'Pokémon Z' release date: Images for new Pokémon variants leak

Legendary Pokemon ZygardeNintendo

Leaks of upcoming forms for a Legendary Pokémon hint at the much-rumored "Pokémon Z" game.

According to industry observer IGN, some pages of the upcoming issue of Japanese magazine CoroCoro leaked online. Seen on the leaked pages are what appeared to be new versions of current Pokémon forms. The website listed at least two new variants, and based on the images and accompanying texts, they will be featured in the upcoming "Pokémon XY & Z" anime adaptation. 

The first one is a new version for the Greninja Pokémon of Ash, the main protagonist of the show. According to the IGN report, the description of "Ash-Greninja" signals a strong bond between Pokémon and trainer as it will be "the form that Greninja takes when the bond between it and Ash is raised to the limit." It is also indicated that the Pokémon will be dressed in a similar hue to Ash the trainer. 

It is not indicated if the new version of the Greninja is an evolutionary form or just a new variation for the anime.

The second Pokémon variant that leaked online is said to be the third Legendary Pokémon from the "Pokémon X and Y" series, Zygarde. According to the CoroCoro leak, the Legendary Pokémon will have five forms – four standard ones that were already seen, and a new Mega Evolution variant. The five forms are called Core, Cell, 10%, 50%, and Perfect Forms, indicating the stages of Zygarde's evolution. 

The new forms and variants for the Pokémon will be seen when the new series premieres on TV Tokyo on Oct. 29, as per the translation of Anime News Network of the Japanese trailer for "Pokémon XY & Z." Meanwhile, there is still no announcement from The Pokémon Company and Nintendo on a new, upcoming "Pokémon" game for next year.