Summary
- Multiple projects are underway for the Pokemon franchise, including new games and VGC support for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
- Renowned leaker Riddler Khu hints at new mainline Pokemon games for 2025, possibly tied to the Nintendo Switch 2 launch.
- There is a chance of new Pokemon Let's Go Johto games as potential launch titles for Switch 2, bridging the gap between Gen 9 and Legends: Z-A.
There are various ongoing projects for the Pokemon franchise as a whole, between multiple live-service mobile games, big expansions coming to Pokemon TCG, and more VGC support for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet ahead of the 2025 World Championships. On top of that, Pokemon Legends: Z-A is set to make its debut this year, and a second trailer for the game seems very likely to appear online any time between now and Pokemon Day, which occurs on February 27. This is not all, though, as recent rumors of a new mainline Pokemon game set to be released this year emerged after a social media post by renowned leaker Riddler Khu.
While Riddler Khu has not been as reliable as in the past over 2023 and 2024, they have a proven track record of correctly leaking and predicting Pokemon games or even details within them. Last year saw a hacker attack on Game Freak that resulted in the so-called TeraLeak, which was comprised of around 1TB of documents from across all Pokemon games, encompassing some unreleased files and details about Gen 10. Recently, Khu took to Twitter to state that there is one more mainline project coming in 2025 that wasn't mentioned in the TeraLeak. There are two more prominent theories about what this could be, and one of them would be history repeating itself with the Nintendo Switch 2 supposedly coming this year.
Pokemon Presents 2025 Date Leaked by Niantic
A clear date for the largely anticipated Pokemon Presents shows up, signaling when gamers can expect to learn more about the franchise's next steps.
Pokemon Leaks Hint at a Surprise Reveal of New Let's Go Games in 2025
For starters, Khu stated that this game is specifically meant for release on Nintendo Switch 2, whereas it has been speculated and seemingly confirmed by leaks that Pokemon Legends: Z-A will be available both on the Switch and Switch 2. The image that Khu shared with the leak is that of a black and white dolphin, which immediately calls to mind Pokemon Black and White remakes, something that has been long speculated to be coming for the series, but never confirmed.
However, there is also a chance that this image is a reference to Pokemon Let's Go games, which were codenamed Project Beluga, and the beluga whale is within the same cetacean family of dolphins. The reason that Pokemon Let's Go games would make a lot of sense is that the franchise hasn't been to the Johto region the longest, and a new set of Pokemon Let's Go Johto games would perfectly fill that void. Additionally, Pokemon Let's Go Pikachu! And Eevee! Were both released as the first new Pokemon games on the Nintendo Switch in 2018.
Why Pokemon Let's Go Johto Games Could Be Switch 2 Launch Titles
As such, Pokemon Let's Go Johto games could be the first Pokemon games on Nintendo Switch 2 whenever it launches, doing exactly what their predecessor did all those years ago. This is a big if, but it would make sense especially when considering that Game Freak allegedly delayed Pokemon Legends: Z-A internally after the TeraLeak, making these hypothetical titles the first new Pokemon games of the year and possible launch titles for the Nintendo Switch 2. There is no indication that Pokemon Let's Go games are coming other than Khu's leak, but considering the current state of the franchise, it seems plausible that these titles may be released.
Why New Pokemon Let's Go Games Are Likely To Be Set in Johto
It's not guaranteed that Pokemon Let's Go games releasing in 2025 would be tied to Johto, but considering that the first and only set of this series took place in Kanto, and seeing how Johto has been on the backburner the longest out of all the regions, it only makes sense to assume as much. It is also worth noting that Pokemon Black and White remakes or a new set of Pokemon Gen 5 games may be more likely overall since there was no follow-up to this tradition after Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but it remains to be seen. Pokemon Let's Go Johto games would make many fans happy given the region's popularity, and they would kill two birds with one stone by providing the Switch 2 with launch titles and bridging the gap between Gen 9 and Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 79 /100 Critics Rec: 66%
- Released
- October 16, 2025
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
WHERE TO PLAY
LIVE THE LIFE OF A POKÉMON TRAINER IN THE STREETS OF LUMIOSE CITY
Whether you’re a die-hard Pokémon fan or about to toss your first Poké Ball, the Pokémon Legends: Z-A game has plenty to offer for Trainers of all types. Experience classic gameplay with modern twists that are sure to revolutionize your Pokémon RPG experience.
CATCH, BATTLE, AND MEGA-EVOLVE—ALL IN REAL TIME!
Step onto the battlefield and command your Pokémon directly—there are no turns! For the first time in the Pokémon RPG series, Trainers and their Pokémon can both move around in real-time battles, and your Pokémon will unleash their moves when you tell them to. Strategically swapping out your Pokémon and accounting for each move’s timing and area of effect will greatly help you in this new style of battle.
HARNESS THE POWER OF MEGA EVOLUTION
When Trainers have a strong bond with their Pokémon, a Key Stone worn by the Trainer resonates with a Mega Stone held by their Pokémon, allowing Mega Evolution to take place.
ROGUE MEGA EVOLUTION
Rampaging Rogue Mega-Evolved Pokémon are threatening Lumiose City. These Pokémon are extra tough to beat, but if you do manage to defeat them, you'll receive valuable Mega Stones as a reward.
RISE THROUGH THE RANKS OF THE Z-A ROYALE
You’re invited to join the Z-A Royale, a competition for Pokémon Trainers to test their skills and determine who’s strongest.
Each night, a battle zone for the competition will appear. Prepare yourself by spending the day in wild zones, catching and training Pokémon, then venture into the battle zone and take on other Trainers.
Be strategic and complete bonus card challenges as you battle to speed up your climb from Rank Z to Rank A. Can you climb the ranks and reach the top?
WELCOME TO LUMIOSE CITY
Visit shops, restaurants, and more, all centered around Prism Tower. An urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
BATTLE WITH TRAINERS FROM AROUND THE WORLD
With a Nintendo Switch Online membership*, you can battle up to three other Trainers at once, locally or online, in frenetic real-time battles!
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
