Pokemon Gen 10 Rumors Suggest Releases for Both Switch and Switch 2

Recent leaks about the Pokemon franchise suggest that Generation 10 games might be released natively on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2. While the Generation 10 titles remain unannounced, many assumed they would target the Switch 2 rather than the aging original console.

The original Switch hosted both Generation 8 and 9 Pokemon games, with the latter, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, facing heavy criticism for performance issues in their open-world format. Many fans expected Game Freak to shift focus to the Switch 2 for the next generation. However, new leaks challenge that assumption.

Information from a Game Freak hack, shared by Centro Leaks, suggests that Pokemon Generation 10, codenamed Gaia, is primarily developed for the original Switch. A version dubbed Super Gaia appears to be in the works for the Switch 2. There’s also evidence hinting that Pokemon Legends: Z-A might see a native Switch 2 release.

Pokemon Generation 10 May Target Original Switch

Little is known about the Switch 2, but Nintendo has confirmed it will be backward compatible with the original Switch. This ensures Switch 2 owners can play Generation 10 games and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, even without native releases. The Switch 2 might enhance performance for these titles, similar to how newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles improve older games, though this is unconfirmed. How Nintendo might enhance potential Switch 2 ports remains unclear, especially since backward compatibility already supports them.

No official word on Generation 10 has surfaced, so fans should approach these leaks cautiously. More clarity might come during the expected Pokemon Presents event on February 27, though it’s said to focus on games for the original Switch, not the Switch 2. If Generation 10 targets the original Switch, a mainline Pokemon game exclusive to the Switch 2 could be years away.