A new Pokémon MMO? Studio Game Freak appears to have been hacked

Pokémon developer Game Freak has reportedly suffered a serious hacker attack that leaked stolen data, including codenames for 10th generation Pokémon games and even the Nintendo Switch 2.

As reported by Nintendo Life, the stolen data includes the alleged codename of Nintendo’s next-gen console (allegedly “Ounce”), the codename of the yet-to-be-announced new 10th generation Pokémon game (allegedly “Gaia”), and the codename of the announced Pokemon Legends: ZA (“Ikkaku”).

Neither Nintendo nor The Pokémon Company have issued a statement on the leaks. IGN has reached out to both for comment.

The codenames for two versions of the 10th generation Pokémon game are part of the leak (“K” and “N”), which could indicate Nintendo’s intention to release it as a cross-gen title for both the Switch and its sequel to publish. According to Nintendo Life, “Ounce” (also the Switch 2) is named as the target platform.

A new Pokémon game codenamed “Synapse” is also mentioned. This unannounced game is believed to be in development with another studio about an art Pokémon MMO.

This Pokémon leak brings back memories of Nintendo’s infamous “Gigaleak” in 2020, where previously unknown, canceled games, prototypes, source code, development tools, and internal communications were revealed as part of what was then the largest leak of internal video game information ever released .

Nintendo has not yet unveiled its next-gen console, which the community called Switch 2 before the official announcement. Last month, alleged prototype images of the Switch successor appeared online. Nintendo has not yet commented on the images.

What we have are developers saying they plan to release their next games on the Switch 2. And experts who assess the leak as realistic. When the Switch 2 eventually comes onto the market, Nintendo expects there will be enough copies available, which in turn will hopefully counteract the black market.

As for Pokémon, Pokémon Legends: ZA has one vague release date in 2025with Nintendo saying it’s coming to “Nintendo Switch systems.” This sentence triggers speculation that… Pokémon Legends: ZA also coming to Switch 2.

Fans can expect one of the longest breaks between major Pokémon releases in franchise history. Since neither main games nor a remake will be released this year, it will Pokémon Trading Card Game on mobile devices will likely be the series’ biggest release in 2024.