A new Pokémon leak has sent shockwaves through the community, suggesting that the mainline series will move entirely to the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 following the release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. If true, this would mark the end of core Pokémon games on the current Switch system—a surprising shift that contradicts prior reports.
Pokémon’s Mixed Legacy on the Switch
The Nintendo Switch era has brought a wide range of experiences for Pokémon fans. While games like Pokémon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee and Pokémon Sword and Shield were met with generally positive reception, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet faced criticism for poor technical performance despite its ambitious open-world approach.
Fans were initially thrilled with Scarlet and Violet’s non-linear gym system and exploration focus, but numerous bugs and visual glitches at launch significantly impacted player enjoyment. This has left many hoping for a more refined experience in future entries.
Gen 10 Reportedly Headed Exclusively to Switch 2
According to a new leak from Centro Leaks, Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be the last mainline entry to appear on the original Nintendo Switch. The next generation, Gen 10, will reportedly launch exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2.
The first Gen 10 title is rumored to be codenamed Gaia, a name previously associated with leaked information that also mentioned a second version called “Super Gaia” for the Switch 2. However, it now appears that Game Freak and The Pokémon Company have scrapped the dual-console release approach in favor of developing exclusively for Nintendo’s next-gen hardware.
This shift suggests a focus on taking full advantage of the improved capabilities of the Switch 2—possibly a response to the shortcomings seen in previous titles.
Community Reactions: Hopeful, but Cautious
Fan reaction has been mixed but generally optimistic. Many see this as a necessary step to avoid the performance issues that plagued Scarlet and Violet, while others remain cautious due to the lack of official hardware specs for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Nintendo is expected to unveil more details during the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct event scheduled for April 2. Still, fans shouldn’t count on seeing Gen 10 revealed there, as Pokémon Legends: Z-A remains the current focus for The Pokémon Company.
What’s Next for Pokémon?
New Pokémon generations always spark speculation and excitement, and Gen 10 is no different. With Pokémon Legends: Z-A already set to shake up the franchise’s traditional formula, players are eager to see what further innovations Gen 10 might bring.
Until then, fans will have to remain patient as they await both Nintendo’s official announcements and any future updates from The Pokémon Company.
