Massive Pokémon leak reveals new Switch 2 details

Codenames for the Switch 2 and unannounced GameFreak projects surface.

An unprecedented hack has hit Pokémon developer Game Freak, leaking 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 highly popular handheld/home console hybrid.

Game Freak issued a statement earlier this week confirming it suffered a data breach in August 2024 after an unauthorized third party gained access to a company server (translation via Nintendo Everything). Details from the leak, which is said to include gigabytes of information, are still coming to light on social media at this time.

As first reported by Nintendo Life, the leak mentions an unannounced 10th-generation Pokémon game (codenamed "Gaia") that'll have two versions (codenamed "K" and "N"). It's set to come out on a platform codenamed "Ounce," which is believed to be the Switch successor. The games are purportedly being tested on the current Switch as well, which could indicate a cross-platform release.

The leak also mentions a Pokémon spin-off game codenamed "Synapse" and contains source code for DS games Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver as well as Black 2 and White 2, among other details about GameFreak's projects.

The Mario maker has remained tight-lipped on its Switch successor, but after months of speculation, Nintendo president Shunatro Furukawa announced back in May that the tentatively named Nintendo Switch 2 will be revealed before the end of the current fiscal year in March. Other rumors have suggested that the release window could dip into April depending on whether Nintendo's profits meet expectations this fiscal year.

All signs point to spring being when we'll finally see if the Switch 2 will take its place among the best handheld game consoles. In the meantime, be sure to check in on all the latest leaks and updates at our Switch 2 rumor hub