A massive data leak from Pokémon developer Game Freak, widely distributed online as a result of a company hack, has revealed new details about the past and future of game franchises, animated series and live-action projects. That includes unconfirmed information about the next generation of Pokémon, also known as Gen 10, and a supposedly codenamed new Pokémon game. Gaia.
Few details about the upcoming main Pokémon game have been leaked as part of the hack. We don't know where the next entry will take place, what Pokémon are confirmed to appear, or what new mechanics might be introduced.
But the next-gen Pokémon game may have at least one twist: It's supposedly a cross-generation game and will reportedly be available for both the original Nintendo Switch and its yet-unannounced successor, the “Switch 2.”
A cross-gen release, while certainly not new for Pokemon publisher Nintendo, would be a rare occurrence for the monster-collecting RPG series. Pokémon games are generally designed for specific generations of Nintendo hardware, although backward compatibility with generations of Nintendo handheld computers and consoles means they can be played on multiple systems. The Pokémon Company and Nintendo may be taking a slightly different approach this time around, taking advantage of the Switch's huge user base while also giving Switch 2 owners a new Pokémon game to enjoy, rather than waiting for a game created specifically for Nintendo's next-generation system.
Gaia can address the issue of delivering a new Pokémon game to a built-in audience and catering to early Switch 2 adopters, and it can also address a common complaint leveled against developer Game Freak's existing Switch game: its poor performance. The Switch 2 is reportedly more powerful than the existing seven-year-old Switch, and Gaia it would possibly work better on new hardware. An improvement in visuals would certainly be a compelling reason to upgrade to the Switch 2.
While Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have not confirmed any details about the Game Freak hack, aside from some exposed employee information, a reliable Nintendo leaker appears to have corroborated the leak about a cross-gen Gen 10 Pokémon. The Pokémon Company for comment and will update when the company responds.