Pokemon Z development build found, footage released
Nintendo Everything • • technology
Key Points:
- Brand new footage of the unreleased Pokemon Z has surfaced, showcasing an early development build with a unique title screen and new mega forms, including a "Mega Charmander."
- The source code reveals an "upper_fake" branch compiling as VERSION_Z, with development dated between April 15 and May 21, 2013.
- The limited footage confirms the existence of Pokemon Z, which was never officially released, dispelling any doubts about its development.
- Although Pokemon Z never launched on Nintendo 3DS, elements of the game seemingly influenced later releases, such as Pokemon Legends: Z-A on Nintendo Switch 2 and Switch in late 2025.
- Additional details about Pokemon Z were leaked at the end of 2024, shedding light on Game Freak's original plans for the title.
