Pokémon Direct Rumored for August

Don't Expect Switch 2 Pokémon News at the February 27th Pokémon Presents

Pokémon enthusiasts anticipating announcements regarding Switch 2 Pokémon titles during the upcoming Pokémon Presents on February 27th might be disappointed. While Pokémon has a long-standing history with Nintendo consoles, a Switch 2 debut for the franchise appears to be further off than initially speculated.

Although Nintendo hasn't officially unveiled the Switch 2, confirmation of its existence, backward compatibility with the original Switch, Nintendo account carryover, and a reveal within this fiscal year have been made. Details beyond this, however, stem from leaks suggesting a more powerful, larger iteration of the original Switch.

While future Pokémon titles will undoubtedly grace the Switch 2, the February 27th Pokémon Presents will reportedly focus on games developed for the original Switch. Thanks to backward compatibility, these games will also be playable on the new console. Industry insider Jeff Grubb supports this claim.

Pokémon Presents to Highlight Existing Titles

The upcoming Pokémon Presents will likely showcase updates for ongoing live-service games like Pokémon GO and Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. Significant attention is also expected to be given to Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for release on the original Switch this year. While a teaser trailer hinted at a Lumiose City setting, returning Pokémon, and the return of Mega Evolutions, details remain scarce. Rumors of another mainline Pokémon game release this year also persist.

Speculation points towards potential Pokémon Black and White remakes or a new Let's Go installment. These, if the leaks prove accurate, are also anticipated for the original Switch, not the Switch 2. This suggests that the first Switch 2-exclusive mainline Pokémon games might be the eventual Generation 10 titles.

This aligns with the franchise's past strategy of prioritizing consoles with larger install bases. Similar to the release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 on the original DS instead of the 3DS, history might repeat itself. However, until official confirmation arrives during the February 27th Pokémon Presents, this remains speculation.