Overview
- Unauthorized copies and ROMs are circulating online and have been datamined, exposing a reported 243‑entry Pokédex and new Mega Evolutions with widespread spoiler posts.
- Journalists observed numerous Twitch streams showing early gameplay, and reports indicate some physical copies and digital preloads appeared ahead of the Oct. 16 release.
- Critics published Oct. 14 generally positive reviews based on the Switch 2 build, with aggregation around an 81 on Metacritic.
- Outlets stress that the original Switch version has not been shown to reviewers, leaving its performance and presentation uncertain for a large share of buyers.
- Separately, an alleged Game Freak internal data leak discussing future projects and reported budgets is being covered by media but remains unconfirmed by Nintendo or The Pokémon Company, and players are being advised to mute keywords to avoid spoilers.