the Nintendo Switch 2. The upcoming game, reportedly codenamed Gaia, was previously thought to be available on both the Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2, with a “Super Gaia” version optimized for the new console. However, it appears the dual-release strategy has been shelved in favor of focusing entirely on the next-gen system.
When news of Generation 10 broke, Pokémon trainers had mixed reactions. There’s hope that harnessing more powerful hardware (like that of the Nintendo Switch 2) could avoid the pitfalls seen in Scarlet and Violet. However, since the specifications of the Switch 2 remain under wraps, and while there have been rumors of potential upgrades, concrete details will likely emerge following the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event scheduled for April 2. It’s worth noting that The Pokémon Company may not wish to divert attention from Pokémon Legends: Z-A during this presentation.
New entries in the Pokémon franchise always bring a wave of excitement. Generation 10 might be particularly thrilling, especially since Pokémon Legends: Z-A appears to be revamping the series’ tried-and-tested formula. Fans are eager to see innovative gameplay and fresh features in upcoming titles. For now, Pokémon enthusiasts will need to wait patiently to discover what’s next for both the beloved series and Nintendo.