Next Pokemon Presents Event May Be Disappointing for Switch 2
Summary
- Don't expect any news about Pokémon games for the Switch 2 during the next Pokémon Presents on February 27th.
- Leaks suggest an imminent Switch 2 reveal, but Pokémon games will reportedly remain on the original console for now.
- The next Pokémon Presents will likely focus on Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
Pokémon fans hoping for announcements regarding Switch 2 Pokémon titles might be disappointed by the upcoming Pokémon Presents scheduled for Thursday, February 27th. Pokémon has enjoyed a long-standing presence on Nintendo hardware since its Game Boy debut in the 90s, but fans may need to wait longer than anticipated for the franchise's arrival on the Switch 2.
As of this writing, Nintendo hasn't officially unveiled the Switch 2. While the company has confirmed its existence, backward compatibility with the original Switch, Nintendo account carryover, and a reveal within this fiscal year, details beyond this are based on leaks. These leaks depict a more powerful, larger version of the original Switch.
New Pokémon games will undoubtedly launch on the Switch 2 eventually. However, fans anticipating news during the February 27th Pokémon Presents should temper their expectations. Jeff Grubb reports that the Presents will showcase Pokémon games in development for the original Switch, leveraging backward compatibility for the new console.
Pokémon Presents: No Expected Switch 2 Game News
The next Pokémon Presents will likely feature updates on ongoing live-service titles like Pokémon GO and Pokémon Trading Card Game Live. Fans also anticipate news on Pokémon Legends: Z-A, slated for release on the original Switch this year. So far, only a brief teaser trailer has been shown, hinting at a Lumiose City setting, returning Pokémon, and the return of Mega Evolutions. Rumors also suggest another main series Pokémon game is in the works for this year.
A new main series Pokémon game, separate from Pokémon Legends: Z-A and Generation 10 titles, is reportedly planned for this year. Speculation points towards Pokémon Black and White remakes or another Let's Go installment, both allegedly slated for the original Switch, not the Switch 2 (assuming leaked information is accurate). If true, the first major Pokémon titles exclusive to the Switch 2 would likely be the Generation 10 games.
The Pokémon franchise has a history of prioritizing older hardware with larger install bases. Similar to the original DS release of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 instead of the 3DS, history may repeat itself. Naturally, nothing is officially confirmed, so fans should tune into the February 27th Pokémon Presents for definitive information.