Pokémon Generation 11 Leak Points to 2030 Release and Six Years of Development

Generation 11 may receive more development time than previous entries, potentially allowing Game Freak to deliver significant changes.

New Pokémon leaks are stoking interest in the franchise’s future, with Gen 11 reportedly coming in 2030. The newest charges provide more specifics about how long it took to create, its internal codename, and what its likely strategy for future Pokémon releases is. Generation 11 is called Project P30 in stolen documents obtained internally.

The codename is especially curious, as it seems to reference 2030, not the franchise's 30th anniversary. There is no clarity on the actual justification for the designation, but the leak shows P30 is particularly tied to Generation 11. The 10th generation is slated for delivery in 2027, with the 11th generation arriving three years later in 2030.

That would bring the series back to its usual generational cycle of three years, after an unusually extended gap between Generations 9 and 10. But the 2030 date is still speculative. It is already 2026; therefore, there are more years of work until we anticipate starting Generation 11. The schedule is easily adjustable due to delays, and the game might be postponed till 2031 or beyond.

One of the most interesting aspects is the timeline that Generation 11 was developed on. The leaks say the prototype started in 2024 since Generation 10 was delayed. If Generation 11 releases in 2030, it will likely have six years of development. To put that into perspective, Generation 10 is claimed to be around five years in development, starting in 2022 and releasing in 2027.

It only comes 3 years after the previous generation, but if Generation 11 keeps on schedule, it could have even more development time. Delay could lengthen the development window even more. And if Generation 11 is delayed until 2031, it might take as long as seven years to build. That would be one of the longest development times for a mainline Pokémon generation.

With Generation 11, Pokémon could return to its usual three-year release schedule by 2030.

Generation 11 might take way more to build than its predecessor, which is coming soon. The leaks hint that Game Freak might already have a more ambitious roadmap in the works. The Winds and Waves game is scheduled for 2027, with DLC planned for 2028. Then we’ll see Legends 3 in 2029, Generation 11 in 2030, and DLC for Generation 11 in 2031. 

Another option is Pokémon releasing more often, with the Winds and Waves DLC coming in early 2028 and Legends 3 perhaps releasing later that year. This approach could help sidestep another big gap between mainstream releases. While the reported proposal is still theoretical, the thought of annual releases might be welcomed by fans. 

The reports also show Amorei’s role in Gen 10. Amorei seems to be managing Winds and Waves and taking a lesser role in Generation 10, rather than dropping the project altogether. He’s not one of the project’s major directors, the brochure says, but an executive sponsor and guiding figure.

DLC alone might be enough to give players something to look forward to in the years between new mainline Pokémon games. What's more interesting is that Toshiki has left Game Freak. Apparently, more information from another leaker has concurred with the remarks concerning the development teams, highlighting the franchise’s evolving lineup.

Reports suggest New Generation 10 leaks hint at multiplayer functionality and substantial plot changes.

Maybe the newest information on Pokémon Winds and Waves is much more important. Some of the game’s locations may be procedurally generated, including possibly its islands, according to leaked info. They are also planning to incorporate co-op-style post-game activities such as boss raid battles. The leaks also reference multiplayer travel agency races.

A story involving a frail young girl caring for a seed Pokémon is also in the works, with the character matching Lily’s attachment with Nebby in Pokémon Sun and Moon. The leaks indicate that, similar to Koraidon and Miraidon’s enhanced traversal abilities, the Seed Pokémon can also be upgraded by beating bosses in the Legend Tour. 

Story elements are also being discussed, with some suggesting that Winds and Waves has superior world-building to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. All three narratives are said to feature plenty of character development, with Elite Four members and the Champion making more frequent appearances during the quest.

Performance, though, remains a concern. According to the leak, the current trailer has less graphic fidelity than the final game, although the final quality may differ depending on quality assurance testing. The underwater areas, especially the Neon Abyss, are believed to be among the game’s most problematic areas for performance.

Winds and Waves supposedly adds multiplayer, exploration, story pathways, and character development.

These are unconfirmed, but they offer another glimpse of what Game Freak may be working on for its next big release. Pokémon Worlds is supposed to have info on Pokémon Pokopia, not only Gen 10 and 11. Special Pokopia announcement confirmed for Pokémon XP and the 2026 Pokémon World Championships.

If these traits are anything to go by, exploration and growth could be bigger parts in Winds and Waves. The nature of such a declaration is not obvious. It’s not significant DLC info; it could be new furniture, strange artifacts, or a mystery gift related to the event. More information is expected during the broadcast of the World Championship.

For now, the biggest takeaway from the new leaks is the apparent calendar for Generation 11. If P30 is actually a 2030 Pokémon release, then Game Freak may already be a few years into development. Generation 10 is still due in 2027, so fans will have to wait much longer for Generation 11 to be official.

All of this is from leaks and should be treated with care until Nintendo or Game Freak confirms it. The rumored P30 codename, an early start to development, and a predicted release date of 2030 still leave fans with something to speculate on as the next generation of Pokémon takes shape.