Pokemon spin-off game rumors are heating up as we approach what could be a major Nintendo Direct announcement this week. Multiple gaming insiders are pointing to something big brewing in the Pokemon universe, and it’s not the already-announced Legends Z-A.
The Leak That Started It All
The gaming community got stirred up when Pokemon leaker Necrolipe dropped a now-deleted tweet claiming a Pokemon spin-off game would appear in this week’s Nintendo Direct. While Necrolipe isn’t exactly the most reliable source in the leaking game (sitting at Tier 5 on most credibility scales), the claim gained traction when another insider backed it up.
Riddler Khu, who’s had better luck with Pokemon predictions in the past, suggested that something new and unrelated to Pokemon Legends Z-A would surface in September. When you combine these two sources, even skeptical fans are starting to pay attention.
What Kind of Pokemon Spin-Off Game Could We See?
The beauty of Pokemon spin-offs is their variety. We’re not talking about your standard Pokemon RPG here. The franchise has a rich history of side games that explore different gameplay mechanics and genres.
Here are some possibilities that fans are buzzing about:
- Pokemon Mystery Dungeon – The dungeon-crawling series hasn’t seen a new entry in years
- Pokemon Rangers – The stylus-based adventure games were beloved on DS
- Pokken Tournament – A fighting game sequel could work well on Switch
- Pokemon Stadium – 3D battles have been missing from recent generations
- Pokemon Colosseum – Shadow Pokemon and console RPGs still have fans
- Something completely new – The Pokemon Company isn’t afraid to experiment
Why Pokemon Mystery Dungeon Makes Sense
Among all the possibilities, Pokemon Mystery Dungeon seems like the most logical choice. The series has a dedicated fanbase, and it’s been notably absent from the Switch era. Spike Chunsoft, the developer behind the series, has continued working on other Mystery Dungeon games, so they have the expertise ready to go.
Plus, the Switch hasn’t really seen many Pokemon spin-off games compared to previous console generations. A Mystery Dungeon game would fill that gap nicely.
The Nintendo Direct Timing Question
Here’s where things get interesting. Pokemon announcements usually happen during dedicated Pokemon Presents events, not general Nintendo Directs. So why would a Pokemon spin-off game show up in a September Direct instead of waiting for the next Pokemon-focused presentation?
The answer might be developer independence. Many Pokemon spin-offs are developed by external studios rather than Game Freak. If this rumored game comes from a company like Spike Chunsoft, Bandai Namco, or HAL Laboratory, it might not need the full Pokemon Presents treatment.
Should You Believe the Pokemon Spin-Off Game Rumors?
Here’s the reality check: Necrolipe has a mixed track record at best. The gaming community ranks leakers for good reason, and Tier 5 sources aren’t exactly batting a thousand. Even some Reddit users pointed out that Necrolipe’s previous claims were often just recycled information from 4chan.
However, when multiple sources start saying similar things, it’s worth paying attention. Riddler Khu has been more accurate with Pokemon leaks, particularly around Legends Z-A details and tournament announcements.
The timing also makes some sense. With Pokemon’s 30th anniversary approaching and the Switch lifecycle entering its final phase, announcing a spin-off game now could build momentum for both the franchise and potential Switch 2 ports.
What This Means for Pokemon Fans
If these rumors pan out, it would be great news for Pokemon fans who’ve been craving more variety in the franchise. The main series games are fine, but spin-offs often take creative risks that result in some truly unique experiences.
Whether we get a nostalgic return to Mystery Dungeon or something completely unexpected, a new Pokemon spin-off game would add welcome diversity to the upcoming game lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the rumored Nintendo Direct happening?
Current rumors suggest September 12, 2025, though Nintendo hasn’t officially confirmed any Direct presentation yet.
Is this Pokemon spin-off game related to Legends Z-A?
No, according to the leakers, this would be a completely separate project unrelated to the upcoming Legends Z-A game.
How reliable is Necrolipe as a Pokemon leaker?
Necrolipe is considered a Tier 5 leaker, which means their track record isn’t particularly strong. Many of their previous claims turned out to be false or recycled information.
What Pokemon spin-off series haven’t appeared on Switch?
Several classic spin-off series haven’t gotten new entries on Switch, including Pokemon Mystery Dungeon (new games), Pokemon Rangers, Pokemon Stadium, and Pokemon Colosseum-style RPGs.
Could this be a mobile Pokemon game instead?
While possible, the context of appearing in a Nintendo Direct suggests it’s more likely to be a console or handheld title rather than a mobile game.
Who develops Pokemon spin-off games?
Unlike main series Pokemon games which Game Freak develops, spin-offs often come from external studios like Spike Chunsoft (Mystery Dungeon), Bandai Namco (Pokken), or HAL Laboratory (various titles).
The Bottom Line
Pokemon spin-off game rumors should always be taken with healthy skepticism, especially when they come from less reliable sources. However, the combination of multiple insiders suggesting something similar, plus the logical timing around Nintendo Direct season, makes this worth watching.
Whether we see a beloved series return or something completely new, any Pokemon spin-off game announcement would be welcome news for fans who’ve been waiting for more variety in the franchise. We’ll find out soon enough if these rumors hold any water when Nintendo makes their next move.