Across its lengthy existence, thePokemonfranchise has developed a predictable release pattern when it comes to the debut of new generations. During the course of the most recent few, however, there’s specifically been a precedent set for multiple new entries coming during the span of a single console’s lifetime. While this has regularly allowed for a greater quantity of content within just a few short years, the impending arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 could create an ideal environment forPokemon’s upcoming Gen 10 to last several years longer than its predecessors.
The technical limitations of the original Switch have been an increasingly challenging aspect of the system for developers like Game Freak to navigate, but its successor is rumored to be significantly more powerful. Although it currently seems likely thatPokemontitles have been developed under a tight timelinethroughout the series' tenure on the Switch, allowing the next generation to celebrate the series and grow alongside the console could finally address this constraint.
Recent Pokemon Generations Have Established a Predictable Release Pattern
The Limitations of Multiple New Regions in a Single Console’s Lifespan
In terms of the offerings available on both the Switch and 3DS before it, both systems receivedtwo full generations ofPokemontitles. The value of the steady stream of releases provided by this approach has sometimes been overshadowed by what can feel like a comparatively rushed product, with each of these titles garnering more initial criticism since the release ofX and Y.
Every generation from 6 to 9 has come with compelling ideas of its own, but these concepts have also been left behind with each successive gen introduced. The likes ofPokemon’s Z-Moves and Dynamaxingeach only received about three years in the spotlight before being replaced with another gimmick, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Gen 10 leave Terastal behind in favor of its own short-lived mechanic. No matter what direction the next release takes, however, it may be a waste of the Switch 2 to move on so quickly once again.
Pokemon’s Next Generation Can Take the Time to Evolve Alongside the Nintendo Switch 2
Release Date Proximity Presents the Chance to Achieve the Ubiquitous Status of Pokemon During the GBA Era
With rumors ofPokemon Legends: Z-Acoming to the Nintendo Switch 2early on, there’s a decent chance for the IP to be heavily tied to the console from the beginning. This could end up resembling the prolific relationship thatPokemonhad with Nintendo consoles during the 2000s, as Gen 3 lasted for the GBA’s entire life while being supported by consistent spin-offs. A title likePokemon Emeraldremains a highlight in the eyes of many fans due to being the product of iteration and patience, which laid the groundwork for a larger brand. Considering that Mega Evolutions are at least anticipated to be returning inLegends: Z-A, their possible return to the next generation as a whole would make it a solid candidate for being a long-term gimmick due to the mileage it could get out of the existing Pokedex.
The Benefits of Having the Time to Prioritize Technical Optimization Over Content Frequency
Thegrowing number of Pokemon speciescreates a mounting challenge for developers to overcome by recreating all of them with each set of new games, but only introducing one region during the Switch 2’s life could give Game Freak more room to breathe. The series' business model having shifted toward DLC expansions would also be supported by a deeper commitment to Gen 10, ensuring it has the potential to be the flagship for Nintendo’s entire next era.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A
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Pokémon Legends: Z-A is an ambitious new entry to the Pokémon video game series, releasing simultaneously worldwide in 2025. A new adventure awaits within Lumiose City, where an urban redevelopment plan is underway to shape the city into a place that belongs to both people and Pokémon.
