An enormous leak of knowledge from Pokémon developer Recreation Freak, extensively distributed on-line as the results of a hack of the corporate, has revealed new particulars in regards to the previous and way forward for franchise video games, animated sequence, and live-action initiatives. That features unconfirmed intel in regards to the subsequent era of Pokémon — aka Gen 10 — and a brand new Pokémon recreation reportedly codenamed Gaia.
Few particulars in regards to the subsequent mainline Pokémon recreation have been leaked as a part of the hack. We don’t know the place the subsequent entry shall be set, which Pokémon are confirmed to seem, or what new mechanics is likely to be launched.
However the next-gen Pokémon recreation might have not less than one twist: It’s supposedly a cross-generation recreation, and can reportedly be accessible for each the unique Nintendo Swap and its still-unannounced successor, the “Swap 2.”
A cross-gen launch, whereas actually not new for Pokémon writer Nintendo, can be one thing of a rarity for the monster-collecting RPG sequence. Pokémon video games are normally designed for particular generations of Nintendo {hardware}, although backward compatibility throughout generations of Nintendo handhelds and consoles means they’re playable on a number of programs. The Pokémon Firm and Nintendo could also be taking a considerably totally different method this time, capitalizing on the large Swap person base whereas giving Swap 2 homeowners a brand new Pokémon recreation to take pleasure in, slightly than ready for a recreation objective constructed for Nintendo’s next-gen system.
Gaia might deal with the problem of delivering a brand new Pokémon recreation for a built-in viewers and catering to early adopters of the Swap 2, and can also deal with a typical criticism levied in opposition to developer Recreation Freak’s present Swap recreation: their poor efficiency. The Swap 2 is reportedly extra highly effective than the prevailing, seven-year-old Swap, and Gaia would conceivably carry out higher on new {hardware}. An improve in visuals will surely be a compelling purpose to improve to Swap 2.
Whereas Nintendo and The Pokémon Firm haven’t confirmed any particulars relating to the Recreation Freak hack, exterior of sure worker data being uncovered, one dependable Nintendo leaker seems to have corroborated the leak a couple of cross-gen Pokémon Gen 10. Polygon has reached out to The Pokémon Firm for remark and can replace when the corporate responds.