Every Pokemon Gen 10 Rumor So Far

Pokemon‘s 30th anniversary is rapidly approaching, and a legion of rumors are currently circulating about Game Freak’s unannounced Gen 10 Pokemon games. With fans speculating about everything from the upcoming games’ region and new Eeveelutions, to development cycles and new mechanics, it’s time to take a look at the biggest and most credible Pokemon Gen 10 rumors so far.

Pokemon Legends Z-A was only announced a few weeks ago, but fans are already gearing up for the announcement of Game Freak’s next Pokemon project. With job listings hinting that Game Freak is working on a ‘next generation’ title, it seems almost certain that the Gen 10 Pokemon Games will be coming to Nintendo’s next system. With new hardware comes new possibilities and fans have no shortage of theories as to what these possibilities might be.

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Rumors are Swirling Around the Gen 10 Pokemon Games

Game Freak’s Pokemon release pattern has been consistent since the games began in 1996: no more than four years between mainline Pokemon titles, and three years between them on average. With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet releasing in 2022, Game Freak’s release pattern suggests a new Pokemon game could be right around the corner. As always happens at this point in a Pokemon game’s life-cycle, social media is abuzz with fan speculation about what Game Freak’s next Pokemon project might look like—new starter type combos, a return to 2D, bringing back Mega-Evolutions, revisiting Kanto, and so on. However, some rumors are stronger than others; a few facts seem more plausible.

Gen 10 Might Feature an Expanded Co-op Mode

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, fans got their first ever chance to run around with friends in the world of Pokemon. While some fans criticized the feature for being underdeveloped, others welcomed the addition as a step in the right direction. It would be a no-brainer if the Gen 10 Pokemon games develop on Scarlet and Violet’s most well-received elements, and the multiplayer functionality will likely be a core focus of that development. Allowing players to engage in double battles with their friends—maybe even having a handful of optional gym leaders, trainers, and events be exclusive to multiplayer—would be an effective way to make the world of Pokemon feel more alive than ever and put a renewed emphasis on Pokemon’s cooperative elements.

Game Freak Is Looking To Avoid Gen 9’s Mistakes

With Nintendo publicly apologizing for Pokemon Gen 9’s performance, and Game Freak hiring a wave of new talent for a currently unannounced project, it seems likely that there’s some truth to the rumors that Game Freak is looking to avoid the glitches and performance issues that plagued Scarlet and Violet. Rumors suggest that both Nintendo and Game Freak are committed to releasing a more polished product this time around.

The New Pokemon Games Could Take Place in Italy or Australia

Though some fans believe the next Pokemon region might be based on Australia, others have interpreted clues in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet as pointing to an entirely different part of the world. With various posters and paintings across Paldea depicting a land with Mediterranean cobblestone streets and seaside towns, many fans believe Pokemon’s next region could be inspired by Italy.

With a deep well of ancient history and contemporary culture to pull from, taking inspiration from Italy could allow Game Freak to craft a vibrant and unique Pokemon region. A team rocket equivalent inspired by ancient Rome could be a particularly interesting direction for the game’s antagonists, and towns could each take inspiration from Italy’s various regions—from the volcanic island of Sicily, to the idyllic tourist region of Abruzzo, on through Tuscany, the birthplace of the Renaissance.

Some Gen 10 Rumors Are Interesting But Unlikely

A rumor that has gained particular traction of late is that the upcoming gen 10 Pokemon games will be titled ‘Zero’ and ‘One’—and, true to their binary titles, will put a thematic focus on AI and technology. While this would undoubtedly develop on themes present in Scarlet and Violet, the rumor is unfounded, originating on Japanese social media as one fan’s personal Gen 10 wishlist.

With the Gen 10 Pokemon games still so far off, many of the rumors currently circulating are simply hopeful speculation. Still, if nothing else, early rumors at least show what fans want from the upcoming Pokemon games. Game Freak would do well to pay attention.

Pokemon Legends Z-A

The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Legends: Z-A takes Pokemon trainers back to the Kalos region’s Lumiose City.

Released

2025-00-00

Publisher(s)

Nintendo