Pokemon Gen 10 Leaks Show Better Graphics and New Ways to Travel in 2026

Leaked images for Pokemon Gen 10 show much better graphics than Scarlet and Violet. This is a big change fans have wanted for years.
By Newsroom | Gaming, Nintendo |

Recent leaks and rumors surrounding Pokémon Generation 10 suggest a major shift for the long-running franchise, with a particular emphasis on enhanced graphics and new gameplay mechanics. As the series approaches its 30th anniversary, anticipation is high for what Game Freak will unveil.

Fan discussions are alight with the possibility of substantial visual upgrades for Pokémon Gen 10. Alleged concept art circulating online depicts a world with richer colors and denser natural environments, a stark contrast to what some fans perceive as the visual shortcomings of the previous generation, Scarlet and Violet. This has fueled a strong desire for a "major visual leap" that fans have reportedly been wishing for years. Industry insiders have also indicated that the upcoming games will represent a significant step forward graphically, a change attributed by some to the need for more development time to ensure a polished product compared to other contemporary titles.

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Pokémon Gen 10 needs to actually look decent this time, says Serebii's Joe Merrick - 1

Visuals Spark Fan Debate

Fan reactions to leaked concept art for Pokémon Gen 10 have been notably passionate. Images have emerged online, some appearing to showcase an early artistic vision for the tenth generation. These visuals have been described as depicting a world with more vibrant saturation and abundant vegetation.

  • Comparison to Previous Generation: Leaked materials have been directly compared to early visuals from Scarlet and Violet, with many fans expressing that the purported Gen 10 art appears to be of higher quality.

  • Fan Sentiment: This perceived disparity in visual quality has led to frustration among some segments of the fanbase, raising skepticism about the future aesthetic direction of Gen 10.

  • Skepticism: Concerns have been vocalized that the Scarlet and Violet era's visual output might not be indicative of the ambition fans hope for in the next installment.

Rumors Suggesting Gameplay Innovations

Beyond visual enhancements, leaks also hint at fundamental changes to gameplay mechanics and world design for Pokémon Gen 10. These include notions of a more expansive open world, new methods of traversal, and potentially the return of beloved features.

Pokémon Gen 10 needs to actually look decent this time, says Serebii's Joe Merrick - 2

  • Open World Exploration: Screenshots purportedly from Gen 10 have surfaced, offering glimpses of diverse environments. These include underwater areas, frozen landscapes, grassy fields, and urban settings, suggesting a procedurally generated and expansive world. The games are rumored to be titled Pokémon Wind and Pokémon Wave.

  • Advanced Traversal: One significant leak details a feature that allows trainers to move across land, sea, and air by attaching to specific Pokémon via an "energy leash." This suggests a dynamic and integrated approach to world navigation.

  • Core Mechanics: Information has also been shared regarding central mechanics for the upcoming games. While details are scarce, these leaks suggest a focus on innovative gameplay systems.

Potential Features and Regional Influences

Further speculation surrounding Pokémon Gen 10 points towards the introduction of new starters, potential regional evolutions, and even the revival of Mega Evolutions. The reported inspiration for the region's design also indicates a move towards more immersive settings.

  • New Starters: Details have emerged regarding potential new starter Pokémon, including a plant-type buffalo described as a symbol of brute strength. The design philosophy for these starters is reportedly intended to be both original and appealing.

  • Regional Adaptations: There is speculation that Gen 10 might feature regional forms of existing Pokémon, adapted to the new region's environments and climate. This echoes mechanics introduced in Sun and Moon.

  • Mega Evolutions: The return of Mega Evolutions, a feature popular with fans, is also being discussed as a possibility for the tenth generation.

  • Regional Inspiration: The region for Gen 10 is rumored to draw inspiration from diverse locations, with some reports suggesting a blend of ancient Greece and Indonesian territories, encompassing varied landscapes like temples and volcanic islands. Other rumors have pointed towards an Australian or Italian influence.

  • Other Rumored Features: Persistent rumors also suggest a remake of Pokémon Black and White and the integration of augmented reality (AR) features within the new games. A Pokémon breeding system to create hybrid eggs has also been mentioned.

Expert and Insider Commentary

Industry insiders and prominent leakers have contributed to the ongoing discourse regarding Pokémon Gen 10. Nate the Hate, a noted source for Nintendo-related information, has reportedly stated that the upcoming games will feature a significant visual upgrade. Centro Leaks has also been a consistent source of leaked images and information pertaining to the tenth generation, including details on traversal mechanics and gameplay features.

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  • Development Cycle Concerns: Some analyses suggest that a more extended development period for Gen 10 may be contributing to the anticipated visual improvements. This perspective posits that prior titles may have suffered from rushed development cycles, leading to perceived visual shortcomings.

  • Anticipation for Announcement: With Pokémon Day approaching, many anticipate an official reveal. The series' 30th anniversary is seen as a prime opportunity for Game Freak and The Pokémon Company to showcase their latest project.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

The convergence of alleged leaks and insider reports paints a picture of Pokémon Gen 10 as a potentially transformative entry in the series. The emphasis on improved graphics, coupled with proposed innovations in gameplay, traversal, and world design, suggests a deliberate effort to elevate the player experience. While official confirmation from Nintendo and Game Freak is pending, the consistent flow of information fuels considerable anticipation among the fanbase for what is expected to be a major milestone for the franchise.

The forthcoming Pokémon Day celebrations are widely seen as the most probable venue for an official unveiling of Generation 10, offering clarity on the rumors and speculation that have dominated recent discussions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What new visual changes are rumored for Pokemon Gen 10?
Leaks suggest Pokemon Gen 10 will have much better graphics with richer colors and more detailed natural areas. This is a big step up from Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, which some fans felt looked basic.
Q: What new ways to travel are expected in Pokemon Gen 10?
Rumors say trainers can travel on land, sea, and air by attaching to certain Pokemon using an 'energy leash.' This could make exploring the game world much more exciting and faster.
Q: What are the rumored names for Pokemon Gen 10 games?
Leaked information suggests the new games might be called Pokemon Wind and Pokemon Wave. These names hint at the new ways players might be able to travel and explore the game world.
Q: Will Mega Evolutions return in Pokemon Gen 10?
There are rumors that Mega Evolutions, a popular feature from older Pokemon games, might come back in Pokemon Gen 10. This would give players new ways to power up their Pokemon in battles.
Q: What real-world places might inspire the region in Pokemon Gen 10?
Some leaks suggest the new region in Pokemon Gen 10 could be inspired by places like ancient Greece, Indonesia, Australia, or Italy. This could mean varied landscapes like temples, islands, and volcanoes.
Q: When might Pokemon Gen 10 be officially announced?
Many fans expect an official announcement for Pokemon Gen 10 around Pokemon Day, which is February 27th. This date is important as it marks the franchise's 30th anniversary.