Will Pokémon Gen 10 Face a Big Hurdle on the Upcoming Switch 2?

With no news on the next mainline Pokémon game and the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 happening this year, it has raised some concerns about what to expect when Gen 10 is announced. While Pokémon Legends Z-A has already been confirmed to be launching a Switch and Switch 2-compatible version, it may be the last in the franchise to do so.

Considering that Pokémon Legends Z-A is coming only a few short months following the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 It was logical that the game would work with both systems. Given the scarce supply and multiple individuals anticipating a possible sale during the holiday season, Legends Z-A Would have driven away many players if presented exclusively for Switch 2, similar to what Gen 10 might encounter. .

Rumors Suggest Pokémon Generation 10 Titles Will Be Exclusive to Switch 2

Releasing At Least A Year After The Switch 2's Release, Being Exclusive Would Make Sense

While there’s still no official word on whether Gen 10 will be a Switch 2 exclusive , since we’re likely looking at a 2026 release or later, there’s a good chance this will be the case. Come 2026, the Switch 2 will be a year old, and any new major releases are going to be less likely to provide Switch-compatible versions of their game This becomes particularly troublesome when you take into account all the issues players previously had with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet on the original Switch.

Although this isn’t necessarily a negative in the sense that it may mean a mainline Pokémon game that improves upon some of the graphical and performance aspects people had issues with in Gen 9, it also means less accessibility. Not everyone will be looking to, if they're even able to, upgrade their Switch right away , particularly for owners of the more recent OLED models. Therefore, releasing an exclusive Switch 2 edition would exclude a significant number of players from being able to join in.

Pokémon's Upcoming Releases (and Scarcity) Might Impact Sales Positively or Negatively

Even In 2026, A Switch 2 Might Be Hard To Get Your Hands On

Another major thing to consider at this point is that Pre-orders for Switch 2 have already been launched. and completely sold out across all retailers , increasing the broader worry about shortages. Although we can't be certain whether the Switch 2's availability will stay limited post-release, there's also a possibility it might. A full year after the PS5 hit the market, I was among those who continued monitoring social media closely, eagerly awaiting news of any new PS5 restocks, each of which sold out almost instantly.

Should the Switch 2 face similar supply constraints as the PS5 experienced a year after its release, it wouldn’t matter if gamers decide to pay for the upgraded version or not. Failing to locate a retailer who can sell them one or struggling to secure an opportunity to obtain it may lead individuals to abandon their efforts entirely. As a result, they won’t have the chance to play Gen 10 when it first comes out. If exclusivity were the solution, then possibly the only way to avoid missing this window would be to delay the Gen 10 release until Switch 2 consoles were widely available.

Pokemon Generation 10 would appeal to a broader audience on Switch and Switch 2.

If Upcoming, Dual Compatibility Will Be the Smartest Strategy for Generation 10

Since holding Gen 10 until the Switch 2 is readily available for anyone could mean delaying release until possibly 2027, this isn't going to be ideal for anyone involved. Therefore, while the Switch 2 would be a year old at that point, if Gen 10 does release in 2026, the best move would be to offer two versions the same way that Pokémon Legends Z-A is doing. This way, those who have the Switch 2 would be able to take advantage of an enhanced version of the game while those who don't would still be able to play.

Even if that means the Switch edition performs comparably to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet , Many gamers will still wish to utilize this opportunity to play it altogether. That said, it also raises the question of how costs will factor in. The most effective strategy might be to provide the game at a fixed price along with optional add-ons. price of the upgraded Switch 2 edition , but if they opt to charge the Switch 2 price across the board, this could also cause a stir among the community. Regardless of how they approach it, providing options and avoiding exclusivity is the best thing Pokémon Gen 10 could do for players.