Leaks suggest Pokken Tournament 2 may arrive on Nintendo Switch in 2022, but official confirmation is pending
The Pokken Tournament Legacy and Fan Demand
Rumors are swirling that the unique Pokemon fighting game, Pokken Tournament, might be gearing up for a second installment on the Nintendo Switch platform in 2022, according to insider information.
The prospect of a Pokken Tournament sequel has ignited the hopes of the fighting game community, contingent on the accuracy of a prominent industry leaker.
This distinctive fighter, developed by Bandai Namco Studios, first launched on the Wii U console in 2016. Its gameplay innovatively blends 3D arena-style movement (Field Phase) with close-up 2D fighting mechanics (Duel Phase). An enhanced edition, Pokken Tournament DX, brought additional characters and features to the Nintendo Switch in 2017, solidifying its niche as a more technical alternative to the party-brawl style of Super Smash Bros.
The community’s desire for a follow-up has been palpable for years. Fans have been vocal about wanting expanded rosters, new mechanics, and modern online features. This pent-up demand makes the community particularly receptive to any hint of a sequel, which a well-known leaker suggests could materialize within the current calendar year for the hybrid handheld console.
LeakyPandy’s 2022 Nintendo Switch Leak Analysis
On January 3, 2022, the leak aggregation account known as LeakyPandy disseminated a list of purported upcoming game reveals on Twitter, sparking widespread speculation.
Their tweet began with, “NEW Games expected to be revealed this year,” and cataloged titles from various publishers. Alongside mentions of a new Xenoblade Chronicles entry, Mario Kart 10, and a Pikmin adventure, the list included a notable entry.
Specifically listed under publisher Bandai Namco Entertainment (BNE) was “Pokken Tournament 2 (NS exclusive).” This notation strongly implies, if the leak holds truth, that the sequel would be exclusive to the Nintendo Switch family of systems.
*NEW* Games expected to be revealed this year? Heard of:
BNE
-Gundam Breaker 4
-Pokken Tournament 2 (NS exclusive)
-Klonoa Reverie (NS console exclusive)
Koei Tecmo
-Ninja Gaiden title
-Age of Sigmar Warriors (XB console exclusive, XBGP)
Capcom
-Necrokalipse (FPS new IP)
— LeakyPandy (@LeakyPandy) January 3, 2022
LeakyPandy’s credibility stems from a history of accurately forecasting the dates of several Nintendo Direct presentation events. This track record means their claims cannot be dismissed outright and warrant careful consideration by observers.
Developer Intentions vs. Publisher Decisions
The game’s director, the renowned Katsuhiro Harada of Tekken fame, has publicly addressed the possibility of a sequel on multiple occasions, offering crucial context to the leak.
In a January 2021 tweet, Harada explicitly stated, “We have a good relationship with Nintendo and Pokemon Co., Ltd., and POKKÉN has had a great response, so I would like to make it again.” However, he followed this with a critical caveat that defines game development realities: “But it’s not what we decide, it’s what they decide.”
We have a good relationship with Nintendo and Pokemon Co., Ltd., and POKKÉN has had a great response, so I would like to make it again.
But it’s not what we decide, it’s what they decide.https://t.co/U8mzxSpWsv
— Katsuhiro Harada (@Harada_TEKKEN) January 24, 2021
This highlights the complex publishing dynamic. While Bandai Namco develops the game, Nintendo typically publishes it outside of Japan, and The Pokemon Company controls the Pokemon IP licensing. A sequel requires green-light approval and resource allocation from all these entities, a process influenced by market analysis, portfolio planning, and resource availability far beyond developer enthusiasm.
Therefore, even with a willing director and a proven concept, the final decision is a corporate one, making leaks about such projects inherently uncertain until a formal announcement trailer appears.
How to Evaluate Gaming Leaks Responsibly
Given LeakyPandy’s credible history with Nintendo Directs, the possibility of this leak being accurate is non-zero. However, responsible consumption of gaming news requires a measured approach.
A critical mistake fans often make is taking a single leak as confirmation. Reliable verification usually requires multiple, independent sources or a pattern of corroborating hints. Another common error is overlooking the context—Harada’s statement clearly shows the project is not solely in his hands, which tempers expectations.
The most prudent strategy is to maintain hopeful optimism while practicing disciplined skepticism. Engage with the community discussion, analyze the leaker’s track record, but firmly place the rumor in the “unconfirmed” category until an official Nintendo Direct, Pokemon Presents, or press release provides validation. Setting expectations accordingly prevents disappointment if the rumor proves false and enhances the excitement if it proves true.
Ultimately, as with all unsourced information, it is essential to take this with a significant grain of salt until the developers or publishers themselves break the silence.
Related Content and Further Reading
All Nintendo Switch 2 games
Nintendo Switch 2 release date & price revealed during April Nintendo Direct
Pokemon Let’s Go fans slam popular YouTuber roasting potential sequels
To stay updated on any official news regarding Pokken Tournament or other Nintendo fighting games, follow trusted gaming news outlets and the official social media channels of Nintendo, The Pokemon Company, and Bandai Namco. Monitoring future Nintendo Direct presentations is the most likely venue for any such announcement.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Is Pokken Tournament 2 in development? Leaker claims Pokemon sequel is coming Leaks suggest Pokken Tournament 2 may arrive on Nintendo Switch in 2022, but official confirmation is pending