'Pokemon' for Switch news update: 'Gen 8' Starter Pokemon leak is fake

With a new and the first "Pokemon" game in the works for the Nintendo Switch, rumors, unsurprisingly, have again popped up on the internet. Recently, the internet had photos of what was deemed to be generation eighth (Gen 8) starters for the new "Pokemon Switch" game. Unfortunately, despite how convincing it looked, it was later found to be fake.

A promotional photo for the "Pokken Tournament DX" on the Nintendo Switch Facebook/Nintendo Switch

A new "Pokemon" game for the new Nintendo Switch could easily translate to a new generation of Pokemon. That is exactly what happened when an originally 4Chan post became viral showing details about three starter Pokemon. The rumors even included pictures and details of its types.

The thread is now deleted, but the pictures were found everywhere else on Facebook and Twitter. It is worth noting that the starters allegedly have element types which are a bit weird. The grass-type Pokemon would have electric as its second type. The fire-type Pokemon will also have a second type, steel. Finally and interestingly, the water-type will be pure water throughout its evolutions.

What made the whole post convincing was that the Gen 7 Pokemon, the ones from "Pokemon Sun and Moon" were also leaked and almost had the same format as these new leaks. A minute detail was also included, which was the tag with the word "Confidential" that appeared in both Gen 7 and the alleged Gen 8 leaks.

Unfortunately, this has all been revealed to be fake. Nintendo did not have to announce anything, which is unlikely anyway. According to Comicbook.com, a DeviantArt user has admitted to creating these fake images and then posting them on 4Chan. In fact, his gallery is actually filled with a lot of other Pokemon designs which he invented.

It looks like these were done just to get some attention.However, as some people have also pointed out, the designs look quite legit, so if Nintendo were to get some inspiration, this could be a source. Although for now, that is not quite likely.

News
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest
Marriage is the safest relationship, latest figures suggest

Of the eight children murdered during lockdown, 7 were killed thanks to the actions of a step parent or new partner.

Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running
Abortion rises in Northern Ireland for fourth year running

Abortion was legalised in Northern Ireland in 2019.

Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high
Churches helping millions of Brits get by as living costs remain high

Across the country, people are looking to the church for help.

Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year
Isaiah 41:10 is YouVersion's Bible verse of the year

Isaiah 41:10 had the highest international engagement on YouVersion during 2025, while in the UK it was Jeremiah 29:11 that topped the list.