Pokemon Studio’s Next Game Could Be Skipping Switch 2

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Game Freak, the company behind the popular Pokemon series and a long-time partner of Nintendo, seems to be developing its next game for platforms other than the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2. While they recently released Pokemon Legends Z-A on the Switch, their new project, Beast of Reincarnation, is heading in a different direction. Revealed last year at the Xbox Games Showcase and recently detailed at the Xbox Developer Direct, this game looks like a significant departure from Game Freak’s usual style.

For years, Game Freak, the developer of Pokemon, has faced criticism for the series’ technical and visual limitations. Their new game, Beast of Reincarnation, is a significant shift, boasting the high production values and impressive graphics expected from a modern, top-tier game. It’s a departure from the more cartoonish style typically seen in their games, including the Pokemon series. The story follows Emma the Sealer and her dog, Koo, as they journey across a ruined Japan to defeat a corrupted being. Gameplay is also dramatically different for the studio, offering an action RPG experience with a fast-paced combat system similar to games like Black Myth: Wukong and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Beast of Reincarnation Director Indicates No Switch 2 Version

Kota Furushima, director of Beast of Reincarnation, told IGN that Game Freak has no current plans to release the game on the Nintendo Switch 2. Despite Game Freak’s close relationship with Nintendo, he wouldn’t say if a Switch 2 version might happen eventually, simply stating they have nothing to announce about other platforms at this time. For now, the game is scheduled to launch later this year on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

At the Xbox Developer Direct showcase for Beast of Reincarnation, Game Freak highlighted the game’s large scope and the fact that it took six years to develop. Furushima also explained that while the development team was sizable overall, relatively few developers were directly employed by Game Freak. The studio led the creative vision and managed the project, but relied on external ‘partner companies’ to handle a significant portion of the development work. He didn’t reveal the names of these partner companies.

Many dedicated fans of Game Freak were hoping to play Beast of Reincarnation on the new Nintendo Switch 2, as the developer usually releases all their games on Nintendo consoles. Although the Switch 2 has already gained support from various game companies, having a major action game from a consistently reliable Nintendo partner would have been a fantastic addition to the system’s collection of games.

While Furushima didn’t confirm a Switch 2 release, he also didn’t dismiss it, simply stating there’s no announcement currently. Some developers haven’t received the tools to make games for a new Switch, and the fact that the game’s development is spread across multiple teams might be delaying a release on the new system. Given Game Freak’s successful track record with Nintendo and the Pokémon series, a Switch 2 version of Beast of Reincarnation is still possible and could be a standout action game on the platform.

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2026-01-24 04:04