New reporting based on files tied to a 2024 data breach at developer Game Freak has shed fresh light on an early Pokémon project codenamed Project Rex, commonly referred to in leaks as Pokemon King and Queen.
The materials, summarized in a Pokeos report, describe design work that predated the systems and presentation ultimately used in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which Game Freak released for Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019.
According to the leaked documents, one of the project's central systems was a mechanic called “co-evolution.” In clear, journalistic terms: the build described co-evolution as a core combat and progression feature in which multiple Pokémon would temporarily cooperate to empower one member, effectively replacing the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics that shipped in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
The leaked notes frame co-evolution as the primary battle innovation under consideration during early development.
The documents also outline a thematic approach to legendary Pokémon: designers planned three marquee legendaries modeled on playing cards.
Two of those—dubbed King and Queen—were intended as the primary box mascots with Fighting/Dragon and Psychic/Dragon typings, respectively, while a third—Ace—would appear on a separate package as a Steel/Dragon-type with a champion or rival role.
A notable narrative element named Joker was described in the files as a cataclysmic force whose corruption had to be divided and pacified by King, Queen and Ace.
The leak characterizes Joker as the largest, most powerful creature in the design, with the potential for up to eight evolutionary stages according to development notes.
Beyond core gameplay and lore, Project Rex materials envisioned extensive smartphone functionality.
The plans documented using a companion mobile app to obtain, train and prepare Pokémon off-console, stream movie content, scan QR codes, expand a Secret Base system, and transfer data back to the Nintendo Switch.
Bluetooth communication was considered for secondary-screen statistics and as a battle controller in some designs.
The Teraleak has produced multiple revelations about Game Freak’s internal planning, and one leaked document even indicates The Pokemon Company discussed raising game prices above the standard $59.99 during the early Nintendo Switch era.
All details above are drawn from reported leak materials and public coverage; Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have not confirmed the internal documents in full.
These design notes provide a clearer view of alternate directions considered during the development that led to Pokemon Sword and Shield, and they illuminate how features like Dynamax were one of several paths explored for Nintendo Switch-era Pokémon titles.
The materials, summarized in a Pokeos report, describe design work that predated the systems and presentation ultimately used in Pokemon Sword and Shield, which Game Freak released for Nintendo Switch on November 15, 2019.
According to the leaked documents, one of the project's central systems was a mechanic called “co-evolution.” In clear, journalistic terms: the build described co-evolution as a core combat and progression feature in which multiple Pokémon would temporarily cooperate to empower one member, effectively replacing the Dynamax and Gigantamax mechanics that shipped in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
The leaked notes frame co-evolution as the primary battle innovation under consideration during early development.
The documents also outline a thematic approach to legendary Pokémon: designers planned three marquee legendaries modeled on playing cards.
Two of those—dubbed King and Queen—were intended as the primary box mascots with Fighting/Dragon and Psychic/Dragon typings, respectively, while a third—Ace—would appear on a separate package as a Steel/Dragon-type with a champion or rival role.
A notable narrative element named Joker was described in the files as a cataclysmic force whose corruption had to be divided and pacified by King, Queen and Ace.
The leak characterizes Joker as the largest, most powerful creature in the design, with the potential for up to eight evolutionary stages according to development notes.
Beyond core gameplay and lore, Project Rex materials envisioned extensive smartphone functionality.
The plans documented using a companion mobile app to obtain, train and prepare Pokémon off-console, stream movie content, scan QR codes, expand a Secret Base system, and transfer data back to the Nintendo Switch.
Bluetooth communication was considered for secondary-screen statistics and as a battle controller in some designs.
The Teraleak has produced multiple revelations about Game Freak’s internal planning, and one leaked document even indicates The Pokemon Company discussed raising game prices above the standard $59.99 during the early Nintendo Switch era.
All details above are drawn from reported leak materials and public coverage; Game Freak and The Pokemon Company have not confirmed the internal documents in full.
These design notes provide a clearer view of alternate directions considered during the development that led to Pokemon Sword and Shield, and they illuminate how features like Dynamax were one of several paths explored for Nintendo Switch-era Pokémon titles.
