Summary

• According to leaks, the Generation 10 Pokemon games may be released for both the original Switch and Switch 2.
• The Switch 2 will be backward compatible, allowing it to play Switch 1 Pokemon games.
• More details on future Pokemon games are expected during the Pokemon Presents event on February 27.

The latest leaks surrounding the Pokemon franchise suggest that the upcoming Generation 10 games could see native releases on both the original Nintendo Switch and the anticipated Switch 2. As of now, Generation 10 has not been officially announced, but many fans expected these games to be developed exclusively for the Switch 2, given the performance issues experienced with the Generation 9 games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, on the original Switch.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which introduced an open-world experience, faced significant criticism for performance problems on the original Switch hardware. This led many to believe that Game Freak would transition to the Switch 2 for the next generation of Pokemon games. However, recent leaks shared by Centro Leaks, sourced from a Game Freak hacker, indicate otherwise.

The leaks reveal that the Generation 10 games, codenamed "Gaia," are being developed primarily for the original Switch. Additionally, a version dubbed "Super Gaia" has been discovered, suggesting a Switch 2 variant of the Generation 10 games. There's also speculation that Pokemon Legends: Z-A might receive a native release on the Switch 2.

Generation 10 Pokemon Games Could Be Coming to the Original Switch

While details about the Switch 2 remain scarce, one confirmed feature is its backward compatibility with the original Switch. This means that Switch 2 owners will be able to play Generation 10 Pokemon games and Pokemon Legends: Z-A, even without native releases. The Switch 2 might enhance the performance of these games, similar to how newer Xbox and PlayStation consoles improve the experience of older titles, though this is yet to be confirmed. How Nintendo plans to enhance these potential Switch 2 ports remains to be seen.

As no official announcements have been made about Generation 10, it's important for fans to approach these leaks with caution. More information might be revealed during the Pokemon Presents event on February 27. However, it's rumored that this event will focus on games for the original Switch, not the Switch 2. If the Generation 10 games are indeed targeting the original Switch, it might be some time before the Switch 2 receives a dedicated main series Pokemon game.