Massive Pokémon leak reveals new details about Switch 2

An unprecedented hack has hit Pokémon developer Game Freak, revealing stolen data about unannounced projects, Pokémon left on the cutting room floor, and new details about the Nintendo Switch 2, Nintendo’s successor to its wildly popular handheld/home console hybrid.

Game Freak issued a statement earlier this week confirming that a data breach occurred in August 2024 after an unauthorized third party gained access to a company server (translation via Nintendo Everything). Details of the leak, which is said to contain gigabytes of information, are still emerging on social media.

As first reported by Nintendo lifeThe leak mentions an unannounced 10th generation Pokémon game (codenamed “Gaia”) that will have two versions (codenamed “K” and “N”). It will appear on a platform codenamed “Ounce,” which is presumably the Switch successor. Apparently the games are also being tested on the current Switch, which could indicate a cross-platform release.

The leak also mentions a Pokémon spin-off game codenamed “Synapse” and includes source code for the DS games Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver as well as Black 2 and White 2, as well as other details about GameFreak’s projects.

When the Switch 2 could start

The Mario maker has remained tight-lipped about its Switch successor, but after months of speculation, Nintendo President Shunatro Furukawa announced back in May that the tentative name Nintendo Switch 2 would be revealed before the end of the current fiscal year in March. Other rumors suggest the release window could extend into April, depending on whether Nintendo’s profits this fiscal year meet expectations.

All signs point to spring, when we’ll finally see if the Switch 2 will take its place among the best handheld gaming consoles. In the meantime, be sure to check out our Switch 2 rumors hub for the latest leaks and updates.

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