Pokémon Gen 10 Leak Shows Four Fan Favorites May Return

As fans wait for Pokémon Legends: Z-A to drop in October, a fresh Gen 10 leak has brought some heat to the table. The leaked image, blurry and unconfirmed, might give us our first look at which older Pokémon are being lined up for the next big mainline game, presumably heading to the Nintendo Switch 2.

The screenshot that kicked this off started circulating through the usual suspects in the Pokémon leak ecosystem—social media accounts like Hidden Power Podcast and other fan channels. The image looks like it was snapped mid-battle, with clear outlines of Aron and Lairon, both Rock/Steel types first introduced in Ruby and Sapphire, squaring off against a mystery opponent. These two are early evolutions of Aggron, a well-known tanky monster with serious competitive play relevance, so if they’re in, Aggron probably is too.

Other rumored returning Pokémon include Charjabug, the second form in the Grubbin > Charjabug > Vikavolt line, and Butterfree, the OG Gen 1 butterfly evolution from Caterpie. According to the unknown leaker, two more screenshots show these Pokémon appearing in the wild or in battle, but those images haven’t surfaced publicly, at least not yet.

• Aron (Leaks)
• Lairon (Leaks)
• Charjabug (Rumors)
• Butterfree (Rumors)

Now, whether these Pokémon are actually in Gen 10 or just being used for development tests is anyone’s guess. Game Freak has used placeholder models in previous projects during early development stages, so we can’t treat this as confirmation. Still, it wouldn’t be strange to see them pop up again, especially with the Switch 2's increased horsepower allowing for better animation and battle environments.

The Fan Favorites Keep Returning

There’s something about the Pokémon that keeps making the cut across generations. Butterfree has a special place in Gen 1 nostalgia, especially for fans who watched the anime. Charjabug might not be the flashiest bug-type out there, but it has earned respect in competitive circles for its typing and utility. Aron and Lairon, though, are in a different tier altogether. Their full evolution into Aggron makes for a beloved line of armored beasts that balance style, lore, and tank potential in fights.

From a community perspective, seeing Pokémon like Aggron still get featured is a good call. These are the kind of monsters that have built a solid identity over the years—used by casual players, but also recognized in battle strategies across multiple metas. It’s not just about nostalgia. These Pokémon play well. They feel reliable, unique, and versatile, which is exactly the kind of thing you want in a new-gen lineup.

It’s like what Smash Bros. has done with its core characters. You don't drop Link or Mario in a new version because they work. Pokémon has the same vibe with creatures like these—they have lasting value.

What Gen 10 Might Look Like

There’s still no official announcement for Generation 10, but everything points to it being deep in development already. Game Freak’s last two major releases (Scarlet and Violet, and the upcoming Z-A) are part of their ongoing effort to mix open-world elements with familiar mechanics. Leaks suggest the new game is running under the codename “Gaia” and may be set in a region inspired by the Cyclades islands in Greece.

That could mean Mediterranean environments, ruins, mythology-themed Pokémon, and maybe even battle arenas with a historical vibe. If that turns out to be accurate, then a Rock/Steel type like Aron fits perfectly into the environment. There’s a reason why leak watchers are taking this one a little more seriously than usual.

Leaks Impact

The leak has fans split. Some are convinced it’s another fake—just well-edited images using existing assets. Others think it’s a preview of what’s to come, a test build caught in the wild. Either way, it’s driving conversation and anticipation.

As always, nothing is official until Nintendo or Game Freak says so. But fans are hungry for any info on Gen 10, and the Switch 2’s recent release has only raised expectations. If Pokémon’s next big leap is coming on the new hardware, then now’s the perfect time to build buzz.

And if you’ve been following our earlier reports, you’ll remember we explained why Nintendo might ignore you when you’re angry about delays or missing features. This could be another one of those moments. Leaks like these build hype, but Nintendo stays quiet until it’s time to drop a trailer or official post. They’re not going to react to speculation—they never have.

Meanwhile, the Nintendo Switch 2 Put to the Test by JerryRigEverything has already shown that the new console can handle more ambitious games. That sets the stage for a bigger, more fluid Pokémon world. If Gen 10 is built for this platform, fans can expect improved graphics, smoother mechanics, and hopefully fewer technical hiccups than Scarlet and Violet had.

Summary

Leaks like this are hit or miss, but they reflect what the community really wants: familiar favorites mixed with new content, all on more powerful hardware. If Aron, Lairon, Butterfree, and Charjabug are indeed in Gen 10, that’s a solid start for longtime players who value both battle strategy and Pokémon with legacy.

Whether it’s just a tech test or an early look at the real game, one thing’s clear—fans are already building their dream teams. Let’s see if Game Freak’s actual reveal lines up with the wishlist.